TV presenter
TV presenters introduce and host programmes, interview people and report on issues and events.
Also known as: Television presenter, TV broadcaster
- Typical hours45 to 47 a week
What you'll do
Your daily tasks would depend on the type of show you present.
As a TV presenter you could:
- work on live or pre-recorded programmes
- go through your show's running order with the production team
- get briefings from researchers, or prepare your own scripts, links and interview questions
- rehearse
- present your show, read from an autocue, interview guests or work with a studio audience
- react to on-air instructions given to you by the director or floor manager
Working environment
You could work at a TV studio.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of media production and communication
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- active listening skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be flexible and open to change
- concentration skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become a tV presenter
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- volunteering
- specialist subject knowledge
University
You could do a degree that will teach you some of the skills and knowledge needed to become a TV presenter.
Relevant subjects include:
- media production
- drama or performing arts
- journalism or broadcast journalism
- media or communication studies
Other degree subjects can also be useful. For example, in some presenting roles you may need specialist subject knowledge like:
- science
- history
- economics
- politics
You can search for courses that are approved by ScreenSkills .
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
Apprenticeship
You could do an apprenticeship in broadcasting or journalism like:
- Production Assistant - Screen and Audio Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Junior Journalist Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
- Journalist Level 6 (non-degree) Apprenticeship
With experience and further training, you may be able to move into TV presenting.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
Work
Presenters often move into TV from other media jobs like journalism and research, or from presenting on radio or online.
You may be able to start as a production runner or researcher with a media organisation and work your way up with experience and training.
Volunteering
You could get presenting experience through:
- community media
- hospital radio
- commercial radio
- student radio
Look out for:
- work experience placements
- insight and talent days
- internship schemes
These may help you get into the industry.
You can search for opportunities with broadcasters like:
- the BBC
- ITV
- Channel 4
Other routes
If you have detailed knowledge of a subject, such as sport, gardening, food or science, you might find work as an expert contributor, presenting or co-presenting programmes with an experienced professional.
Career path and progression
You may be able to move from freelance contracts to a full-time, paid role with a TV channel.
You could switch from smaller or regional TV productions to national and international TV work.
You may be able to go from lower budget programmes to presenting on prime-time TV.
With an established TV career you could take on other media work, like:
- radio
- acting
- writing for newspapers or magazines
- production
Career tips
Some broadcasters hold competitions to find new presenters.
You'll usually need a showreel, with clips of yourself on camera, to give to broadcasters, producers or media recruitment agencies.
You will need to audition and take a screen test.
Competition is strong, so you'll need determination, persistence and the ability to promote yourself.
Jobs are not always advertised, so you need to make industry contacts to find out who is hiring.
Guides for this industry
Related roles
- Job roleActor
- Job roleBroadcast journalist
- Job roleRadio broadcast assistant
- Job roleNewspaper or magazine journalist
- Job roleDJ
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