Presenter - Broadcasting

Also known as:

Broadcasting Presenter
Radio Presenter
Television Presenter
TV Presenter

Introduction

Presenters in broadcasting work in radio and television. They may introduce programmes, link items together, give out information and make apologies for interruptions.

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Work Activities

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

Presenters keep shows and programmes running, some of which are 'live'. They introduce guests and performers, providing a link between each part of the programme. A presenter's style reflects their personality and is in keeping with the image that the producer wants for the programme.

Some presenters entertain by telling jokes and stories while others give an informative delivery in a more serious manner. Whereas some presenters read from 'autocues' or learn a script, others need to be able to perform without formal preparation.

Continuity announcers provide the vocal link between programmes. They inform the watching or listening audience of what is coming on in the future. 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. Newsreaders may be involved in writing and editing scripts.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You will need confidence and clear speech. The ability to think and react quickly is vital, especially when broadcasting 'live'. Concentration is important as 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.

You should enjoy working with other people such as the production team and participants in the programme. Television presenters need to be comfortable and natural in front of the camera; radio presenters need to sound at ease.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for presenters vary widely.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Presenters earn in the range of £16,000 - £23,000 a year, rising to around £33,000 - £50,000 a year for those with significant experience. Fees for well-known and celebrity presenters are usually negotiated between agents and broadcasters. At this level, earnings can be very high.

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. In television and radio, some announcers may be required to work shifts.

Many presenters work on a freelance basis.

Employers include radio and television companies and programme makers, the BBC, ITV companies, Channel 4, Five, satellite and independent production companies.

The BBC operates national, regional and local radio plus the World Service. There are opportunities with other national stations, such as Classic FM and Virgin, and with independent local radio stations.

Newsreaders may find work with the BBC or specialist news companies, such as ITN, which provide a specialised news service for all the independent television companies, or independent radio news.

Presenters are drawn from many backgrounds. Some entrants have special skills or performance experience.

There is fierce competition for all posts.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now 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, business celebrities or politicians.

A background working in TV/radio, for example, as a production assistant/producer or researcher, would be valuable.

• 47% of people in occupations such as presenting are self-employed.
• 9% work part-time.
• 4% have flexible hours.
• 1% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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