ABSTRACT
This chapter surveys career opportunities—types and availability of jobs, pay, and advancement. It looks at what we can expect if our stay in the trade and how our career will develop. The chapter suggests some ways to prepare for a career in radio and television, and discusses how to get a first job and how to keep it. Some production and news personnel are hired on a contract or freelance basis, with pay being based on an hourly, daily, or per-project fee. Many people enjoy the freedom and variety freelancing provides. Freelancers are often paid a higher wage than staff employees, but are responsible for their own health and life insurance, social security, and other benefits. Corporate television offers excellent career opportunities, particularly for a person interested in production and writing. The usual career pattern in broadcasting and cable starts in a small outlet in a small market and moves to progressively larger markets.
