Since pre-COVID-19, in this industry today — it is certain that digital will replace print. With consumers seeking for simple and swift methods of accessing content, this has led technology to advance rapidly. Many companies, let alone media giants and tech giants — are shifting toward Internet delivery, which will heavily increase online streaming and smart media more than it ever did before. According to Srijan, “apart from leading players like Netflix and Amazon, several others like Apple, Disney, HBO Max and WarnerMedia are joining the streaming domain, making it even more complex. There’s an increasing competition, coupled with the need to meet customer expectations.“
Moving forward from this point on, Deloitte highlights three critical issues to consider in 2021 for the industry — “1) Renewing the focus on customers’ needs; 2) Converging and remixing entertainment experiences; 3) Repositioning to monetize advanced wireless networks.” Check out their full report for more great insights on the job outlook for the telecommunications, media and entertainment industry!
While the trends in the industry are swiftly shifting, so will the career trends. Job seekers, if you are looking to pursue a career in the field — please refer to the chart I have created below regarding the job outlook between 2019 to 2029.
Disclaimer: All information are obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (I have included links for more information)
| Occupation | Job Duties | Entry-Level Education | 2019 Median Pay | Job Outlook between 2019 – 2029 | What To Do |
| Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators | “Film and video editors and camera operators manipulate moving images that entertain or inform an audience.” | Bachelor’s Degree | – $59,810 per year – $28.76 per hour | “Overall employment of film and video editors and camera operators is projected to grow 18 percent (+12,400) from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. The number of Internet-only platforms, such as streaming services, is likely to increase, along with the number of shows produced for these platforms. This growth may lead to more work for editors and camera operators.” | How To Become One |
| Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians | “Broadcast and sound engineering technicians set up, operate, and maintain the electrical equipment for media programs.” | Post-secondary non-degree award or certificate | – $45,510 per year – $21.88 per hour | “Overall employment of broadcast and sound engineering technicians is projected to grow 9 (+13,200) percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth is expected to stem from businesses, schools, and entertainment industries seeking to improve their audio and video capabilities. They will need technicians to set up, operate, and maintain equipment.” | How To Become One |
| Editors | “Editors plan, review, and revise content for publication.” | Bachelor’s Degree | – $61,370 per year – $29.50 per hour | “Employment of editors is projected to decline 7 percent (-8,700) from 2019 to 2029. Despite some job growth in online media, declines in traditional print magazines and newspapers will temper employment growth.” | How To Become One |
| Multimedia Artists and Animators | “Multimedia artists and animators create images that appear to move and visual effects for various forms of media and entertainment.” | Bachelor’s Degree | – $75,270 per year – $36.19 per hour | “Employment of multimedia artists and animators is projected to grow 4 percent (+2,800) from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Projected growth will be due to increased demand for animation and visual effects in video games, movies, and television.” | How To Become One |
| Photographers | “Photographers use their technical expertise, creativity, and composition skills to produce and preserve images.” | High School Diploma or Equivalent | – $36,280 per year – $17.44 per hour | “Employment of photographers is projected to decline 4 percent (-4,800) from 2019 to 2029.” | How To Become One |
| Producers and Directors | “Producers and directors create motion pictures, television shows, live theater, commercials, and other performing arts productions.” | Bachelor’s Degree | – $74,420 per year – $35.78 per hour | “Employment of producers and directors is projected to grow 10 percent (+16,000) from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Job growth in the motion picture and video industry is expected to stem from strong demand from the public for more movies and television shows, as well as an increased demand from foreign audiences for U.S.-produced films.” | How To Become One |
| Reporters, Correspondents and Broadcast News Analysts | “Reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts inform the public about news and events.” | Bachelor’s Degree | – $46,270 per year – $22.25 per hour | “Overall employment of reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts is projected to decline 11 percent (-5,800) from 2019 to 2029. Declining advertising revenue in radio, newspapers, and television will have a negative impact on employment growth for these occupations.” | How To Become One |
| Art Directors | “Art directors are responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions.” | Bachelor’s Degree | – $94,220 per year – $45.30 per hour | “Employment of art directors is projected to decline 2 percent (-1,800) from 2019 to 2029. As traditional print publications lose ground to other media forms, employment of art directors is projected to decrease in the newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers industry.” | How To Become One |
| Writers and Authors | “Writers and authors develop written content for various types of media.” | Bachelor’s Degree | – $63,200 per year – $30.39 per hour | “Employment of writers and authors is projected to decline 2 percent (-3,100) from 2019 to 2029.” | How To Become One |
| Announcers | “Announcers present music, news, and sports and may provide commentary or interview guests.” | Educational requirements for announcers vary. Radio and television announcers typically need a bachelor’s degree in journalism, broadcasting, or communications, along with other experience gained from internships or working at their college radio or television station. Public address announcers typically need a high school diploma with some short-term on-the-job training. | – $39,790 per year – $19.13 per hour | Overall employment of announcers is projected to grow 1 percent (+700) from 2019 to 2029, slower than the average for all occupations. | How To Become One |
