• Reading news bulletins and making other announcements on radio or television.



• Introducing performing artists or interviews as well as making related announcements on radio, television, or in theatres, night clubs and other establishments.


Conducting interviews, compiling documentary or musical programs.


• Doing research to ensure that their programs are acceptable, factually correct and interesting.



• Anticipating the audience’s expectations and preparing him- or herself to satisfy these needs.

Requirements

Secondary Education
Possession of at least a HIGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with matriculation exemption is required to study at a university in South Africa. A HIGCSE or outstanding IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, is needed to be admitted to a South African technikon. UNAM requires a valid IGCSE/HIGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with passes in five subjects and a minimum of 25 points on the UNAM point evaluation scale. The NBC expects the candidate to be in possession of an IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, for their traineeship scheme.

Compulsory subjects
Good marks in languages (South Africa and Namibia)

Recommended subjects
History, Music, Art and other subjects within the humanities (South Africa)

Tertiary Education
UNAM offers a B. A. degree in Languages as well as in Media Studies, while most South African universities offer the same degree in Communication, Languages and Journalism.
A N. Dip. Journalism or Public Relations can be followed at various technikons in South Africa. Such training is not offered at the Polytechnic.

The NBC offers a traineeship scheme for potential announcers for the duration of one year. Candidates, who possess a good voice quality, reading- and free-speech ability, have knowledge of their mother tongue and other local or international languages, can arrange for an audition at any local television or radio station.

Personality
Prospective announcers should have excellent knowledge of his/her mother tongue and be able to use it confidently and comfortably. They should also have an interest in the field related to the announcements being made.

Work Opportunities
Announcers can be employed by the NBC or independent radio stations. Only limited opportunities exist in this field.

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