Television Careers Outlook
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment in television broadcasting is expected to increase only 11 percent over the 2004–14 period, slower than the average for all industries combined. Several factors will contribute to this slow growth rate. Consolidation of stations under large networks allows networks to share programming and make better use of workers. New computerized technologies require less specialized training for their operation, reducing the need for certain types of workers, particularly those in editing, recording, and graphics creation. Competition from cable systems, satellite and other pay television services, and from widespread use of the Internet may also contribute to the slower growth in employment.
The bulk of television industry revenues come from advertising. TV Basics reports that television is the top advertising medium in the U.S. and has been steadily increasing its lead over the number two outlet, newspapers, since 1994. Television aired nearly $68 billion in advertising in 2005.
The TV industry is being greatly affected by developments in digital programming. The cost of a high-definition television (HDTV) set, capable of providing viewers with high-quality sound and image, is still too cost-prohibitive for average television viewers. In the next few years, however, broadcasters will be gradually converting to HDTV technology and phasing out the analog systems used today. The Federal Communications Commission has mandated that all stations be capable of broadcasting HDTV by February 17, 2009. Not only will broadcasters have to invest in new recording and transmission equipment, but consumers also will have to buy either a new television set or a set-top box that converts digital signals to analog signals.
Interactive television is another new technology that is changing the television industry. In the mid-1990s, many experts predicted that interactive TV would never become popular, but analysts are now recognizing that interactive TV has huge profit potential. Television viewers can now play along with game shows, express opinions on social issues during broadcasts, or order custom programming that can be saved for later viewing.
It is not yet certain how digital and interactive television will impact employment in the industry. The number of positions may not change greatly, but job responsibilities, education, and training requirements are likely to see significant changes. Behind-the-scenes television industry workers will need to be on the cutting edge of digital and Internet technology.
For More Information:
- Federal Communications Commission
- National Association of Broadcasters
- National Cable & Telecommunications Association
Related Career Fields:
- Advertising and Marketing Career Field
- Broadcasting Career Field
- Film Career Field
- Internet Career Field
- Telecommunications Career Field
- Visual Arts Career Field
Related Careers:
- Actors
- Advertising Account Executives
- Art Directors
- Audio Recording Engineers
- Broadcast Engineers
- Camera Operators
- Cartoonists and Animators
- Cinematographers and Directors of Photography
- Composers and Arrangers
- Costume Designers
- Dancers and Choreographers
- Film and Television Directors
- Film and Television Editors
- Film and Television Extras
- Fund-Raisers
- Graphic Designers
- Lighting Technicians
- Marketing Research Analysts
- Media Planners and Buyers
- Music Producers
- Musical Conductors and Directors
- Musicians
- Photographers
- Pop/Rock Musicians
- Producers
- Production Assistants
- Real-Time Captioners
- Screenwriters
- Singers
- Special Effects Technicians
- Stage Production Workers
- Stunt Performers
- Writers