What Is Broadcast Journalism?

The birth of broadcast journalism dates back to Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi in the late nineteenth century. He used the new technology of electricity to become a pioneer of radio broadcasts. His Marconi method became the basis for radio. The invention of TV broadened the scope of broadcast journalism, which has continued expanding with the progression of time and new technology.

Anchor Persons/Newscasters

Newscasters are the faces of news, reading the teleprompter and reporting the daily news. Individuals can become local reporters or anchors on cable news channels like CNN or Fox.

Voiceover Work

Voiceover work is a growing field in broadcast journalism. Voiceover work includes narrating documentaries, reading books on tape, voicing commercials and providing sound bites. Online opportunities also exist in this field.

Radio Announcer/Disc Jockey

Broadcast journalism includes individuals who work as radio announcers working in radio news. This job has expanded with the advent of satellite radio, with all of its specialized broadcasting. Many individuals host their own radio shows.

Correspondents

Special correspondents often appear on news shows. These broadcast journalists specialize in certain fields like politics, health and real estate. They are often regulars on particular news programs.

Talk Show Hosts

This field of broadcast journalism has been steadily growing for the past 30 years. Phil Donahue, the father of tabloid TV, began this TV format in 1967, and it has become a mainstay to daytime TV.

Production

In addition to broadcast journalism jobs in front of the camera, there are a number of jobs behind the scenes. The producer is responsible for a smooth broadcast, including making sure programs stay within time constraints, and that all the research is complete and accurate.

Research

Before a broadcast airs on radio or TV, either the newscaster or a special team of researchers work to make sure that the stories reported are fair and accurate.

Resources

• Broadcast Journalism
• Broadcast Media and Journalism Career Guide
• Society of Professional Journalists