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What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Arts, Audio-Video Technology and Communications cluster Journalism and Broadcasting pathway.

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There are many broadcasting, journalism, and radio and television arts courses offered at post-secondary schools across North America. Some focus on the journalism side of radio production, while others focus more on the commercial side.

You can earn a four-year degree in journalism or communications, with a major in broadcasting. There are also shorter programs, such as two-year diplomas at colleges or six-month courses at trade schools in radio announcing, writing and production.

Competition is fierce to get in to many of these broadcasting programs. Try volunteering at a campus radio station or even a local cable TV station to gain some valuable experience.

A common way to start a broadcasting career is to get experience at a college radio station. You can also do an internship at a professional station. Such positions are often unpaid, but they offer great experience and can lead to paid work.

"The most common way to get in is to have an unpaid internship," says independent radio producer Hillary Frank. "[But] it's not an option for a lot of people to be able to work for free."

Writing for a school newspaper is another good way to hone your writing and research skills.

Many successful radio producers don't have a journalism degree. Many of those without a journalism degree are independent producers like Frank. Independent producers come up with story ideas, write scripts, interview sources and edit finished pieces so that they're ready to air.

"I don't know anyone who does what I do who went to journalism school," says Frank. "I'm sure there are people who did, but generally not the most creative [producers] who do this.

"If you're pitching a story to a radio show, they're not going to ask you about your education," Frank adds. "They might ask about your past work experience. Or, if you've done some audio production, they might ask for a sample. [But] if you understand what you need to do and have the technical skills, then anyone should be able to do it."

A journalism diploma or degree can help you get a full-time job as a producer at a radio station. However, having the right skills, experience and personal initiative are even more important factors.