Announcers

An announcer is a broadcasting professional who presents information and introductions to an audience, typically on radio, television, or at live events. They read copies, deliver narration, introduce segments, and sometimes provide commentary or voiceover work. In sports broadcasting, announcers include play-by-play narrators who describe the action as it happens and color commentators who offer analysis and context.

There are several specialized roles within announcing: sports announcers, news and weather readers, game show hosts, stage emcees, and corporate event announcers. Radio and television announcers may work in studios or on location, using teleprompters, IFB earpieces, and other equipment to deliver lines, announcements, and introductions.

Key skills include clear diction, vocal control, pacing, and the ability to think quickly during live broadcasts. They need reliable research, script discipline, and editorial judgment. Etiquette and neutrality vary by context; news and sports announcers aim for accuracy and appropriate tone, while hosts cultivate warmth and engagement. Professional voice work may also involve auditions and demo reels.

Most announcers begin with education in journalism, communications, or broadcast production, and gain experience through internships, college stations, or local programs. Advancement typically involves building a reel and moving from smaller markets to larger networks, with freelance and contract work common in some settings.

The role has evolved with digital media, as announcers also work on streaming programs, podcasts, and social media clips. Across contexts, announcers help structure programs, guide audiences through content, and serve as recognizable voices that frame information and events.