Radio and television announcers present a variety of information and entertainment such as music, news, sports, current events, the weather, the time, traffic updates, and commercials. They interview guests and moderate panels or discussions on their shows, as well as announce station programming information, such as program schedules and station breaks for commercials, or public-service information.

Announcers also:

• Research topics for comment and discussion during shows
• Read prepared scripts on radio or television shows
• Comment on important news stories
• Provide commentary for the audience during sporting events, at parades, and on other occasions
• Select program content
• Make promotional appearances at public or private events.

Announcers are expected to be up to date on current events or a specific field, such as politics or sports, so that they can comment on these issues during their programs. They may research and prepare information on these topics before appearing on-air. In addition, announcers have scheduled guests on their shows and work with producers to develop other creative content for their programs.

Announcers may also be responsible for other aspects of television or radio. They may operate studio equipment, sell commercial time to advertisers, and produce advertisements and other recorded material. At many radio stations, announcers do much of the work that editors and broadcast technicians used to do, such as broadcasting programming, commercials, and public-service announcements.

Many radio and television announcers increasingly maintain a presence on social media networking sites. Establishing a presence allows them to promote their stations and better engage with their audiences through listener feedback, music requests, or program contests.

Public address system and other announcers typically do the following:

• Meet with the event director to review the schedule and obtain other event details
• Present information or announcements, such as train schedules or security precautions
• Introduce up-coming acts and guide the audience through the entertainment
• Provide commentary for a live audience during sporting events
• Make promotional appearances at public or private events.