How to Become a News Broadcaster: Education and Career Roadmap

News broadcasters report the news via television, radio and online outlets. They cover stories and events that occur on local, national and international levels. Some news broadcasters write their own stories, conduct interviews, provide commentary for special events and mediate discussions. Many newscasters specialize in areas such as weather or sports.

Step 1: Consider the Career

Before pursuing this career, aspiring news broadcasters may benefit from exploring the profession to make sure it suits their temperament and skills. Broadcast news is a fiercely competitive field, so broadcasters must be persistent, willing to work long hours and passionate about accurate and unbiased news reporting. They must also be comfortable on camera, be physically attractive and have a pleasant voice.

Step 2: Become Familiar with Broadcasting

Future news broadcasters can begin familiarizing themselves with the career in secondary school. High school students may take classes in English, communications, journalism, political science, history and other liberal arts courses applicable to the field. Some high schools offer media or audio-visual clubs that provide students with hands-on experience in broadcasting. Students may also learn foreign languages in high school, which are necessary for some positions.

Step 3: Attend Undergraduate School

News broadcasters are typically required to hold bachelor's degrees in journalism, communications or related fields. Students may consider programs in broadcast journalism, which will equip them with the writing, reporting and production skills for careers in television and radio news. Courses may include broadcast writing and editing, research techniques, news gathering, television production, radio reporting and media ethics.

Step 4: Complete an Internship Program

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers consider practical experience an essential qualification in broadcasters (www.bls.gov). Beginning news broadcasters may often earn this experience through internship programs, which are usually incorporated into bachelor's degree programs. Internships may be available at radio and television broadcast stations, newspapers, news websites and other media outlets. Some interns receive payment or class credit for their work.

Step 5: Seek Employment

College graduates may find entry-level employment at radio and television stations that serve small, local markets. Many news broadcasters start out as beat reporters or editors and work their way up the newscaster ladder. With experience and expertise, some news broadcasters advance to become correspondents, announcers, specialists or supervising broadcasters. Since job opportunities in small markets are limited, news broadcasters may have to relocate to larger, metropolitan areas to advance in the profession.