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Career Definition for a Broadcast News Analyst
A broadcast news analyst collects information and opinions, fashions them into a cohesive story and broadcasts the story over television or radio. Broadcast news analysts work in broadcast studios and also directly at the scene of news stories. Other responsibilities include furnishing lead-ins for the work of other reporters, organizing and moderating panel discussions and interviewing guests for news programs.
| Education | Bachelor's degree in journalism or a related field |
| Job Duties | Collects information and opinions to produce a cohesive story; broadcasts the story over television or radio; moderates panel discussions; interviews guests for news programs |
| Median Salary (2015)* | $65,530 (broadcast news analysts) |
| Job Outlook (2014-2024)* | -13% (broadcast news analysts) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Required Education
Most employers require a broadcast news analyst to have a bachelor's degree in journalism or a related field. In smaller media markets, however, it is possible to become a broadcast news analyst with just a high school diploma, particularly if you have significant internship or reporting experience. Reporters and news anchors should be strong in subjects such as English, writing and history.
Skills Required
The ability to work irregular hours under the pressure of deadlines is essential for all broadcast news analysts. An agreeable voice and appearance are also important. Familiarity with word processing software is a must and knowledge of other software, such as desktop publishing, might be beneficial.
Career and Economic Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for a broadcast news analyst was $65,530 in 2015. The BLS predicted a decline in jobs of 13% for these workers between 2014 and 2024. Competition will continue to be stiff since there are more applicants than available jobs.
Alternate Career Options
Similar career choices within this field include:
Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technician
Often earning a certificate or an associate's degree, these techs then secure jobs organizing and operating the electrical equipment used for concerts, movies, broadcasts and sound recordings. The BLS predicted that employment of all broadcast and sound engineering technicians would grow by 7% from 2014 to 2024 and reported that in 2015, they earned an annual median wage of $53,330.
Announcer
Depending on the position, these jobs may require education ranging from a high school diploma to a bachelor's degree. Job duties also vary and may include presenting music or news, interviewing guests, providing commentary, and acting as a disc jockey or a master of ceremonies at special events. BLS projected an 11% decrease in the employment of all announcers from 2014 to 2024. In 2015, an annual median salary of $30,960 was earned by announcers, per the BLS.
