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

Jan 4, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The increasing use of cell phones has caused a dramatic shift in communication habits. Not only has the amount of time people spend on the phone increased, but the nature of conversations has changed as well. People are now more likely to text, email, or use social media to communicate with one another, instead of speaking on the phone.

This shift has caused an increase in the amount of written communication being sent, resulting in quicker responses and less face-to-face communication. this trend has led to fewer jobs available for radio and television on-air personalities, who rely heavily on verbal communication to do their job.

Steps How to Become

Familiarize yourself with the processes of becoming an on-air talent. This includes researching the qualifications, training and experience that is necessary to become a successful on-air talent.
Earn a degree in broadcasting, communications or a related field. This is a requirement for most on-air jobs.
Participate in internships or apprenticeships with local radio stations or television networks. This will give you valuable experience and help you build your resume.
Develop your on-air presence by taking classes in public speaking, acting, improv and writing.
Record a professional demo reel that showcases your on-air skills and personality.
Network with industry professionals and keep up with industry news and trends.
Submit your resume, demo reel and other materials to radio stations, television networks and other media outlets.
Attend interviews and auditions until you land an on-air position.
Complete any additional training or certification required by your employer before going on-air.
Work hard and stay committed to your job to become a successful on-air talent.

In order to become a skilled and competent on-air talent, there are several essential elements required. First, a deep understanding of the industry and its trends is necessary. This means that the on-air talent should stay up to date on the current news and developments in their field in order to stay informed and engaged.

Second, having a strong work ethic is essential. This means showing up on time, being organized, and having an overall strong commitment to the job. Third, being able to think quickly on your feet and being able to respond to unexpected changes or events is key.

Finally, having excellent communication skills is essential in order to effectively engage with the audience and to ensure that the message being conveyed is clear. All of these factors combine to create an on-air talent who is skilled and competent in their field.

You may want to check Audio Mixer Operator, Post Production Audio Engineer, and Music Mixer for alternative.

Job Description

Radio Show Host: Presents live radio programs, interviews guests, reads news, comments on music, and takes requests from listeners.
Radio Announcer: Introduces and plays music, reads news, provides weather and traffic updates, and delivers commercial messages.
Podcast Host: Prepares and records podcast episodes, conducts interviews and research for topics, and promotes the podcast to gain listeners.
Disc Jockey (DJ): Plays recorded music and interacts with listeners over the airwaves or online.
Radio Producer: Oversees all aspects of a radio shows production, including scripting and editing content, scheduling guests, and operating audio equipment.
Radio Traffic Coordinator: Schedules advertising spots and ensures that all commercials run according to plan.
Radio Promotion Specialist: Develops promotional campaigns for a radio station or program, including contests and on-air giveaways.
Radio News Reporter: Gathers news and writes reports for broadcast, often specializing in a particular beat or genre.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Knowledge of radio broadcasting and audio production
Ability to think quickly and react to changing situations
Creativity and imagination
Flexibility and adaptability
Attention to detail
A good sense of humor
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Knowledge of current trends in music and pop culture
Excellent organizational skills
Computer proficiency, including basic audio editing and recording software

Being an on air talent requires a unique set of skills. The most important skill is the ability to communicate effectively. Being an effective communicator requires one to have a clear and concise voice, be able to think quickly on their feet, and know how to connect with an audience.

Communication skills are also essential for creating an entertaining show. This involves the ability to develop engaging topics, write and deliver compelling scripts, and craft engaging conversations. on air talent must be able to remain composed during high-pressure situations, as well as remain professional and respectful of guests and other personnel.

Finally, good organizational skills and the ability to work well with others are essential for any on air talent, as they are often responsible for coordinating with producers, engineers, and other staff members. With these essential skills, on air talent can create a successful show that resonates with audiences and garners positive feedback.

Audio Visual Systems Technician, Audio Programmer, and Sound Mixer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What is the most challenging on-air experience you have faced?
How do you stay up to date with industry news and trends?
What sets you apart from other on-air talent?
How do you handle difficult or unexpected questions from your audience?
Describe a successful event you hosted as an on-air talent.
How do you respond to feedback from viewers or listeners?
How do you handle difficult guests or topics?
What techniques do you use to keep your audience engaged?
How do you balance creativity and professionalism when presenting on-air?
How do you handle challenging technical issues during a broadcast?

Common Tools in Industry

Audio Editing Software. Software used to record, edit, and produce audio content. (eg: Adobe Audition)
Live Streaming Platforms. Platforms used to broadcast live audio and video content over the internet. (eg: Twitch)
Automation Software. Software used to automate tasks such as scheduling and programming radio shows. (eg: Wide Orbit)
Music Playback Software. Software used to play music, sound effects, and jingles on air. (eg: SAM Broadcaster)
Microphones/Headsets. Microphones and headsets used to record, transmit, and broadcast audio content. (eg: Shure SM7B)
Master Control Systems. Systems used to manage the broadcast of audio and video content from a central location. (eg: RCS Master Control Suite)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)
Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB)
International Radio and Television Society (IRTS)
National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS)
International Association of Broadcasting (IAB)
Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE)
Association of Music Producers (AMP)
Radio and Television Digital News Association (RTDNA)
International Association of Audio Information Services (IAAIS)
International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT)

We also have Mobile Music Engineer, Automated Dialogue Replacement (ADR) Sound Engineer, and Recording Studio Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Disc Jockey (DJ). A disc jockey, or DJ, is a person who selects and plays pre-recorded music for an audience, typically for a radio or television station.
Radio Host. A radio host is someone who presents a radio show, such as a talk show or music show.
Radio Personality. A radio personality is someone who has a distinctive on-air presence. The radio personality interacts with the show's audience, often through humor and storytelling.
Voiceover Artist. A voiceover artist is someone who provides a voice-over to accompany visual media such as television shows, movies and video games.
Broadcast Announcer. A broadcast announcer is someone who reads the news, sports scores and other information over the airwaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical experience level of an On Air Talent?

On Air Talent usually have at least 5-10 years of broadcasting experience.

What types of duties does an On Air Talent typically perform?

On Air Talent are responsible for hosting, producing, writing and editing content for radio or television broadcasts.

How often does an On Air Talent typically work?

On Air Talent can work anywhere from part-time to full-time hours, depending on the station.

What qualifications are needed to become an On Air Talent?

To become an On Air Talent, a minimum of a high school diploma is usually required, along with training and/or certifications in broadcasting or media production.

What is the typical salary for an On Air Talent?

The median salary for On Air Talent is approximately $25 per hour, with potential for higher earnings depending on experience, market size and other factors.

Web Resources

What is a On-Air Talent? - Specs Howard School of Media Arts info.specshoward.edu
Home | UArizona Talent talent.arizona.edu
Talent Development and Recruitment | Oklahoma State University hr.okstate.edu