Announcers entertain and inform audiences on radio, TV, or in person at public events.

Radio announcers who select and play music are often called disc jockeys. They also read news, sports, and weather reports. Disc jockeys may interview guests and report on local events. They rarely work from a written script, but if one is needed, they do the research and writing. More often, disc jockeys just make up the program as they go along. Many radio announcers have partners and have conversations with each other on the radio. Some host call-in talk shows. They introduce a topic and invite people to call in with their views. They also often record commercials for companies.

TV announcers tend to work on one of three types of shows. Some TV announcers are talk show hosts. Guests come to the TV station where the host can interview them on-screen. Some talk shows are about news or current events. Other talk shows are for entertainment, and announcers may prepare jokes for the show. Other TV announcers host game shows. They ask contestants questions, direct the game, and award prizes. Some TV announcers work on shows that advertise products for sale. These announcers describe the products and may demonstrate how they work.

Radio and TV announcers have additional duties when they are not on the air. For example, radio announcers may operate the control board. They may also keep a log of which songs and commercials they played. Both radio and TV announcers discuss and prepare program content with the producer and assistants. At some stations, they sell commercial time to advertisers and write ads. Radio and TV announcers also take part in community events. For example, they ride in parades, cut ribbons at store openings, or host fundraisers.

Live-event announcers provide on-site commentary on sporting events, shows, or parades. They give a mostly ad-libbed, running commentary on events as they happen. They make public announcements and add commentary on participants.

Announcers frequently operate control consoles as they are giving commentary.