Tv Presenter

Typical Salary

To

Typical Hours

45 to 47 variable

evenings / weekends / bank holidays flexibly

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

College / University

Many people get a degree before becoming a TV presenter. Relevant subjects include:

media production
drama or performing arts
journalism or broadcast journalism
media or communications studies

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Apprenticeship

You could do a higher apprenticeship as a broadcast production assistant or junior content producer in broadcasting as a first step towards working in the TV industry.

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Presenters often move into TV from other media jobs like journalism and research, or from presenting on radio or online.

Other Routes

If you have detailed knowledge of a subject like sport, gardening, food or science, you might find work as an expert contributor, presenting or co-presenting programmes with an experienced professional.

Skills And Knowledge

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

Day To Day Tasks

Your daily tasks would depend on the type of show you present, but you may:

meet with the production team to go through the running order
be briefed by researchers, or prepare your own scripts, links and interview questions
rehearse
present, which may include reading from an autocue, interviewing guests and working with studio audiences
react to instructions given to you through an earpiece by the director or floor manager
go through several 'takes' if necessary

Working Environment

You could work at a TV studio.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

Career Path & Progression

With an established TV career, you could branch out into radio work, acting or writing for newspapers and magazines.

With experience, you could also choose to move into other areas within the media industry like production.

Volunteering Opportunities

You could get presenting experience through:

Broadcasters like the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 offer work experience placements, insight and talent days, which can help you get into the industry.

Tips & Information

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/or 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.

Further information

You'll find more details about working in presenting through ScreenSkills and the Broadcast Journalism Training Council.

You can find out more about creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.