How to Be On-Air Host - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 18, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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Steps How to Become

Get an education. A college degree in Communications, Broadcasting or Journalism is ideal, but not always necessary. Working at a small-town radio station as an intern or volunteer may be enough to get you your start in the broadcasting industry.
Start as a production assistant or technician. This kind of entry-level job can help you learn the basics of the radio business and give you a chance to work with experienced on-air personalities.
Demonstrate your on-air skills. Many radio stations have internships or volunteer opportunities that allow you to host weekly programs or do fill-in work for regular on-air personalities.
Get your own show. Once youve gained some experience and developed a following, you may be offered a regular show on a radio station.
Maintain a professional attitude. As an on-air personality, youre a representative of the radio station and must be aware that your words and actions are being judged by listeners. Your professionalism is key to the success of your career.

The importance of staying updated and competent in any field cannot be overstated. In the modern world, it is increasingly necessary to remain informed of new developments and trends, and to have the ability to apply them in relevant contexts. Keeping up with the latest news and research, as well as maintaining a strong understanding of industry-standard practices, is essential in order to stay ahead of the competition.

seeking out educational opportunities and staying abreast of new technology can help an individual stay competent and prepared to respond to changing conditions. By taking these steps, an On-Air Host can ensure that they remain knowledgeable, skilled, and well-equipped for success.

You may want to check Audio Restoration Technician, Audio Post Production Technician, and Podcast Marketing Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Research topics and guests for radio show
Prepare and select music, topics and other content for radio show
Introduce guests and songs on-air
Engage with the audience via phones, email, social media
Develop and maintain relationships with station sponsors
Create and deliver high-energy commentary, sports reports, and other content
Promote station events and other station programs
Participate in the production of the show, including sound engineering and editing
Write and produce promos and other station copy
Assist with the management of the radio shows website

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Public speaking and presentation skills
A dynamic, outgoing personality
Ability to think quickly and clearly
Expertise in current affairs, news, and other topics related to the show's content
Ability to work independently and with a team
Ability to multitask and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
Knowledge of the radio industry and broadcasting equipment
Understanding of editing software and production techniques
Knowledge of radio station policies and regulations
Strong organizational and time management skills
The ability to follow instructions quickly and accurately
Excellent research and interviewing skills
A professional demeanor and appearance

Being an on-air host requires a unique set of skills to be successful. The most important skill to have is the ability to communicate effectively. On-air hosts must be able to articulate their thoughts in a clear, concise, and entertaining manner.

They must also be able to engage their audience through interactive conversations and activities. being aware of current events, having a thorough understanding of the topics being discussed, and the ability to research information quickly are all essential qualities for an effective host. Having strong public speaking skills, good interviewing techniques, and the capacity to think on their feet are also important attributes to possess.

Finally, having excellent organizational skills and the ability to multitask are necessary for any successful on-air host. All these skills help ensure that on-air hosts are able to provide engaging content that resonates with their audience.

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Frequent Interview Questions

How do you stay current on topics related to the show?
Tell us about a successful live broadcast experience.
Do you have experience working with a team of producers and directors?
How do you handle difficult guests or situations?
What is your favorite type of show to host and why?
Describe for us a successful moment when you had to think quickly on-air.
What do you believe makes an effective on-air host?
What strategies do you use to make sure the show stays on track and on time?
How do you handle criticism or feedback from producers or directors?
How do you use social media to promote the show?

Common Tools in Industry

Audio Editing Software. This software is used to edit audio files, such as music and voice recordings. (eg: Adobe Audition)
Automation Software. This software is used to automate tasks that would otherwise need to be done manually. (eg: Zapier)
Broadcast Scheduling Software. This software is used to manage the scheduling of radio and TV programs. (eg: EON Scheduling)
Playout Automation Software. This software is used to automate the playing of audio and video content. (eg: Myriad 5)
Music Library Management Software. This software is used to manage music libraries and track usage of music in broadcasts. (eg: MusicMaster)
Streaming Software. This software is used to stream audio and video content over the internet. (eg: Wowza Streaming Engine)
Voice-over Software . This software is used to create voice-overs for radio and TV programs. (eg: Adobe Audition)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)
Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB)
Radio and Television Digital News Association (RTDNA)
World Broadcasting Union (WBU)
Broadcast Education Association (BEA)
International Association of Broadcasting Manufacturers (IABM)
National Public Radio (NPR)
Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE)
Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS)
National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE)

We also have Podcast Network Manager, Broadcasting Analyst, and Podcast Scheduling Administrator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

DJ. A disc jockey, or DJ, is a person who plays recorded music for an audience.
Radio Station. A radio station is a broadcasting service that transmits audio from a particular location to radio receivers in many other locations.
Audience. An audience is a group of people who watch or listen to a performance, show, or other form of entertainment.
Talk Show Host. A talk show host is a person who hosts a talk show on television or radio.
Broadcast. Broadcasting is the transmission of audio and/or video signals over a distance for reception by the general public.
Commercials. Commercials are short advertisements that are typically aired during commercial breaks on television and radio programs.
News Anchor. A news anchor is a person who presents news stories on television or radio.
Music Selector. A music selector is a person who chooses the music to be played on a radio station or other broadcast medium.
Producer. A producer is someone who oversees the production of a radio or television program.
Voice Talent. Voice talent is a person or group of people who provide voice-over services for radio and television commercials, documentaries, and other audio or video recordings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an On-Air Host?

An On-Air Host is a professional broadcaster responsible for presenting a television or radio program.

What qualifications do you need to be an On-Air Host?

To be an On-Air Host, you typically need a degree in broadcasting or journalism, as well as experience in the field.

How much does an On-Air Host typically earn?

The average salary of an On-Air Host is around $50,000 per year.

What kind of skills does an On-Air Host need?

On-Air Hosts need excellent communication skills, a good knowledge of the media industry, and the ability to think on their feet.

How long does it take to become an On-Air Host?

Becoming an On-Air Host typically takes around five to seven years depending on experience and qualifications.

Web Resources

Harding School of Theology - Deeper Faith, Higher Standards hst.edu
Analytics & Institutional Reporting (AIR) - Lone Star College System www.lonestar.edu
PROPOSING - STScI.edu www.stsci.edu