Will “Program Host” be Automated?

Core Skills & Abilities

• Read news flashes to inform audiences of important events.

• Locate guests to appear on talk or interview shows.

• Develop story lines for broadcasts.

• Discuss various topics over the telephone with viewers or listeners.

• Make promotional appearances at public or private events to represent their employers.

• Identify stations, and introduce or close shows, ad-libbing or using memorized or read scripts.

• Moderate panels or discussion shows on topics such as current affairs, art, or education.

• Announce musical selections, station breaks, commercials, or public service information, and accept requests from listening audience.

• Select program content, in conjunction with producers and assistants, based on factors such as program specialties, audience tastes, or requests from the public.

• Write and edit video and scripts for broadcasts.

• Provide commentary and conduct interviews during sporting events, parades, conventions, or other events.

• Attend press conferences to gather information for broadcast.

• Coordinate games, contests, or other on-air competitions, performing such duties as asking questions and awarding prizes.

• Interview show guests about their lives, their work, or topics of current interest.

• Maintain organization of the music library.

• Prepare and deliver news, sports, or weather reports, gathering and rewriting material so that it will convey required information and fit specific time slots.

• Give network cues permitting selected stations to receive programs.

• Study background information to prepare for programs or interviews.

• Describe or demonstrate products that viewers may purchase through specific shows or in stores.

• Operate control consoles.

• Host civic, charitable, or promotional events broadcast over television or radio.

• Keep daily program logs to provide information on all elements aired during broadcast, such as musical selections and station promotions.

• Comment on music and other matters, such as weather or traffic conditions.

• Record commercials for later broadcast.