Broadcast Journalism Education and Training

Know what you need to start your broadcast journalism career

By Harrison Howe

If your dream is to become the next Walter Cronkite or Dan Rather, your first step is to decide how you're going to pursue broadcast journalism education and training. Whether you're interested in TV broadcasting or radio broadcasting, you'll need the proper education and training to land broadcasting jobs.

There are a few paths you can follow to become a broadcasting journalist. You might choose to get a formal broadcasting degree from a college or university, or you might get your education and training from broadcasting schools. Internships in the broadcasting industry are also a great way to get broadcasting training. Whatever route you choose, you'll find the proper education and training is vital to success in broadcasting careers:

Obtain a degree in broadcast journalism from an accredited college or university.
Fulfill educational requirements for broadcast journalism by attending broadcast schools.
Participate in internship programs in radio or television broadcasting.
Join associations for broadcast journalism and attend seminars, conferences and other educational functions.

Go the formal education route on your way to becoming a broadcast journalist

You can start your broadcast journalism education and training by getting a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Most of these programs will combine broadcasting courses with humanities and other classes for a well-rounded education.
Try: The Communications Department of Delaware State University offers a diverse four-year program leading to a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism. The University of Southern California has a journalism program that provides core courses in journalism as well as more specialized classes in broadcasting.

Let broadcast schools give you intensive broadcast journalism education and training

While a formal education will teach you the basics of broadcast journalism and will allow you to break into the broadcasting industry, you might choose to go for the more intensive education broadcasting schools supply. Many of these schools combine classroom training with work experience.
Try: Radio Connection Broadcasting School has a program that lets students work with on-air broadcasters that will help them establish their own broadcasting show. Broadcasters Mentoring Group pairs students with mentors through either three-month or six-month broadcasting school programs.

Receive hands-on experience in broadcast journalism through internships in the broadcasting industry

Hands-on training is perhaps the best way to learn any trade or craft, and this is certainly true for broadcast journalists. Getting into an internship program assures you will work with on-air personalities at top companies in the broadcasting industry.
Try: CBS News offers internships to college juniors and seniors that allow them to work on top shows such as "60 Minutes" and "CBS Evening News." CubReporters.org provides links to many broadcast journalism internships, including those offered by ABC News, Time Warner and ESPN.

Pursue continuing education in broadcast journalism to further enhance your skills

As in many other fields, learning in broadcast journalism does not stop once you leave school or end your internship. You can benefit from joining a professional association and taking advantage of ongoing seminars, conferences and lectures to continually further your broadcasting training.
Try: The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) offers live and online seminars for both TV broadcasting and radio broadcasting. Get career development training programs for broadcast journalists in both television and radio at the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation (NABEF).

Get experience in broadcast journalism by getting involved in a college radio or television station while you're pursuing a broadcasting degree.