Becoming An Airport Announcer: Voice, Training, And Opportunities

An airport announcer is a professional who provides information to passengers at an airport. To become an airport announcer, you will need a combination of education and work experience. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as communications, broadcasting, or journalism is often required, and some positions may require specialized knowledge of the subject matter. In addition to a degree, you should also focus on gaining experience in announcing, public speaking, and audio production. Building a broadcast portfolio while in school can be helpful when applying for jobs. Successful airport announcers need to be able to speak concisely and intelligently, remain calm under pressure, and adapt to changes immediately while on air.

Education: A bachelor's degree in communications, broadcasting, or journalism is ideal

A bachelor's degree in communications, broadcasting, or journalism is ideal for aspiring airport announcers. This typically takes four years to complete, during which students learn about media ethics, reporting, and broadcasting techniques. Obtaining a degree from a top school such as Northwestern University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or the University of Southern California can provide a strong foundation for a career in announcing.

While a bachelor's degree is the most common qualification for on-air announcers, some positions may only require a high school diploma or an associate degree. Additionally, certain certifications, such as the Certified Broadcast Radio Engineer, can be beneficial for those seeking to work in the field.

It is important to note that the qualifications for an on-air announcer position can vary depending on the employer and the medium in which they work. Some announcers may choose to attend a vocational school or community college to earn a certificate or associate degree in broadcasting or a related field. However, for more competitive jobs, a bachelor's degree in a relevant field is often preferred.

Building a broadcast portfolio while in school can be advantageous for those aspiring to become airport announcers. This can be done by gaining experience in announcing, public speaking, and audio production. On-site or on-the-job training opportunities can also help individuals develop the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in announcing.

Experience: Gain experience in announcing, public speaking, and audio production

To become an airport announcer, you'll need to gain experience in announcing, public speaking, and audio production. This can be achieved through various avenues, including on-site or on-the-job training, internships, or part-time work. Here are some ways to build your experience:

Announcing and Public Speaking

• Start by honing your public speaking skills. Join a public speaking club or take a course to learn techniques for effective communication and build your confidence in front of an audience.
• Seek opportunities to practice announcing in front of a live audience. You can offer your services to local schools, community events, or amateur sports competitions. Even if it's a small-scale event, it will give you valuable experience in engaging with an audience and delivering clear, concise information.
• Consider volunteering at community radio stations or podcasts to gain experience in announcing and gain exposure to audio production techniques.

Audio Production

• Familiarize yourself with audio production software commonly used in the industry, such as Adobe Audition. You can find online tutorials or courses to teach yourself the basics of audio editing and production.
• Build your own home studio setup or collaborate with local artists and musicians to gain hands-on experience in audio production. This will allow you to develop your skills in creating music beds, editing audio, and producing content.
• Reach out to local radio stations and inquire about internships or part-time work. This will provide you with valuable experience in a professional setting and give you an insight into the day-to-day tasks of an announcer.

Remember, the key to gaining experience is to be proactive and seek out opportunities wherever possible. By building a solid foundation in announcing, public speaking, and audio production, you'll be well on your way to becoming a successful airport announcer.

Skills: Develop skills in public speaking, audio editing, and remaining calm under pressure

To become an airport announcer, you will need to develop a set of skills that will help you excel in this role. Here are some key skills to focus on:

Public speaking

The ability to speak clearly and confidently is essential for airport announcers. You will be responsible for making announcements that are easy for passengers to understand, so practising public speaking can help you improve your communication skills and build confidence in front of an audience. Join public speaking clubs or take courses to improve your skills.

Audio editing

Familiarity with audio equipment and editing software is beneficial for creating and editing audio content. Learn how to use industry-standard tools like Adobe Audition to edit audio, create music beds, and produce commercials or other content for your announcements. This skill will allow you to work efficiently and effectively with the equipment used in the role.

Remaining calm under pressure

Working in a fast-paced and often stressful airport environment requires the ability to remain calm and composed under pressure. As an announcer, you may need to adapt to sudden changes, such as flight delays or cancellations, and provide clear and concise information to passengers. Practising stress management techniques and developing strong organisational skills can help you stay calm and focused during challenging situations.

In addition to these skills, a basic understanding of broadcasting or a related field is beneficial. You can gain this knowledge through vocational school, community college, or a bachelor's degree programme. Building a portfolio of your on-air performances while in school can also enhance your employability.

Training: Consider vocational school or community college for a certificate or associate degree in broadcasting

While a bachelor's degree is the most common qualification for on-air announcers, an associate degree in broadcasting from a vocational school or community college can also be a great way to get started in the field. These programs typically last two years and can provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a career in broadcasting.

One example of a vocational school that offers broadcasting programs is the American Broadcasting School, which has been offering excellence in radio broadcasting education since 1970. They offer a range of programs, including newscasting, broadcasting, sportscasting, DJ, and copywriting. The school provides hands-on training in various aspects of radio and television broadcasting, such as audio and video editing, creating audio and video effects, writing for web and broadcast, and marketing through web and social media platforms.

Another option is the Specs Howard School of Media Arts, now part of Lawrence Technological University (LTU). They offer a 12-month program called Broadcast Media Arts, which covers radio and television broadcasting, audio and video production, writing for broadcast, and marketing. The curriculum is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to work in various roles in the broadcasting industry, such as radio DJs, news anchors, and voice-over artists.

The Radio Connection is another broadcasting school that offers a unique, mentor-based program. Their 6-month apprenticeship program pairs students with working broadcasting professionals for one-on-one training in their desired field. The curriculum covers a range of topics, including the history of broadcasting, FCC rules and regulations, voice and speech training, copy and commercial writing, news and sports broadcasting, and preparing for job applications.

These are just a few examples of the many vocational schools and community colleges that offer broadcasting programs. Enrolling in one of these programs can provide you with the necessary training and qualifications to pursue a career as an airport announcer.

Portfolio: Build a broadcast portfolio with examples of on-air performances

Most employers will expect to see examples of your on-air performances, so it's a good idea to build a broadcast portfolio while you're still in school. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Get involved with your school's media programs: Many colleges and universities have their own radio or television stations. Get involved with these programs to gain hands-on experience in announcing, public speaking, and audio production. You can also use these opportunities to record samples of your on-air performances for your portfolio.
• Seek internships or on-the-job training: Look for internships or entry-level positions that offer on-the-job training. These opportunities will not only provide you with valuable experience but also help you build a network of industry contacts. Be sure to record your performances during this time to add to your portfolio.
• Create a demo reel: Compile your best on-air performances into a demo reel that showcases your skills and strengths as an announcer. Include a variety of clips that demonstrate your ability to handle different types of announcements, such as news reading, event descriptions, and entertainment segments.
• Highlight your versatility: Airport announcers need to be versatile and adaptable. Showcase your ability to handle different formats, such as live shows, pre-recorded programming, and interviews. If you have experience in multiple languages, be sure to include samples in your portfolio.
• Emphasize your technical skills: In addition to your announcing skills, highlight any technical skills you've gained, such as audio editing, software proficiency, and equipment maintenance. These skills are often sought after by employers and can set you apart from other candidates.
• Continue to develop your portfolio: Don't forget to update your portfolio regularly as you gain more experience. Seek out new opportunities to challenge yourself and grow as an announcer. Stay involved with community events and continue building your network, as these connections can often lead to new and exciting projects.

Frequently asked questions