Desktop Publisher

Job Duties

Desktop publishers create electronic page layouts using computer software that combines text, numerical data, photographs, charts, and other components to produce material that is ready to be published. Their specific tasks depend on the type of project, and may include writing and editing text, digitally converting photographs, manipulating digital images, creating proposals, developing advertising campaigns, designing accompanying graphics, creating presentations, and performing color separation. Desktop publishers produce many different types of materials, including books, business cards, calendars, magazines, newsletters, and newspapers.

Desktop publishers use computers to alter the layout of material, and are able to create an entire product on screen that looks exactly like it will when it is published. Personal computers have revolutionized the field of desktop publishing, enabling desktop publishers to complete entire projects themselves, projects which used to require many employees and equipment. Technology in the field is advancing rapidly. Today, desktop publishers receive text and other material on disk or over the Internet from their clients. Digital color page-makeup systems, electronic page-layout systems, and off-press color-proofing systems have also dramatically altered the landscape of the occupation.

Job Skills

Desktop publishers need to be very conscious of detail. They must be able to work independently and have good manual dexterity. Eyesight is also very important, including visual acuity, depth perception, a wide field of view, color vision, and the ability to focus quickly. Artistic ability is essential. Desktop publishers should be flexible and adaptable as they often are required to meet tight deadlines.

Income

In 2002, desktop publishers earned a median annual salary of $31,620. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $18,670, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $52,540. The following shows the median annual salaries in the industries employing the greatest number of desktop publishers:

• Printing and related support activities -- $35,140
• Newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers -- $28,050

Training and Education

The most common educational path leading to employment as a desktop publisher is through a certificate program offered by vocational schools, universities, and colleges, or via the Internet. Most programs take about 1 year, but others may have different lengths. Some students may learn their skills through on-the-job training. Students can also earn an associate's degree in applied science or a bachelor's degree in graphic arts, graphic communications, or graphic design. Graphic arts programs teach the fundamentals of desktop publishing software that has the ability to format pages, assign type characteristics, and import text and graphics into electronic page layouts to produce printed materials such as advertisements, brochures, newsletters, and forms. This type of in-depth training is more for students who plan to eventually move into management positions, whereas 2-year programs offer more limited advancement options.

Employment

In 2002, desktop publishers held about 35,000 jobs. More than two thirds worked in the newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishing, and printing and related support activities.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of desktop publishers is expected to increase faster than the average. More page layout and design is being performed in-house using computers and software, creating demand for desktop publishers because this in-house system increases production and lowers costs. Opportunities will be best for those who have experience, or those who have a computer background and have graduated from a postsecondary program in desktop publishing.

For more information on a career as a desktop publisher, please see our directory of offering Media Training

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/media_careers/desktop_publisher

Copywriter

Job Duties

Copywriters are responsible for writing words for advertisements. The advertisements may appear in newspapers, radio, television, magazines, or other types of media. They may write articles in trade journals about products or services within that industry. They may compose publicity releases, promotional or informational booklets, sales promotion materials. They sometimes work as part of a team on a merchandising campaign. Sometimes they are assigned editorial duties, rewriting and editing work completed by other writers. Copywriters are often assigned to many different types of accounts, requiring them to adapt to the necessary tone and medium of each account.

Copywriters who work for ad agencies may have a broad range of duties that go beyond writing. They may be responsible for writing annual reports, sales brochures, point-of-purchase materials, instruction manuals, and press releases. In broadcasting stations, copywriters may be required to create station announcements or other advertising material. In small firms, copywriters may direct other employees in helping them complete their duties. In these smaller operations, copywriters need to possess a comprehensive understanding of the agency.

Job Skills

Copywriters need to have knowledge of writing, art and layout, and the business of buying and selling advertising space. They also must have knowledge of typography. They should be creative, curious, and have knowledge in a wide array of subjects. They must have a passion for writing, and be able to express themselves clearly, concisely, and creatively. Self-motivation and perseverance are also important qualities.

Income

Copywriters average about $40,000 per year. Depending on their position in the agency, they can earn from $27,000 per year as an assistant copywriter, to over $200,000 per year as a creative director. Copywriters often work overtime, and profit-sharing plans have become very popular in advertising firms.

