Both components of the field hold a great responsibility to keep the population informed of current affairs, breaking worldwide news stories as soon as they happen. They must also educate people in all manner of subjects from natural history to astrology throughout their lives.



Whilst entertaining all ages; broadcasters must generate programming that will be engaging to a variety of generations. Sporting events which are often seen as the most important function of the business must also be reported upon.

Broadcasting can generally be split into two diverse sectors. Firstly there is the production element, this evidently consists of program production, be it radio show, situation comedy or period drama. This ultimately is the creative arm of the business and offers those with a creative edge free rein in producing programming that will appeal to a mass audience. Added to this, production of programming can be focussed to a sub audience, sectors such as children's television fall in to this category.

Examples of jobs in the production wing of broadcasting vary greatly, for instance film director, location and floor manager as well as television producer positions provide a wide career path on which to embark. When starting out in the industry radio broadcast assistant, runner and television production assistant can offer a foot in the door with very real prospects of career progression.

For those who have a desire for knowledge the role of programme researcher offers the chance to learn a great deal and produce programming that is well informed and knowledgeable. Opportunities for those with skills in management are also present as prop, studio and production managers are prevalent in the business.

The second constituent of broadcasting can be viewed as technical; principally dealing with the more practical issues it offers work for those with a methodical nature. This element fundamentally controls the physical act of transmission as well as factors such as lighting, sound and visual effects.

Job roles in the subdivision include broadcast engineers that maintain the transmission network and ensure pictures are beamed to our homes. Other positions include undertaking editing duties and often putting the finishing touches to programming. In a technical sense, lighting and sound technicians are required in the industry to ensure production values are kept to the highest standard.

Those who are blessed with talent behind the camera can find jobs filming all manner of programs, and visual effect editors produce the titles which give programming its professional feel. Although thorough technical knowledge in this sector is paramount, as those in the industry strive to produce the best quality programming for their audience.

It is clear that employment in broadcasting is not just for presenters and those in front of the camera. It is easy to forget with the big personalities on our screens or coming through our speakers those behind the scenes doing all the real work.

With so much work put into every program we see or hear it is no surprise that such a large workforce is involved in production. Those involved in the industry inform us, educate us and for many, most importantly, entertain us.

A career in this sector is well worthwhile and extremely rewarding; being at the forefront of the mass audience's knowledge is a huge responsibility for those who choose to undertake it.