If you are looking for career in the Broadcast Media Industry, whether it be in Radio or TV, hands-on experience and practical training are the only way forward.
It is the opinion of many professionals in this field, that the art of broadcasting can only be learned and not taught. Mentors can guide you along the way but at the end of the day, the do-it-yourself approach is the best way to get your head around the business.
The three main pillars of good broadcasting are (1) Vibrancy, (2) Good writing skills, and (3) Technical know how.
Vibrancy is simply positive energy! Broadcasting is a fast moving business; live bulletins, deadlines and last minute changes occur everyday and hence there is no room for sluggishness. Vibrancy makes the job of broadcasting enjoyable and challenging. Positive energy is contagious, not only in the work place but also with your audience.
Good writing skills are a result of habit. The more you write the better you get. Good writing in broadcasting means being clear, concise and to the point. Unlike newspapers where the reader gets a chance to read over a sentence or paragraph at their own pace, in broadcasting you only get one chance to get your message across so you better get it right.
Technical know how does not mean you need to be an engineer. It means that you need to have a strong understanding of how broadcast technology works and be able to multi-task with different equipment if required.
As for qualifications, a Masters in Journalism from Columbia University is always a plus, but if you don’t have that, then start building up a decent show reel.
Practice makes perfect and that is what broadcasting is all about. One must be enthusiastic about the craft and what drives that enthusiasm is the anticipation of listening or watching your final product at the end of the day. Working hours may be long and tasks may seem tedious, however, when you get to that point when you can actually enjoy the result of your work on air, the pay off is quite exquisite.
The broadcast industry offers a variety of opportunities for young professionals. Although most people usually are drawn to the talent positions such as presenting and reporting, there are a variety of other roles that need to be filled. The spotlight is good for some, but many broadcast professionals much prefer playing a bigger role behind the scenes.
Radio
In radio, radio jockeys, programming directors, newsreaders and writers are all positions that are up for grabs. The Radio Jockey maybe the most sought-after position but it is also one of the hardest.
Being live on air comes with a lot of pressure so make sure you are confident and can think on your feet to field challenges as they arise. If you prefer a more behind-the-scenes position which allows you take more of a planning and logistical role, a show producer or program director would be more suitable. To be a good newsreader, excellent writing skills are a must, as you will have to formulate and write the stories before going live on air.
Television
Television Broadcasting is the primary means by which most people in the world get their news and that is not going to change for a long time. Dubai hosts a wide range of international, regional and local TV stations that are constantly on the look out for hard working-ambitious individuals.
Whether you want to be a reporter covering warzones or new editor setting the day’s news agenda, or producing an entertainment show, there are a few basics things you need to learn - such as writing skills for TV, story structure, news worthiness, the basics of filming, basics of video editing and sequencing and basic TV technology. WMA’s broadcast journalism course is designed to provide an overview of the many skills required.
Some of the different roles in television include being a show producer, where you have a chance to manage an entire production team and will need to develop your managerial and interpersonal skills, or a more specific position such as an editor or cameraman, which will need further technical training.
A good producer will never go hungry. If you can create, generate, and or manage content you will be in high demand. Editorial positions are also available such as news editors, program editors, as well as programming managers and production heads.
Some of these positions are senior and it is worth remembering that if want to get into this industry you have to start somewhere and it will likely be the bottom. Stars are not born overnight. Every personality you know on Radio or TV has started from the bottom and worked their way up. It’s a long a road but everyone has to somewhere.
Freelance video journalism
Freelance Video Journalism jobs are currently in high demand, not only from TV stations but from websites and social media marketers as well. A video journalist is essentially a one man band who is able to film, video edit, write and present his or her own television news report. Once one obtains these skills the possibilities are endless, and contrary to what you may think, the hardware is not that hard to come by. A regular DSLR Camera, a microphone and a laptop are all you need to start.
The skills that one obtains in broadcasting such as writing, video editing, filming, and presenting are not limited to radio and TV. The rise of social media and digital technology has created an un-limited appetite for content from media and corporate outlets.
At the end of the day, content is king. A video can be played on TV, but it also can now be viewed and shared through YouTube, Facebook Twitter and many other networks. Knowing how to produce and circulate content is going to be key to all future industries.
The UAE has set media as one of its primary drivers of economic growth not only in the area of content creation but media servicing as well and the industry is fundamental to the country’s future so it is an exciting place to be.
Internships are a great way to break into the broadcast industry. The secret is to do as many jobs as possible once you are inside so that when its time for you to go the station realizes how valuable you are and they don’t know how they are going to get by without you. Always go the extra mile and offer help wherever you can. It will pay off in the end.
Co-written by Dev J Hadlar Programming Director, Suno 1024 & World Media Academy Dubai Faculty member & Michael Shagoury WMA Director.
