Career Opportunities

The employment opportunities continue to be strong in the broadcast and media industry and Champlain’s graduates will be highly competitive in a field that has traditionally demanded a high level of education from its professionals.

Most entry-level broadcast staff is hired as reporters or production assistants, fill-in radio deejays or videographers. Reporting and photojournalism go hand-in-hand and may be done by the same person. In radio, first jobs in small and medium markets typically combine on-air deejay work with reporting and newscasting.

Often considered to be a glamour industry because of the attention given to electronic broadcasters -- network newscasters and talk show hosts -- the radio-television field actually has more jobs off-camera and off-microphone than on-air. Many of these technical, management and production positions pay as well or better than those held by performers (Pathways to Careers, National Communication Association). This degree prepares students for these career options.

Industry leaders anticipate there will be a major job shift in the field from radio and television positions to non-broadcast video. Non-broadcast video includes the activities of corporations, health care centers, and educational organizations in producing news briefs, training materials, videos, commercials, and educational materials. Careers will encompass not only performance but also technical skills, including video graphics.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment in radio and television broadcasting is expected to increase 10% over the 2000-2010 period. Job prospects will be best for applicants with a college degree in broadcasting.

In the 25 largest markets, a Radio–Television News Directors Association survey in 2000 found medians of about $173,000 for TV anchors, and $150,000 for news directors and behind the scenes production directors. (Communication Career Guide, 2002)

According to careerexlorer.net, “the annual salary range is $24,260-$145,000 in the broadcasting field. These opportunities are expected to increase during the next decade and those with formal training are most likely to succeed.” (6/3/02)

Want to learn more about the Broadcasting career outlook? Visit the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics Web site. Click for Broadcasting (http://stats.bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs017.htm)

Free Career Planning Services

All students benefit from our top-notch Career Services Center, recently cited by the Kaplan/Newsweek College Catalog as one of the U.S. colleges offering “the best career services,” including self-assessment and individual career advising.