Broadcasting/Electronic Media

View our Communication Studies degrees

What can I do with a Major in Broadcasting or Electronic Media?

Television

Job Types

  • Programming
  • Production
  • Promotion
  • News Reporting
  • News Producing
  • News Videography
  • Sportscasting
  • Weather Forecasting
  • Anchoring
  • Management
  • Sales

Employers

  • Major networks
  • Commercial broadcast stations
  • Public television stations
  • Cable television
  • Private production companies
  • Government
  • Business corporations

Strategies

  • Gain work experience with campus or local television stations.
  • Seek part-time or volunteer opportunities with independent production companies.
  • Participate in drama club – directing, acting or technical crew.
  • Develop excellent writing, reporting and editing skills.
  • Volunteer to announce sporting events on campus or at local high schools.
  • Consider taking courses in political science, economics, sociology or any applicable field for news broadcasting careers.
  • Read trade publications.

Radio

Job Types

  • News
  • Programming
  • Production
  • Promotion
  • Management
  • Announcing
  • Sales

Employers

  • National networks
  • National public radio
  • State or regional networks
  • Major, medium, and small market stations

Strategies

  • Gain campus or local radio experience.
  • Secure internships.
  • Announce sporting events.
  • Host music programming for parties and social events.
  • Coordinate, program, and promote musical events.
  • Gain performance experience through music, drama, or public speaking.
  • Create a demonstration tape to be used as a sample of vocal and speaking talent.

Internet

Job Types

  • Webcasting
  • Web Design/Development
  • Website Maintenance
  • Management
  • Administration

Employers

  • Internet-based companies
  • Large corporations
  • Colleges and universities
  • Companies specializing in webcasting services and technology

Strategies

  • Gain expertise in computer and internet technology.
  • Learn how to design websites.
  • Seek certifications in networking, website design, or related areas.

Advertising

Job Types

  • Media Planning
  • Media Buying
  • Account Services
  • Print Production
  • Marketing
  • Administration
  • Copywriting
  • Art/Creative Directing
  • Research
  • Announcing

Employers

  • Television and radio stations
  • Newspapers and magazines
  • Internet based companies
  • Advertising agencies
  • Corporate advertising departments
  • Media (research, marketing)
  • Specialty advertising firms

Strategies

  • Obtain sales experience through part-time work or internships.
  • Volunteer to sell advertising space for campus newspaper, radio, or television station.
  • Take courses in business to increase financial knowledge base.
  • Complete internship with advertising agency or market research firm.
  • Compile portfolio of writing, graphics, and ideas for creative development. Gain knowledge/experience with software and technology applicable to media.
  • Take course in statistics, data interpretation, writing, and advertising.

Non-Broadcast Video Systems

Job Types

  • Directing
  • Management
  • Production
  • Writing
  • Post-Production/Editing
  • Videography

Employers

  • Freelance or private video production companies or videographers
  • Large corporations
  • Universities and colleges
  • Post-production companies
  • Professional associations
  • Non-profit organizations

Strategies

  • Obtain entrepreneurial knowledge and experience through starting a small business or taking business courses.
  • Volunteer to do video editing/production for campus videographers or television stations.
  • Gain contacts in the specific industry of interest (e.g. develop relationships with wedding photographers in order to build wedding videography business).
  • Enter video contests.
  • Cultivate artistic talents.
  • Seek internships with post-production or editing companies.

Strategies for Placement in Broadcast/Electronic Media

  • Internships are crucial, if not imperative, for many areas of broadcasting.
  • Develop excellent technical and computer skills, especially internet proficiency and knowledge.
  • Seek opportunities for experience in any performance situation such as drama, debate, public speaking, music or athletics in order to demonstrate talent as well as ability to handle pressure.
  • Demonstrate curiosity, confidence, assertiveness, creativity, initiative, tact, competitive spirit, enthusiasm, persistence, and diplomacy.
  • Display appropriate talents for public performance and appearance such as sense of humor, verbal and written communication skills, imagination, showmanship and an outgoing personality.
  • Consider shadowing or informational interviewing as a means through which to gain information, develop contacts, build mentoring relationships, and gain entry into a competitive field.

Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA Employer

Broadcasting Resources