Presenter (broadcasting)

Broadcasting presenters work in radio and television. Some present, or co-present, a whole programme; others provide links between programmes; some read the news.

Also known as:

Radio presenter
Television presenter

Work activities

There are a number of presentation jobs in radio and television. These include programme presenters, continuity announcers and newsreaders.

Programme presenters are the face (or voice) of a programme. They introduce guests and performers, providing a link between each part of the show. A presenter’s style reflects their personality and is in keeping with the tone that the producer wants the programme to have. Some presenters entertain by telling jokes and stories while others have a more serious, informative delivery. Some presenters read from an autocue or learn a script, others need to be able to perform without formal preparation.

Continuity announcers provide the vocal link between programmes. They tell the viewing or listening audience what is coming up. They describe changes to programmes and sometimes interrupt broadcasts with urgent news or apologies for faults. Continuity announcers are usually live on the air. Announcers are given an exact amount of time to fill between items, which could change at short notice. Therefore, they must have extra material to fill any gaps.

Newsreaders present news programmes and bulletins, reading from a script or an autocue system. They introduce pre-recorded news stories and live reports from journalists on location. Some newsreaders are involved in writing and editing scripts. Local, national and international travel may be a feature of this work. Presenters often work long and irregular hours.

Personal qualities and skills

As a presenter, you need:

Confidence and clear speech.
The ability to think and react quickly.
To enjoy working as part of a production team.
To be able to take direction.
To be comfortable and natural in front of the camera/microphone.
The ability to concentrate – you may be running a show while listening to instructions from the control room and watching signals from the floor manager.

Some presenters require specialist knowledge.

Pay and opportunities

Rates are highly variable. You should check the NUJ’s reported rates of pay to see what you can expect to earn on different types of broadcasters (BBC/commercial) for different kinds of work. Consider joining a trade union to ensure you have access to the best pay and conditions, relevant unions include the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the broadcasting and communications union BECTU.

Presenters often work long and irregular hours according to the demands of filming or recording. Early starts, late finishes and weekend work may be required. Some television and radio continuity announcers work shifts.

Opportunities for radio presenters occur regionally in towns and cities throughout the UK. Most TV presenter job are in major broadcasting production centres such as London, Birmingham, Manchester/Salford and Leeds. Employers include radio and television companies and programme makers, including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and satellite and independent production companies. The BBC operates national, regional and local radio. There are also opportunities with other national radio stations, such as Classic FM and Absolute, and with independent local radio stations. Newsreaders may find work with the BBC or specialist news companies, such as ITN, which provides a news service for ITV, Channel 4 and commercial radio. Opportunities occur for presenters to work on assignment in other countries.

Many presenters work on a self-employed basis.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on:

Job boards.
Employers’ websites.
Specialist sites such as Casting Now, Broadcast Now and Star Now (you may have to pay for these).

Entry routes and training

There are no formal recognised entry routes into this type of work. Presenters are sometimes well-known in other fields before they are offered jobs, some enter the field with a background in self-produced video work – “vlogging”. Continuity announcers often have experience of other broadcasting work. All presenters need confidence and clear speech. Continuity announcers may need the technical knowledge required to operate sound equipment. Newsreaders are usually qualified broadcast journalists.

Training is usually on-the-job and depends on the programme requirements and your previous experience. With experience, presenters can progress to higher profile work.

Qualifications

There are no particular qualifications needed for this role. Employers and clients will be looking for skill.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Presenters of some programmes, such as children’s and young people’s television shows, are usually young adults.

Some presenters/hosts have had previous careers as professional sportspeople, journalists, celebrities or politicians. A background working in TV/radio, e.g., as a production assistant/producer or researcher, would be valuable.

Related careers

Actor
Broadcasting researcher
Disc jockey
Lecturer
Production assistant