Television announcers broadcast information and events such as the weather, sports updates, news reports and traffic alerts. They may also perform interviews, act as commentators and host events. Many times, announcers work in climate-controlled sound studios, often pre-recording their programs. Television announcers might also have to work outside a studio - broadcasting from a live event, for example - which might mean working irregular hours.

Tasks:

1. Write and report the news, present sports and weather, edit material to ensure it fits in time slot, summarize and comment on news items
2. Operate control board
3. Ask experts to come on the show and provide feedback and analysis, conduct interviews and ask relevant questions
4. Provide lead-ins for reports
5. Read teleprompters and scripts, improvise as needed
6. Provide live coverage during events such as council meetings, protests, court hearings, coverage of disasters, holiday events, and other important breaking news
7. Introduce in-depth videotaped films and provide narration
8. Determine which news story warrants the highest priority, gather information using research, interviews, and polls, and then analyze and interpret it for their audience
9. Verify sources and fact-check items used in reports, cite various sources during reporting.
10. Develop perspectives about news subjects through research, interviews, observation, and experience
11. Examine and report on news items of local, national, and international significance
12. Obtain and follow through on assignments

Key skills for Television Announcer:

• Speaking skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Appearance is important
• Writing skills
• Communication skills

Average Salary (2013):

United Kingdom: £35,000 per year
United States of America: $41,800 per year
Australia: AU$60,000 per year

Qualifications and training required:

Announcers are expected to have a pleasing appearance, a characteristic style and, in most cases, college training. Announcers usually have bachelor's degrees in fields such as broadcasting or mass communications.

In addition to formal schooling, aspiring TV announcers should get as much paid and unpaid experience as possible. Opportunities can be found through high school and college TV stations and internships. Announcers often start out as production assistants, researchers and reporters before getting the chance to go on-air.