Radio broadcasting programs offer degrees from skills certificates to Bachelor’s degrees in both radio and television venues.
A career in radio broadcasting has been revolutionized by the changes in federal regulations and digital technology. As with all areas of broadcasting, professionals use computer skills to program music playlists, acquire news feeds, record and edit audio, making much of the studio work autonomously.
High school preparatory courses for this career path include speech, writing, and computer courses. Due to the broad field and available positions within each category, educational requirements vary greatly.
Some trade schools offer radio broadcast certification in a matter of weeks, immersing students briefly in radio-related terminology, writing and production skills, and giving them a general understanding of the philosophies behind broadcast programming.
Institutions which offer degree, transfer and certificate programs take a more in-depth approach in teaching students how to write scripts, promote personalities on the air, produce radio and television shows, and include station management, building skills needed for sales, financial and business management, even public relations. The hands-on learning puts students in varying broadcasting roles working in an assortment of departments of actual FM radio stations, used by the schools as teaching labs. A few have students manage the station’s website, which streams its transmissions over the Internet.
While community colleges offer associate’s degrees in broadcasting, some have certification programs which can be completed in approximately one year; two semesters plus one summer term.
The opportunities for certified graduates include data processor or traffic coordinator for radio/TV, maintenance, production or remote engineer, live programming and recording, mobile disc jockeys and concert sound mixer technician, sales and marketing for recording companies or distributors of sound recordings, graphics and design for the broadcast industry, and trade journal contributor/editor, to name only a few.
Depending on the specific role in broadcasting desired, a Bachelor’s degree or better is recommended.