1. What is the curriculum at ABS? What will I learn?
American Broadcasting School is a vocational trade school teaching all the programming skills required to become a broadcaster. Instructors guide students in the following areas: On-Air shows, Production (writing and producing commercials with sound effects/music), News (writing and on-air delivery), Sportscasting (writing and on-air presentation including play-by-play if desired), Advertising Sales, Digital Production (production using Computers), Computer-Based Broadcast Technology (computerized broadcast .....literally everything you would do at a Radio Station).
There is an area not covered at American Broadcasting School --- Engineering. Equipment repair is not in the school curriculum. Radio broadcasters are not required to repair equipment...therefore we do not address it beyond preventive maintenance and basic engineering.
2. How long is the course?
Our program is approximately 8 1/2 months (34 weeks) in length.
3. What are the hours required? When can I attend?
Students attend class 30 hours per week (33 hours per week the final four weeks of the program) and are allowed to complete almost half of their weekly scheduled hours at home! This hybrid method of delivery provides the utmost flexibility for our students to succeed in obtaining a quality education around personal obligations. The school is open from 8:00am to 10:00pm Monday through Friday. A student has flexibility in determining his/her on-campus school schedule.
4. When can I start the program if I choose to enroll?
Because the program is modular, you can start any Monday provided there is studio time available.
5. What is modular training?
At ABS, modular training means you are basically in a class by yourself. It's as if you go to work at a radio station with an instructor guiding, counseling -- with continuous constructive critique.
6. Is there any classroom work?
Yes. Most of the course is done in the studio -- 75%. However, students must learn the "knowledge" of radio... FCC Rules and Regulations, Broadcast Terms, and Programming to name a few. Radio theory, practical information, and weekly quizzes are addressed in a 4-hour lecture held weekly. There is also a 2-hour classroom work session weekly called Vocal Coaching. Vocal Coaching contains exercises designed to focus on students' voice pacing, inflection, enunciation, and accent.
7. Who are the instructors?
ABS uses only professional instructors. Our instructors must have several years' experience in broadcasting before joining the staff at ABS.
8. What happens if I have to miss some classes?
Of course, absences mean missed coursework and missed opportunity. However, we realize that situations arise that may cause you to miss some classes... illness, family vacation, etc. If this happens, you will have the opportunity to make up missed assignments.
9. How good is the school's job placement assistance?
Excellent! Our placement rate is always VERY high...and has been that way for over 44 years! We believe there are several reasons we maintain this high placement rate:
A) ABS is known all over the nation for graduating well-trained, qualified people. Longevity and quality are two reasons radio station continually call us for our graduates.
B) Our job placement directors work extremely hard helping place our graduates. They assist students in preparing portfolios, composing ads for national broadcast magazines, conferencing about job interviewing, etc.
10. What if I want to enroll now?
It's easy! Contact the school you are interested in attending to set an appointment to tour the facilities, speak with the Admissions Office, and with the Financial Aid Office (if financial aid is desired). Then decide which Monday you want to start...complete the enrollment papers, and you're ready to go!
11. Do I need a High School Diploma or G.E.D.?
Yes, a High School Diploma or G.E.D. Certificate will be required before enrollment.
12. How do I know I have the talent to do this?
It's a learned skill. Anyone can learn how to do air shows, production, news, etc...if they are willing to listen to the instructors and apply themselves.
13. How do I know what you are telling me is true?
CHECK US OUT! We are extremely proud of our 44+ years of having an outstanding reputation. You need to know that. Call around to radio stations, talk to our students... we know what you will find out, but you need to know. We want you to be sure you're in the right school before you make a decision. When you're ready, we'll make a broadcaster out of you!!
