2022 AIR Audio Community Survey
Every year, AIR surveys the audio community at large to gather information about your path into audio, the struggles you're facing, the resources you need and how AIR can best support you through the programs and tools we offer.
In 2022, 441 members of the audio community completed AIR’s Annual Audio Community Survey. Below are some key takeaways from the survey results:
More than half of respondents are currently members of AIR with the majority being members for 1-5 years. 23% had joined within the past year and about 25% have held their membership for 6 years or more. Non-members expressed that the main barrier preventing them from joining is cost. Current members said they joined AIR to:
- Network with other audio makers
- Find work opportunities
- Access free webinars and virtual community events
- Support AIR’s work improving rates and fair practice
When it comes to experience, survey respondents are not new to audio with almost 40% having over 11 years of experience. Less than 4% of respondents are just getting started. Respondents ranged mostly between the ages of 25-54, with 35-44 being the highest age category.
A surprising majority (over 55%) said they taught themselves what they know. Only about 18% said they went to journalism school and about 30% had internships that helped their journey.
When asked about employment status, the majority of respondents are (31%) freelancing and/or (31%) actively looking for work in the audio sector. 30% have salaried jobs in the audio sector and 28% work on passion projects that they are not being paid for. Other responses that were manually submitted include people who work in education, owners of production studios/networks, holding multiple part-time jobs to sustain passion projects or are retired.
The top forms of professional development respondents are most interested are: networking (72%), classes (55%), mentorships (45%) and webinars (45%).
An overwhelming 80% of respondents have to pay out of pocket for any professional development with only 15% stating they have a budget through their employer.
Over 80% of respondents play the role of producer compared to 55% from 2021. That's not the only role where we saw a huge increase from last year. Compared to our 2021 Community Survey, the percentages of all roles increased drastically. One possible reason for this is a change in selection options on this year's survey compared to last year. In 2021, users were only able to select one role. In 2022, we allowed users to select multiple options to get better details on the many roles that people take on. The results suggest that people are doing more than just one role or are working hybrid roles where they wear many hats.
We also know that our community works on a wide variety of audio formats. Respondents were able to select multiple types of formats they produce resulting in 75% podcasts, 49% long form narrative, 46% interviews and talk shows, and 46% audio documentaries.
Being an AIR member includes many opportunities ranging from professional development, networking, mentorship and training. Plus, AIR members get access to SoundPath, AIR’s digital training platform for the audio community. Out of the extensive amount of resources AIR offers, the Rate Guides (73%) and Job board (57%) are the most utilized by respondents.
When asked what respondents think AIR's top priorities should be, they indicated the following:
- Expanding the field through opportunities for diverse voices
- Online training offerings
- Developing legal resources to help members understand and negotiate contracts
- Access to mentorship
When it comes to things our community struggles with, a large portion of respondents indicated that they struggle with promoting themselves and their work. As an immediate response, AIR is now offering a monthly workshop called Self Promotion for Independents.
In terms of the biggest challenges facing the audio industry at the moment respondents selected:
- Lack of employer awareness on what it takes to produce high-quality radio and podcasts
- Unclear paths for professional growth and opportunity.
- Inequitable, unfair rates and compensation for freelance and independent audio makers.
It is clear that many freelancers and audio workers frequently encounter management with unrealistic expectations on the time, energy and cost involved in producing high quality content.
There is much education that needs to happen around leadership and management at production studios, newsrooms and other hiring companies. To address some of these challenges, AIR is hosting a panel discussion with industry professionals called Adjusting to a Changing Audio Industry on Friday, April 14, 2023.
Donations to AIR strengthen our ability to advocate for fair compensation, grow opportunities, establish new partnerships, and invest in the remarkable community that is AIR’s member network. Our ability to learn from, respond to and work on behalf of our members is everything. Our programs actively expand the field by training a new and diverse generation of editors and leaders and building a network of skilled producers, engineers, sound designers and editors. Your donation makes our work possible. Donate today or become a member.
Thank you to all who participated in the survey.
We are grateful to those who helped us spread the word about the survey, especially: