Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Western Carolina University

While the career paths listed on this page represent the high end of the media industry, your initial opportunities after graduation will likely be rooted in the smaller, regional markets of Western North Carolina and the surrounding Appalachians. This area doesn’t have the large corporate media headquarters of a major city, which explains the lower early-career earnings. Instead of a major network, think local TV news stations in Asheville, community radio, or digital content roles for local businesses and tourism boards. The program provides a solid, hands-on foundation, but lacks the high-powered recruiting pipelines of schools in major media hubs like Atlanta or New York. To maximize your degree's value, you must be proactive. Build a powerful portfolio and aggressively pursue internships in larger markets like Charlotte or even out-of-state during your summers.