Carreer Fields
DESCRIPTION OF RADIO‑TELEVISION‑FILM CAREER FIELDS
The RTVF major is a broadly‑based program which qualifies the student for a wide variety of career choices.
Multimedia Specialists are involved in the research, production, design, operation, teaching or selling of the various types of multimedia used in training, teaching or the professional world. They may work for: public schools, publishing companies, health institutions, government agencies, businesses and the entertainment industries.
Media Management personnel are involved with all aspects of business management, sales and administration of broadcast stations. They determine and implement the general policies of the station. Positions at the top of the "management ladder" include General Manager, Station Manager, and Business Manager.
Radio Television Film Production ‑ People employed in production are involved in creating, supervising or assisting in the entire range of activities in the development of a project, from the conceptional stage to on‑the‑air presentation. The positions are both creative and administrative. The jobs may include selecting talent, stories, materials, lights, sets and directing the talent, technicians and camera persons. The creative positions are the most competitive in the industry.
Positions are available in radio, television and film studios, as well as in hospitals, corporate organizations, government agency studios, commercial film production houses, educational institutions and numerous other places where audiovisual systems and multimedia facilities are used.
Announcers for radio and television report the news, deliver live or recorded commercials, host talk shows or interviews, serve as disc jockeys or work in special situations, such as drama critic, weather person, etc. They work for or serve as talent in commercial and noncommercial radio and television stations, advertising agency productions, government films, or educational and business films.
Writers for Television and Film are involved in researching and writing material for performance or broadcast. The writer may be a newswriter or a dramatic scriptwriter.
Screenwriters write scripts for motion pictures or television. They may be directly employed by a station or a network, work on a freelance basis or be under contract to independent production companies.
Copywriters in advertising agencies and at broadcast stations in some markets write scripts used in commercials, promotional and public service announcements.
Newswriters select and write copy for radio and TV newscasters to read.
Continuity Writers originate and prepare material read by the announcer to introduce and connect various parts of musical, news and sports programs.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK IN FIELDS RELATED TO RTVF MAJOR
Each year several thousand people graduate from departments of Radio, Television and Film, but there are substantially fewer positions available than people seeking them. Willingness to compete for and to accept entry level positions is essential in obtaining employment in this field. Relocation is often an important factor, since jobs in smaller markets are easier for recent graduates to obtain.
Jobs in radio and television production‑‑as producers, writers and on‑air talent‑‑are often available in small, local stations. Television has increasing employment opportunities for production graduates in cable, multimedia, industrial, medical and instructional video.
The film production person can find employment opportunities in film production units in industry and with small production companies.
Graduates skilled in research theory and practice can find positions as researchers, in ratings usage, marketing information, media buying and audience analysis in both the broadcasting and film fields, as well as in media departments of various organizations. Cable systems have extensive needs for research‑oriented people who can suggest programming strategies, audience needs and expansion plans. Many hospitals and health organizations, as well as major corporations, use some form of communication research.
Scriptwriting is a specialized and competitive field, and employment opportunities in broadcasting and film production may be limited. However, writing opportunities exist within major corporations, hospitals, cable systems and similar organizations which have their own film and video units.
Projections indicate continued growth in all aspects of communication, with concomitant career opportunities in broadcasting, film and the corporate world. The new emerging technologies make the emphasis on these skills and in multimedia production and design especially in demand. However, keen competition for positions is expected to continue.
Employment prospects for Radio‑Television‑Film graduates are best for those who are flexible in considering job opportunities in fields allied to broadcasting and who have obtained significant work experience while still in school. The position of the University in the media capital of the world offers unique opportunities for networking.
Recent CSUN graduates list relevant work experience such as: volunteer work, summer or part time jobs and student intern programs as the most important factors in obtaining employment.