How to Be Radio/Television Broadcasting Instructor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 7, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The rise of digital media and technology has had a major impact on the radio and television broadcasting industry. This has resulted in a shift in the way broadcast media is consumed, with more and more people opting for alternative platforms such as streaming services or YouTube. As a result, broadcast media professionals must now keep up with the changes and learn new skills to stay competitive.

This increased demand for knowledge and expertise has resulted in an increased need for radio/television broadcasting instructors. These professionals are tasked with teaching students the basics of audio/video production, radio/TV programming, news writing and reporting, and other related skills, giving them the knowledge they need to succeed in the industry. In turn, this helps create a larger pool of qualified professionals who can bring their skills to the industry, providing the necessary support to drive innovation and growth in the sector.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. The most important step in becoming a radio or television broadcasting instructor is to obtain a bachelor's degree in communications or broadcast journalism. This will provide a thorough foundation in the field and provide the necessary coursework that will be required to teach the subject.
Pursue an Advanced Degree. After obtaining a bachelor's degree, many potential instructors decide to pursue an advanced degree in broadcasting or communications. This will deepen the knowledge base of the instructor and make them more qualified to teach the subject.
Obtain Professional Experience. Professional experience in the field is often required for a person to become a radio or television instructor in many educational institutions. It is important to gain as much experience as possible so that the instructor can draw upon their own experiences and knowledge when teaching the subject.
Apply for Teaching Positions. After obtaining the necessary qualifications, potential instructors can start applying for positions that are available in colleges and universities. It is important to have good references and a strong resume to be considered for these positions.
Continue Education and Professional Development. Even after they have obtained a teaching position, radio and television instructors should continue their education and professional development. This will help them stay up to date on changes in the industry and ensure that they are providing the best instruction possible.

The rapid growth of technology has had a significant impact on the radio and television broadcasting industry. With the rise of digital streaming services, traditional broadcasting is slowly becoming less popular, causing fewer people to pursue a career in broadcasting. This decrease in demand has resulted in a decrease in the number of broadcasting instructors, leaving many broadcasting schools with an increased need for reliable and capable instructors.

To fill this gap, many universities have begun to focus on preparing their students for career success in the radio and television broadcasting industry by offering specialized courses and programs that are designed to develop their skills and knowledge in the field. This has enabled more individuals to become certified as radio and television broadcasting instructors, ensuring that educational institutions have access to reliable and capable instructors that can help to prepare the next generation of broadcasters.

You may want to check Assistant Broadcast Content Producer, Broadcast Marketing Manager, and Broadcast Media Technologist for alternative.

Job Description

Radio/Television Broadcasting Instructor: Responsible for teaching broadcasting-related subjects, such as audio production and digital media, to students in a classroom environment.
Develops and implements course curriculum, evaluates student work, and provides feedback and guidance to further student development.
Monitors student progress and provides guidance, support, and motivation to ensure successful completion of course objectives.
Develops a variety of teaching materials, such as lectures, handouts, lesson plans, and exams.
Assists in the selection of broadcasting equipment, providing recommendations for purchase and upgrades.
Collaborates with other instructors to develop curriculum and ensure courses are meeting student needs.
Maintains current knowledge of broadcasting industry trends and technologies, providing insight to students and colleagues.
Attends conferences and workshops to stay informed of industry changes and advancements.
Develops relationships with industry professionals to provide additional resources for students.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of the radio and television production process
Expertise in audio engineering, video editing, and media technology
Understanding of media regulations and laws
Ability to teach radio/television broadcasting techniques and principles
Knowledge of industry trends and tools
Ability to develop curriculum and course content
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
Ability to manage a studio and equipment
Familiarity with digital media platforms
Creativity and enthusiasm for teaching

Having a good understanding of the world of radio and television broadcasting is essential for becoming a successful instructor. Effective communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, are key for teaching students about the industry. Knowledge of industry news, trends, and technology is also important for providing relevant instruction and demonstrating the current state of the industry.

