Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys
SOC Code: 27-3011
Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys carries a 45% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $45,680 and -5.5% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 24,100 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys (SOC 27-3011) carries an AI exposure score of 45%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 24,100 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -5.5% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $45,680, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Read news flashes to inform audiences of important events.
- 2. Announce musical selections, station breaks, commercials, or public service information, and accept requests from listening audience.
- 3. Operate control consoles.
- 4. Identify stations, and introduce or close shows, ad-libbing or using memorized or read scripts.
- 5. Study background information to prepare for programs or interviews.
- 6. Prepare and deliver news, sports, or weather reports, gathering and rewriting material so that it will convey required information and fit specific time slots.
- 7. Record commercials for later broadcast.
- 8. Keep daily program logs to provide information on all elements aired during broadcast, such as musical selections and station promotions.
- 9. Develop story lines for broadcasts.
- 10. Select program content, in conjunction with producers and assistants, based on factors such as program specialties, audience tastes, or requests from the public.
Key Skills Required
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Time Management
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Coordination
Knowledge Areas
- Communications and Media
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Telecommunications
- Law and Government
- Public Safety and Security
- Sales and Marketing
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys?
Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys has an AI exposure score of 45%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys is projected to decline by 5.5% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 24,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys?
Key skills for Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys include Speaking, Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys earn?
The median annual wage for Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys is $45,680, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys?
The typical entry-level education for Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys?
Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).