Announcer - Definition and Overview

An Announcer is a voice actor who works in television, radio and film, usually providing narrations, news updates, station identification, or an introduction of a product in television commercials or a guest on a talk show.

Announcers usually read prepared scripts, but in some cases, they have to ad-lib commentary on the air when presenting news, sports, weather, time, and commercials. Occasionally, announcers are also involved in writing the script when one is required. Sometimes announcers also interview guests and moderate panels or discussions. Some provide commentary for the audience during sporting events, parades, and other events.

See also: Sportscaster, News anchor, Disc jockey, Japanese announcer

Notable radio and television announcers:

• Jack Buck (St. Louis Cardinals baseball announcer)
• Harry Caray (Chicago Cubs television announcer)
• Vernon Corea (A pioneer announcer of Radio Ceylon/SLBC and the BBC)
• Howard Cosell (Sports announcer)
• Alan Dedicoat ("voice of the balls", BBC National Lottery Show)
• Hal Douglas (Many film trailers)
• Rich Fields (The Price is Right)
• Johnny Gilbert (Jeopardy!)
• Edd Hall (The Tonight Show)
• John Harlan (Name That Tune, People's Choice Awards, Bob Hope television specials)
• Ernie Harwell (Detroit Tigers announcer)
• Bob Hilton (Blockbusters, Trivia Trap)
• Alan Kalter (The Late Show with David Letterman)
• Don LaFontaine (Many film trailers)
• Ed McMahon (The Tonight Show)
• Herbert Morrison (radio announcer who reported the Hindenburg disaster}
• Don Morrow (Many film trailers, Sale of the Century, Now You See It)
• Charlie O'Donnell (Wheel of Fortune, The $100,000 Pyramid, numerous award shows including the Academy Awards and the American Music Awards)
• Johnny Olson (The Price is Right, Match Game)
• Gary Owens (Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In)
• Don Pardo (NBC staff announcer, as well as Saturday Night Live, Jeopardy!, The Price is Right)
• Gene Rayburn (The Tonight Show)
• Rod Roddy (The Price is Right, Soap, Press Your Luck)
• Vin Scully (Los Angeles Dodgers baseball announcer)
• Ray Szmanda (Radio and television advertising, Menards)
• Beau Weaver (Film and television advertising)
• Bill Wendell (Ernie Kovacs show, Late Night with David Letterman, The Tonight Show)
• Gene Wood (Family Feud, Card Sharks, Classic Concentration)