Teaching experience and the ability to engage students in meaningful dialogue is also critical for ensuring students understand the material. Finally, instructors need to be organized and able to manage large class sizes, as well as be able to think quickly on their feet when troubleshooting technical problems. By having these core skills, instructors will be well equipped to prepare students with the necessary tools and knowledge to be successful in the radio/television broadcasting industry.

Broadcast Coordinator, Broadcast Content Producer, and Broadcast System Administrator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in radio/television broadcasting?
How would you structure a course curriculum for a radio/television broadcasting class?
What challenges have you faced while teaching a radio/television broadcasting class?
What strategies do you use to ensure that all students understand the material?
Are you familiar with the latest technologies and trends in radio/television broadcasting?
How do you encourage creativity and critical thinking in your students?
How do you ensure that your classroom is inclusive and welcoming to all students?
What techniques do you use to help students develop their own skills and abilities in radio/television broadcasting?
How do you evaluate student performance?
How do you stay current on the latest developments in radio/television broadcasting?

Common Tools in Industry

Adobe Audition. Audio production software for recording, mixing, and editing audio. (e. g. creating soundtracks, adding sound effects)
Radio Automation Software. Software for automating radio station operations. (e. g. scheduling music, running advertisements)
Video Editing Software. Software for editing and producing video content. (e. g. Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro)
Studio Recording Equipment. Recording equipment used in radio and television studios. (e. g. microphones, mixing boards, audio interfaces)
Streaming Software. Software used to stream audio and video content over the internet. (e. g. OBS Studio, Wirecast)
Broadcasting Software. Software used to broadcast live radio and television programs. (e. g. TelVue Connect, WideOrbit Radio Automation)
Teleprompter Software. Software used to control and display text on a teleprompter monitor. (e. g. Autoscript, Autocue)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)
Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA)
Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)
Association for Women in Communications (AWC)
Broadcast Education Association (BEA)
International Association of Broadcast Manufacturers (IABM)
International Radio and Television Society (IRTS)
National Alliance of State Broadcasters Associations (NASBA)
National Federation of Community Broadcasters (NFCB)
National Religious Broadcasters (NRB)

We also have Broadcast Audio Engineer, Television Broadcast Engineer, and Broadcast Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Broadcasting. The transmission of audio or video signals to a wide audience, typically over the airwaves or via cable or satellite.
Production. The process of making a television program or radio broadcast, including developing the concept, writing the script, assembling the cast and crew, filming or taping, editing, and post-production.
Audio Engineering. The use of specialized equipment and techniques to capture and manipulate sound for broadcasting purposes.
Video Engineering. The use of specialized equipment and techniques to capture and manipulate video for broadcasting purposes.
Scriptwriting. The process of preparing a written version of a radio or television program for production.
Media Law. The set of laws that govern the media industry and its practices, including intellectual property rights, libel and slander, privacy, copyright, and censorship.
FCC Regulations. Rules established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that govern all forms of broadcast media.
Radio Frequency (RF). The range of frequencies used to transmit radio signals, including AM and FM frequencies.
Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB). A digital radio broadcasting system that transmits audio signals over the airwaves using digital technology instead of analog technology.
Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB). A digital television broadcasting system that transmits video signals over the airwaves using digital technology instead of analog technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a Radio/Television Broadcasting Instructor?

A Radio/Television Broadcasting Instructor is responsible for teaching students the fundamentals of audio and video production, broadcasting, and media communication.

What qualifications do you need to be a Radio/Television Broadcasting Instructor?

To become a Radio/Television Broadcasting Instructor, you must have a Bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism, electronic media, or a related field, and experience in the radio and television broadcasting industry.

What skills are required of a Radio/Television Broadcasting Instructor?

Radio/Television Broadcasting Instructors need to be knowledgeable in audio and video production, broadcasting, media communication, and presentation skills. They should also possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

What are the job duties of a Radio/Television Broadcasting Instructor?

The job duties of a Radio/Television Broadcasting Instructor include designing and delivering lectures, preparing and grading assignments, providing feedback to students, and supervising student projects.