The Broadcast Media Industry primarily comprises of two informative mediums, namely Television and Radio. Although the two are quite different in terms of their approach, there are certain commonalities that apply to all individuals working in the two industries, be it TV or Radio. Find out what they are below.
What are the jobs really about?
Communicating using Audio – Visual Tools
The basic essence of working in the Broadcast Media Industry is to contribute towards disseminating information using audio – visual tools like cameras and microphones. These audio – visual tools provide the industry with a lot of advantages over traditional forms of media such as Print Media, as information can be disseminated throughout the day at any point of time and sound along with visuals can be used to capture the attention of the audience. Unlike Print Media where the aim is to give a deep insight into matters, the aim in Broadcast media is to disseminate the gist of the information as soon as possible and then broadcast in detail.
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Jobs in the Broadcast Media Industry are extremely diverse in nature. You can be working in Journalist related roles like TV/Radio Anchors, News Script Writer, Investigative Journalist, Analyst, Reporter/Correspondent or Channel Editor. On the other hand, you can also be working in technical roles like Sound Engineer, Footage Editor, and Cameraperson etc.
Why do people work in the Broadcast Media Industry?
Communication, Uplifting Society
As the Broadcast Media Industry is primarily made up Journalism related professionals, it provides people with the opportunity to inform, engage and educate a large number of people. Professionals who work in this industry place the interests of the general public over everything else and form a communication link between the public and people in powerful positions. Broadcast Media also helps educate and uplift society by motivating people to take ethically correct actions. This aspect of the Broadcast Media Industry attracts a lot of professionals, primarily the ones who have the passion to work for society, to stand up for what is right and to express their opinions.
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Fame and Glamour
Another major motivating factor behind people wanting to work in the Broadcast Media Industry is the fame and glamour that comes with being a part of this industry. As a professional in the Broadcast Media Industry, you might get the opportunity to be in front of the camera or the microphone or communicate directly to a large number of people. If you’re good, you might even end up becoming a household name in the long run. However, it is important to keep in mind that a majority of the jobs in the Broadcast Media Industry such as News Script Writers, Technicians etc. are not glamorous and will never make you famous. The glamorous jobs are limited to a few positions such as TV/Radio Anchors, Correspondents and Analysts.
Networking
As a professional working in the Broadcast Media Industry, you get the opportunity to interact in person with a lot of influential and famous personalities that can range from Politicians, Actors, Sportspersons, Scientists, Economists and Social Workers etc. Professionals in specific roles even get the opportunity to interview these personalities, get an insight into their viewpoints, express their opinions and build strong relations with them. This opportunity to network with national and international figures of importance is often a driving factor behind people wanting to work in this industry.
Good Pay
Compared to a lot of other industries, salaries in the Broadcast Media Industry can be quite good. However, this only applies to certain positions such as News Anchors, Editors, and Analysts etc. Do not expect a Cameraperson or a Sound Engineer to be paid the same as an Anchor. Additionally, your salary will also depend upon your popularity and seniority. The more popular you or your show becomes, the better pay package you will receive.
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What is it like to work in the Broadcast Media Industry?
Fast Paced, Dynamic
The Broadcast Media Industry is a very fast paced and dynamic industry that is constantly going through changes. As a professional working in this industry, you have to constantly adapt yourself to new technologies and ways of presenting the news on Radio or TV. Not only that, but you might have to perform several roles at the same time whenever required. For example, you might have to conduct research, write a news script and present the news on your own if need be.
As the objective is to disseminate information the fastest, you might be required to make on the spot decisions and take quick actions. Professionals who succeed in this industry are the ones who can multi –task, take fast decisions, adapt to changes and deal with obstacles quickly.
Long Hours, Irregular Schedules
Working in the Broadcast Media Industry often involves working for very long hours at a stretch and often reporting to work at irregular hours if need be. Professionals who are a part of this industry regularly work for long hours as there are deadlines to meet and new stories to be developed. Not only that, but your work timings can change from time to time. For example, if required, you might be asked to report to work early in the morning or very late at night. Professionals who succeed in this industry are the ones who can deal with the irregularity in the work timings and schedules without letting it affect their work or personal life.
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Responsibility
Irrespective of the job role you’ve been assigned at a Broadcast News Station, there is an immense amount of responsibility that comes with the job. Essentially, it is the responsibility of the Editor or Owner of the News Channel/Radio Station to always present accurate and truthful news. The Anchor needs to be responsible for what he/she says on air; no sentiments should be hurt and the truth should be prioritized. Technicians need to responsible for their work, as even a small broadcasting mistake such as a malfunctioning microphone can lead to major losses for the channel.
Even though all jobs require professionals to be responsible, it is more so in the case of the Broadcast Media Industry as a large number of audience has access to your work which is often broadcasted live, leaving no time for cover ups.
Criticism
Working in the Broadcast Media Industry involves dealing with a lot of criticism on a regular basis, especially from sections of the public that do not agree with you or your channel’s views. Social Media often serves as a breeding ground for personal abuse, threats and criticism against Anchors, Correspondents, Editors and News writers. As a person working in this industry, you will have to learn to deal with this criticism and not let it affect you professionally or personally. People who become successful in this industry are the ones who learn from genuine criticism, while ignoring the rest.
Adapting to the Medium
Being a good Journalist is not enough in the Broadcast Media Industry. You need to develop attributes that suit the audio – visual medium such as confidence and clarity of speech. Additionally, basic knowledge about audio – visual tools such as cameras, microphones etc. can be a major help and help you get jobs.
