Radio Broadcasting Goes Digital, Gains Audiences
With the arrival of open source broadcasting and digital radio technologies, the sky's the limit for radio broadcasting school graduates.
By Kelly Richardson
Trade-Schools Columnist
The radio profession has endured the impact of soaring CD sales and Internet broadcasting. But its resiliency has shone through once again. Here are two new industry developments that make broadcasting school a smart career move.
Shockwaves in Radio Broadcasting
Just when you thought radio had sung its last tune, new developments in digital media have made the radio industry a player in future markets. First, a handful of digital companies have signed an agreement to roll out a digital signal using the HD Radio standard to almost 2,000 stations over the next several years. Second, an open source software program provides access to radio broadcasting from a notebook computer.
These developments stand to reinvigorate radio broadcasting for a new generation. Aspiring broadcasters can expect:
- Increased Opportunity. Stations that are moving to Satellite and HD will need a flux of broadcasting school graduates.
- New Products. The demand for programming and devices will drive a billion-dollar market.
- Competition. Open-source radio will give promising young broadcasters a forum while in broadcasting school.
The Radio Broadcasting Career Profile
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), successful candidates in the field will possess a combination of experience and radio school credentials. The BLS offers the following pertinent information for future broadcasters.
- Training. The ACEJMC accredits 104 broadcasting schools nationwide.
- Salary Potential. Weekly earnings averaged $703 in 2004.
- Job Growth. The BLS expects an increase of 11% in broadcasting jobs over the 2004-14 period.
If you’ve ever dreamed of being that smooth voice on the morning airwaves, broadcasting school is still one of the more enviable career training options. And the future of radio looks bright indeed.
Sources:
BBC News
Corante
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
About the Author
Kelly Richardson covers the local education and technology scenes in major cities across the country. His articles appear in educational journals, periodicals, and e-zines.