Training and Education

Candidates for copywriting positions usually need to have a college degree. Liberal arts combined with business studies can provide a solid educational foundation. Colleges that offer degrees in communications may have courses specifically in copywriting. Courses in creative writing and knowledge of word processing equipment are important, if not essential. Students should gain actual writing experience beyond school work. Writing for school and community newspapers, or writing news releases or advertisements for school or community projects are both excellent ways to gain experience writing. Academic assignments such as essays can also demonstrate writing proficiency.

Employers prefer to hire applicants who have experience in copywriting, especially experience in their advertising specialty. Advertising agencies often hire applicants who have at least three to five years of experience, and sometimes may hire only applicants with knowledge in such specific fields of advertising as automobiles or confectionary. Most retail stores hire copywriters who have had experience writing company for retail merchandise.

Employment

In 2002, writers, including copywriters, held about 139,000 jobs. More than half worked in the various sectors of the information industry.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of copywriters is expected to increase about as fast as the average due to the increasing demand for these employees from advertising agencies. Competition is extremely high in this occupation, and opportunities will be best for those with training in a specialized field of advertising.

For more information on a career as a copywriter, please see our directory of offering Media Training

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/media_careers/copywriter

Broadcast Technician

Job Duties

Broadcast technicians operate, maintain, and configure broadcasting equipment that selects and controls the source of material to be broadcast. They also operate equipment that regulates the signal strength, clarity, and range of sounds and colors or radio or television broadcasts. They often are responsible for switching broadcasting signals from camera to camera, from live programming to taped sections, and from network to local programming.

Broadcast technician jobs have been greatly altered by the transition to digital recording, editing, and broadcasting. Electronic equipment has largely been replaced by desktop software, and video and audio tapes have been replaced by computer hard drives and other types of data storage. Computer networks coupled with specialized equipment have become the standard for broadcasting. As a result, broadcast technicians have been forced to adapt and learn software and computer networking skills.

Job Skills

Broadcast technicians need to have skill working with electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems and equipment. It is also important for them to have good manual dexterity.

Income

In 2002, broadcast technicians earned a median annual salary of $27,760. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $14,600, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $65,970.

Training and Education

The Federal Communications Commission used to require the licensing of all broadcast technicians, but the Telecommunications Act of 1996 removed this requirement. However, broadcast technicians can still voluntarily become certified by the Society of Broadcast Engineers. This certification sets them apart from the competition and shows a high level of competence and experience. In order to become certified, technicians must demonstrate experience and pass an examination.

The most effective way to train for a career as a broadcast technician is to enroll in a technical school community college, or university program in electronics, computer networking, or broadcast technology. New employees usually learn on the job from more experienced technicians and supervisors. Some begin their careers working in smaller, local stations and, after gaining valuable experience, move on to larger stations and networks. Quite a few employers offer programs in which they will pay the tuition and expenses for courses and seminars that improve the skills of their employees and help keep them updated on the latest developments in the field.

Employment

In 2002, broadcast technicians held about 5,000 jobs. Television jobs are usually located in cities, but radio jobs can be found even in small towns. New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. offer the highest-paying jobs.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of broadcast technicians is expected to increase about as fast as the average. Advancements in technology will increase the abilities of technicians to produce higher quality radio and television programming. Job growth will be limited by the consolidation in ownership of television and radio stations. In the cable and pay television sector of the industry, employment growth will be higher.

For more information on a career as an broadcast technician, please see our directory of Broadcasting Schools

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/media_careers/broadcast_technician

Audio And Video Equipment Technician

Job Duties

Audio and video equipment technicians operate audio and video equipment such as microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, recording equipment. They connect wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, and related electronic equipment. They may work at concerts, sporting events, meetings and conventions, presentations, and news conferences. They may work with custom lighting systems such as associated spotlights.

Audio and video equipment technician jobs have been greatly altered by the transition to digital recording, editing, and broadcasting. Electronic equipment has largely been replaced by desktop software, and video and audio tapes have been replaced by computer hard drives and other types of data storage. Computer networks coupled with specialized equipment have become the standard for broadcasting. As a result, audio and video equipment technicians have been forced to adapt and learn software and computer networking skills.

Job Skills

Audio and video equipment technicians need to have skill working with electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems and equipment. It is also important for them to have good manual dexterity.

