Broadcast presenter
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.
Work activities vary according to the type of programme and broadcast medium. Prior to the broadcast, however, presenters may be involved in:
During the broadcast, presenters may be involved in:
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.
Although this area of work is open to all graduates and diplomates, the following degree, HND or foundation degree subjects may improve your chances:
Alternatively, a degree in the genre you wish to work in within the broadcast industry may be useful, e.g. politics or economics. However, entry without a degree, HND or foundation degree is also possible.
Postgraduate study is not essential for general broadcasting positions, but it can be useful - especially if you have an unrelated first degree - for gaining relevant practical and technical skills and industry contacts. To become a news or current affairs presenter or reporter, a journalism qualification is increasingly necessary, while expertise and further study in politics, finance or economics also helps. Careful research into course content, tutors, accreditations by relevant official bodies and likely outcomes is advisable before you commit to further study.
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
The route to broadcast presenting is not direct and there is no fixed entry route. Requirements vary according to the type of programme and broadcast medium. Many news presenters start out as news gatherers in local radio, or in newspaper journalism. Television presenters in light entertainment shows may come from acting, reality TV or even modelling backgrounds, while many music radio presenters may have had performance careers, worked as self-employed club or radio DJs, or been producers or broadcast assistants. Detailed knowledge and experience of a specialist field, such as music, sport, gardening or history, can also lead to a presenter role. It is often about being in the right place at the right time, with the right face or voice for the occasion.
Freelance presenting is a difficult route for new graduates to take, and work may entail presenting programmes on television, radio and the internet, or fronting commercials, corporate videos, training videos, etc. However, unless you are employed by a channel full time, and therefore a well-known name, you should only expect one or two freelance jobs per month. Most broadcasters in the early stages of their careers will need to find another source of income.
Broadcasting is a highly competitive area, requiring enthusiasm, persistence and a proactive approach to hunting for jobs and work experience. New graduates may have to enter the profession in a related role, such as a runner, a broadcast assistant or programme researcher and work up from the bottom. Prospective radio presenters often create tapes illustrating their presentation styles and send them, with a CV, to the programme controllers of the stations where they would like to work. Broadcast presenters should compile a DVD showreel of three to four minutes in length, which enables employers to gauge a presenter's performance. The showreel should consist of a series of the presenter's 'best of' clips.
Pre-entry work experience is vital. This might be through on-campus media activities and events, such as student newspapers and radio (see the Student Radio Association (SRA) ), or via vacation work with local hospital radio and television stations (see the Hospital Broadcasting Association (HBA) ). Try to gain as much experience as possible and start early - you will need a foot in the door and as many contacts as possible.
BBC Work Experience offers unpaid placements, many of which provide an excellent insight into broadcasting. Competition is fierce. You can apply up to 12 months in advance. Another way to gain experience is to pay a fee and have your details posted on websites such as Start in TV and The Casting Studio . Finally, you could consider signing with an agent.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Most presenters are expected to be fully trained before starting the job. Training can be acquired by working in a supporting role on a broadcasting team - as a broadcast assistant, for example - or through independently taken courses. Independently undertaken training is offered through organisations such as TV Training Academy , Pukka Presenting and Radio Presenter Training .
Training in employment is unlikely to be formalised and any offered will normally involve familiarisation with the specific systems and formats used for individual programmes. If the role involves the use of technical equipment, such as microphones or recording equipment, or to work or 'drive' the desk, training for this will normally be provided on the job. However, since most presenters produce their own demo tapes, a certain level of technical knowledge is expected.
Be proactive in seeking opportunities to improve your range and level of related skills. Creative Skillset Careers offers various freelance and mentoring programmes.
Other organisations, such as the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematographic and Theatre Union (BECTU) , RadioCentre and the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC) , run various useful training programmes and placements. BECTU has a Student Register aimed at students in higher education and full-time education who are looking towards a career in media and entertainment (broadcasting, film, theatre, live events). BECTU supports this initiative with regular e-newsletters on industry issues. BECTU also holds an annual Freelancers' Fair in London in June and other events around the country throughout the year.
Broadcast presenting is an unpredictable profession, and career development may be more about achieving your personal ambitions than following a set progression route. Many presenters start in local radio or in minor roles on television. The voluntary sector can also be a good starting point, through opportunities in hospital, community and university radio stations. Other presenters start out in print journalism, taking radio opportunities and then television opportunities as and when they occur.
Most presenters try to develop their careers by moving to more prestigious programmes, more mainstream time slots or by being the support presenter to the lead role. From here, presenters hope to move to national or international radio or television.
This is a highly competitive industry and continuing professional development is important if you want to keep up and progress. Grasp all opportunities as they arise, read the trade press and network with other professionals. It may help to have a proactive agent. For more specialist programmes such as current affairs, extending your professional profile by writing for a broadsheet newspaper or journal, for example, can help with career development.
The most successful presenters often have a portfolio career, presenting on more than one show or station and perhaps appearing on both television and radio. The Creative Skillset Careers website offers practical guidance on getting on in the media industry and furthering your career through training and professional development.
It should be noted, however, that this is a rapidly changing industry and while there are a plethora of television channels employing all kinds of presenters thanks to satellite and cable broadcasting, the commercial television industry has been severely affected by the economic downturn. Even high-profile broadcasters are having to accept pay cuts and renegotiated salaries. Programme budgets have been slashed and regional news, especially on ITV, has been severely affected by a lack of advertising.
Broadly speaking, the broadcasting industry can currently be divided into television and radio and then sub-divided into national, regional and local stations. However, its structure is constantly changing and new channels are continually launching. Potential employers include:
The Office of Communications (Ofcom) website gives a good overview of the independent television and radio stations in the UK. The blurring of boundaries between broadcasting, telecommunications and the internet creates both threats and opportunities. More and more programmes and niche market productions for specialist channels are being made, resulting in increased opportunities available with digital, cable and satellite stations. Interactive services are also on the rise. There is more mobility and easier entry into the industry, but the flip side is less job security.
Many television channels, programmes and newspapers now have interactive elements and websites, which means that new media has become heavily involved in broadcasting.
Many job vacancies go unadvertised, so independent research and speculative applications may be another route to gaining employment in the industry.
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.
Tweet