They may write their own commercial and news copy or ad-lib their commentaries. They may also operate the control board and other electronic equipment. Television news anchors present videotaped news stories or live transmissions. Some of these on-air professionals also do reporting. Broadcast meteorologists report on weather conditions gathered from national weather services and other weather bureaus.
Sportscasters select, write and deliver sports updates.
Announcers and broadcasters must have pleasant and well-controlled voices, a good sense of timing and proper grammar. Those on television should present neat, pleasing appearances. They must be computer literate, capable of working within tight deadlines and able to improvise. For many in these fields, the intangible rewards being able to do creative work, making personal contacts and the satisfaction of becoming widely known offset the disadvantages of irregular hours and work pressures. There are more job seekers than available openings.