How to become an announcer or other broadcaster
Official title: Announcers and other broadcasters
Also called: Announcer, Broadcaster, Radio announcer, Staff announcer, Sports announcer, Freelance announcer, Commercial announcer, Public address (p.a.) system announcer, International service announcer-producer, Newscaster, News reader, Sportscaster
Announcers and other broadcasters read news, sports, weather, commercial and public service messages and host entertainment and information programs for broadcast on radio or television. They are primarily employed by radio and television stations and networks and by commercial firms that produce advertisements for radio or television.
Main tasks
- Select and introduce music, videos and other entertainment material for broadcast, and make commercial and public service announcements
- Act as host/hostess or master of ceremonies, introduce and interview guests and conduct proceedings of shows or programs
- Read news, sports and weather for radio and television
- Report on weather conditions using information provided by weather forecasting services
- Report on traffic conditions by maintaining contact with external sources of information or by observing traffic from air or land vehicle
- May present own material or material prepared by others
How to become one
Completion of a college radio or television arts program is usually required. Practical training, such as work at a college radio station, may be required. Talent and ability, as demonstrated during an audition, are important hiring criteria. Membership in a guild or union related to the occupation or type of performance may be required.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 44% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Journalism; Communication and media studies; Radio, television and digital communication.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $54,542 a year The middle half earn $42,179 to $70,317.
- About 3,700 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 3,400 are projected by 2033. (-8.1%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of surplus.
Related jobs
- Film and video camera operators
- Graphic arts technicians
- Broadcast technicians
- Audio and video recording technicians
- Other technical and coordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts
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Questions people ask
How do I become an announcer or other broadcaster?
Completion of a college radio or television arts program is usually required. Practical training, such as work at a college radio station, may be required. Talent and ability, as demonstrated during an audition, are important hiring criteria. Membership in a guild or union related to the occupation or type of performance may be required.
How much does an announcer or other broadcaster earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $54,542 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $42,179 to $70,317.
Is an announcer or other broadcaster a growing career in Canada?
Employment is projected to fall 8% by 2033, from about 3,700 to about 3,400 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an announcer or other broadcaster?
Not always. 29% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03