WOMEN ON THE JOB

The electronic media--television, radio, and cable--are powerful and 
exciting.  The issues and images they present reflect and affect what is 
happening in our society.  While women remain seriously underrepresented 
in employment in the electronic media, particularly at managerial levels, 
Federal laws and regulations prohibit discrimination and mandate equal 
opportunities in employment.  More women are currently employed in higher 
pay categories in broadcasting and cable than ever before.  This is an 
excellent time to consider a career in the electronic media.

When considering a career in the electronic media, the first careers 
that may come to mind are the most visible, such as newscasters, 
announcers, and performers.  As you will discover when you review this 
booklet, however, there are numerous career opportunities in broadcasting 
and cable.

This booklet is intended to introduce you to some of the career 
possibilities in the electronic media both on the inside, at broadcast 
stations and cable systems, and on the outside, in allied fields such as 
advertising and law.  While television, radio, and cable are more visible 
media, career opportunities requiring the same skills also exist in 
advertising agencies, public relations firms, hospital audiovisual 
centers, school rdio and television closed circuit systems, government 
agency studios, commercial film production houses, and numerous other 
places where audio and visual systems are used.  Other career 
opportunities in the electronic media include positions that support 
stations and cable systems, such as the financial, sales, marketing, and 
fundraising (noncommercial sttaions) positions, and positions with 
outside firms that interact with and depend upon the media, such as 
advertising public relations, and consumer affairs.

As you read this booklet, think baout your own unique capabilities, 
interests, training, and goals.  The career possibilities in the 
electronic media and allied fields cover a broad spectrum.  We have 
attempted to cover as many areas of potential employment as possible; 
but, by the nature of the business, our listings are not all-inclusive 
and job titles may vary.  This booklet should provide you with a general 
introduction to the many career opportunities available.

Education and Training

There are many schools of communications, schools that provide major 
courses in radio and television, and colleges and universities that give 
degrees in these disciplines.  Students considering a degree or 
coursework in communications should carefully examine the school and 
course program for accreditation and comparative value in the real world 
of the industry before enrolling in a course of study.  _Broadcast 
Programs in American Colleges and Universities_, a booklet listing 
schools providing such courses of study, is available from the Broadcast 
Education Association, 1771 N Street, NW, Washington DC 20036.

There are also employment possibilities for those who have not majored in 
the communications arts but who are liberal arts, business, and 
engineering graduates.  Many successful professionals in the industry 
bring experience gained in areas other than broadcasting.

Many broadcast stations employ high school and college students as 
interns and/or have training programs that afford students an opportunity 
to learn and work without any prior experience.