In order to become a broadcast manager you have to have knowledge of the broadcasting industry as well as experience in the field. A broadcast manager is responsible for coordinating all of the activities that take place at a television or radio station, so the job varies depending on the size of the station being managed. This can include managing the administrative staff as well as coordinating efforts with programming and production to ensure that the station runs smoothly.
Most television and radio stations will not hire you to become a broadcast manager if you do not have at least a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as business, journalism, or communications. A master's degree gives you an edge when being hired or advancing into the position, but is generally not required. During your time as a student, you should attempt to gain experience by volunteering or obtaining an internship at a local television or radio station, or you might consider contacting the radio or television station on your college campus. The more experience you have coming out of college, the easier it will be to get hired at an entry-level position at a broadcast station.
The career path to become a broadcast manager usually involves first getting hired at an entry-level position at a radio or television station. Apply for jobs as an assistant to the broadcast manager to learn more about his or her daily duties and to gain on-the-job training for the position. Try working in different jobs in the field so that you understand more about the role of each individual at the station. After you have worked at a station for a few years, you can begin to apply for a job to become a broadcast manager.
It is necessary to have good managerial skills to become a broadcast manager, as you will be responsible for ensuring that the station runs smoothly and efficiently on a day-to-day basis. You can gain leadership skills by finding opportunities to be in leadership roles in the community, through volunteering, and while in school. Any leadership experience that you can accrue will help your chances of eventually being placed in a managerial role with a lot of responsibility. If you begin your career as a broadcast manager of a small station, you can eventually try to find jobs at larger stations to take on more responsibility and a have a higher salary.