Sports Broadcasters and Announcers

Union membership may be required for employment with large stations in major cities. The largest talent union is SAG-AFTRA. Some sports broadcasters and announcers may also be members of the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians. Most small stations and minor league sports teams, however, hire nonunion workers. Membership organizations for announcers include the American Sportscasters Association, Association for Women in Sports Media, and the National Association of Sports Public Address Announcers. These organizations provide mentoring and internship programs, scholarships, publications, and networking opportunities. Other useful organizations for announcers include the Broadcast Education Association, the National Association of Broadcasters, and the Radio Television Digital News Association. The Federal Communications Commission regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, satellite, cable, and wire in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.