Jobs at small stations usually have low pay, but offer the best opportunities for beginners. Related work experience at a campus radio station or as an intern at a commercial station can be helpful in breaking into the occupation. They announce station program information such as program schedules and station breaks for commercials or public service information, and they introduce and close programs. Announcers read prepared scripts or ad-lib commentary on the air when presenting news, sports, weather, time, and commercials. If a written script is required, they may do the research and writing.
Announcers also interview guests and moderate panels or discussions.
Some provide commentary for the audience during sporting events, parades, and other events. Announcers are often well known to radio and television audiences and may make promotional appearances and remote broadcasts for their stations. Radio announcers are often called disc jockeys . Some disc jockeys specialize in one kind of music. They announce music selections and may decide what music to play.