| Interpreters and Translators | “Interpreters and translators convert information from one language into another language.” | Bachelor’s Degree | – $51,830 per year – $24.92 per hour | “Employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 20 percent (+15,500) from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Globalization and large increases in the number of non-English-speaking people in the United States will drive employment growth. Job prospects should be best for those who have professional certification.” | How To Become One |
| Public Relations Specialists | “Public relations specialists create and maintain a favorable public image for the organization they represent.” | Bachelor’s Degree | – $61,150 per year – $29.40 per hour | “Employment of public relations specialists is projected to grow 7 percent (+19,700) from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. The need for organizations to maintain their public image will continue to drive employment growth. Candidates can expect strong competition for jobs at advertising and public relations firms and organizations with large media exposure.” | How To Become One |
| Technical Writers | “Technical writers prepare instruction manuals, how-to guides, journal articles, and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily.” | Bachelor’s Degree | – $72,850 per year – $35.03 per hour | “Employment of technical writers is projected to grow 7 percent (+4,300) from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth will be driven by the continuing expansion of scientific and technical products. An increase in Web-based product support should also increase demand for technical writers. Job opportunities, especially for applicants with technical skills, are expected to be good.” | How To Become One |
Below I have asked a recruiting professional to provide some insight and updates about the media and entertainment industry as of today. Danny Gonzalez has been in the Recruiting industry since 2016. He started his recruiting career at Univision, a broadcast media company, where he has recruited for several roles within the business, i.e. Accounting, Finance, Public Relations, Sales, etc. He continued on with his experience and talent at JP Morgan Chase & Co., Morgan Stanley, Amazon Web Services, LiveRamp and CyraCom.
Feel free to connect with Danny afterwards on LinkedIn.
Michelle: What does the future of the Media and Entertainment Industry look like in a post-pandemic world?
Danny: From a half glass full standpoint and depending on which services are being provided; both good and bad. Whether you are a TikTok influencer or a company like Netflix, the script has been flipped. Nielsen, a known and reliable resource for media giants, announced their plan to combine traditional and digital TV ratings, to accurately reflect a world in which audiences are watching TV both live and on-demand, across a variety of different streaming services and devices. I anticipate Marketing to be a very demanding profession in the next coming years.
Michelle: Many aspects of this industry heavily hinged on physical attendance to produce profits – such as sports arenas, concerts and movie theaters. But because of COVID-19, it has imposed restrictions on public gatherings. How will this affect their services?
Danny: Great question! It is true that these type of services that rely heavily on physical attendance, i.e. movie theaters. AMC took a huge hit and is still suffering from this, however, another company like Universal, are striking while the iron is hot. For example, their digital marketing has picked up through social media, and are inclined to the option to share their movies-on-demand. Streaming Services, i.e. Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max more than ever are bringing in exclusive movies that you can only watch through their services. Most notably, Wonder Woman 1984 will be going straight to HBO Max with fans excited about this.
Michelle: What are the pros and cons of media shifting fully virtual?
Danny:
- Pros — On-demand and access mean exactly that. No longer the need to wait in queues or tickets being sold out for events.
- Cons — While the price of a movie ticket may be on the high side, as a consumer, is the trade-off worth paying the same price to watch at home? There are certain experiences that are worth in-person vs. digitally.
Michelle: On the bright side, the digital takeover makes a positive impact for consumers who are still committed to their TVs and online shows. Today, many consumers are viewing, sharing and listening to more online content and with COVID-19, it is forcing those who don’t use technology, to use technology. Do you think artificial intelligence and automated jobs will take over many existing jobs in the industry?
Danny: This has always been the thought/concern for several years now, however, it will take some time before we get there. In any event, I recommend folks to brush up on their communications skills now more than ever and see which tools are and have been the most efficient and effective, i.e. e-mail, phone, conferencing platforms, and whether to go with audio only or audio and visual.
Michelle: Where do you see opportunities for advancement/growth for this industry moving forward?
Danny: Personally, the opportunities that I see for advancement/growth in this industry moving forward are in —
- Digital Marketing
- Customer Service
- Conferencing Platforms
Michelle: What is your advice for those who are interested in pursuing a career in the industry?
Danny: I totally encourage it!! In fact, there is a great organization, T. Howard Foundation, whose mission is to promote diversity in media and entertainment for underrepresented groups and underserved communities within the media and entertainment industry. Check them out! I have personally engaged with the T. Howard Foundation and some of my family members and friends have secured job placements through T. Howard. Good luck!!!
Careers with Michelle 