Income

In 2002, audio and video equipment technicians earned a median annual salary of $31,110. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $17,710, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $61,420.

Training and Education

The minimum requirement for audio and video equipment technician jobs is a high school diploma. More and more applicants have degrees from community colleges or other postsecondary institutions, even though they may not be required by employers. Some candidates may be able to replace formal education requirements with on-the-job training. Valuable experience can be gained by working in a studio as an assistant.

The most effective way to train for a career as an audio and video equipment technician is to enroll in a technical school community college, or university program in electronics, computer networking, or broadcast technology. New employees usually learn on the job from more experienced technicians and supervisors. Some begin their careers working in smaller, local stations and, after gaining valuable experience, move on to larger stations and networks. Quite a few employers offer programs in which they will pay the tuition and expenses for courses and seminars that improve the skills of their employees and help keep them updated on the latest developments in the field.

Employment

In 2002, audio and video equipment technicians held about 42,000 jobs. New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. offer the highest-paying jobs.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of audio and video equipment technicians is expected to increase faster than the average. Advancements in technology will increase the abilities of technicians to produce higher quality radio and television programming. Job growth will be limited by the consolidation in ownership of television and radio stations. In the cable and pay television sector of the industry, employment growth will be higher.

For more information on a career as an audio and video equipment technician, please see our directory of schools offering Video Production Training

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/media_careers/audio_and_video_equipment_technician

Announcer

Job Duties

Announcers work in radio and television and are responsible for a number of different duties both on and off the air. They may announce programming information, public service information, or they may introduce or close programs. They present news, sports, weather, time, and commercials either from a written script or ad-lib. They may complete the research and writing for a script they will eventually read on the air. They interview guests and moderate panels and discussions. Sometimes they may make promotional appearances for the radio or television company they are employed by.

Announcers working in radio are often referred to as disc jockeys (DJs). Although most disc jockeys do not select the music they play on the air, most specialize in one type of music. DJs comment on the weather, traffic, and music of the station and may take on-air requests from listeners. Announcers in television are often called newscasters or anchors. They work at large stations in an area of specialization such as sports, news, or weather. Television show hosts prepare programs on topics such as politics, health, or personal finance, interview guests, listeners, or the studio audience. Public address announcers work at sporting, performing arts, and other types of public events, announcing information to the audience.

Job Skills

In order to succeed as an announcer, individuals must have a good voice, meaning excellent control, timing, pronunciation, and grammar. In television, announcers need to have a neat, well-groomed, and attractive appearance. Strong knowledge in the subject matter to be announced can be hugely advantageous. Announcers should have well-developed writing skills and be computer literate. They need to have the ability to ad-lib part or all of a broadcast and to work under strict deadlines.

Income

In 2002, announcers earned a median hourly wage of $9.91. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $6.14, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $24.92. Earnings in television were higher than in radio, and earnings in commercial were higher than in public broadcasting.

Training and Education

Broadcasting is a highly competitive field to enter, and formal training from a college or technical school can immensely help aspiring announcers secure employment. A majority of announcers hold a bachelor's degree in communications, broadcasting, or journalism. Employers place enormous weight on candidates' taped auditions that demonstrate their delivery and , in television, their appearance and style. In television, entry-level employees start out as production assistants, researchers, or reporters and may work their way into an on-air position if they show their ability. In radio, new employees begin by taping interviews and operating equipment.

Aspiring announcers should take high school and college courses in English, public speaking, drama, foreign languages, and computer science. Hobbies like sports or music can be a plus as well. Students can gain experience at college radio or TV stations, or through internships at local public or commercial stations. Internships are a great way for students to make contacts in the industry. Students wishing to enroll in a broadcasting program should contact radio and television stations to find out which programs they recommend.

Employment

In 2002, announcers held about 76,000 jobs. More than 50% were employed in the broadcasting industry, although some were freelancers who contract with networks and stations. A third of all announcers work part time.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of announcers is expected to decline as a result of the lack of growth in the radio and television industries. Also, consolidation of radio and television stations will increase syndicated programming, which will also add to the decline in employment of announcers. Competition will be high for announcer positions, and opportunity will be best for those who are knowledgeable in business, consumer, and health news, and who have completed internships.

For more information on a career as an announcer, please see our directory of schools offering Media Training

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/media_careers/announcer