Broadcast presenter: Job description

A broadcast presenter is the public face - or voice - of programmes broadcast on television, radio and the internet. They work on a variety of platforms including national, regional, satellite and cable television, online or radio, but their role is always to entertain and inform their audiences by presenting information and/or entertainment in an accessible and attractive way.

The nature of the job varies according to a programme's subject matter, such as news, weather, sport, music, lifestyle, etc. However, the general principles remain the same: a broadcast presenter will often introduce, host (or co-host) a programme, creating links between items, introducing and interviewing guests and interacting with the audience.

Typical work activities

Work activities vary according to the type of programme and broadcast medium. Prior to the broadcast, however, presenters may be involved in:

• researching topics and background information for items to be featured on the programme;
• planning and rehearsing shows;
• writing, and sometimes memorising, scripts;
• liaising with other members of the production and technical team/s.

During the broadcast, presenters may be involved in:

• introducing and hosting programmes;
• interviewing guests in the studio, by telephone or on location;
• playing music;
• reading short news, traffic, sport or weather reports;
• reviewing books, films, music or newspapers;
• providing links between programmes;
• either reading from a script and/or autocue, or improvising;
• keeping the programme running to schedule - responding positively and quickly to problems or changes, and improvising where necessary;
• keeping in contact with the director and production team in the studio gallery, via ear-piece link.

After the broadcast, presenters may be involved in meeting with the production crew to assess/review the broadcast and plan the next broadcast.

Radio presenters on music shows usually 'drive' the desk and operate some of the technical equipment for recording and playback. This generally involves using computers to cue up and play music and jingles.