Announcer or Presenter

An announcer or presenter is the front person for television and radio programmes, appearing regularly on every edition of the programme and linking guest speakers.

The Work

You might work on various kinds of programmes, for example news, chat shows, children’s shows, quiz shows, sport or political programmes.

As a presenter you could be:

• introducing and interviewing celebrities and politicians


• researching and writing scripts


• telling your guests in advance the questions you will ask


• discussing and planning the programme with the director or producer.

• providing links between programmes, chatting or telling jokes either scripted or unscripted


• giving details of future programmes


• reading short news, traffic or weather bulletins.

• reading the news from a script or autocue


• introducing clips of news stories or live reports from journalists on location


• writing scripts.

Conditions

• You will work from studios but might travel out on location.


• You might work early mornings, evenings, nights or weekends and split shifts.


• You will probably be employed on short contracts.


• When on television you will dress smartly.


• You will have to think of what to say on the spot, to fill in, if there is an interruption in broadcasting.


• You need to be able to talk using an autocue, adlibbing round it but not losing your place.


• You will often work under pressure - broadcasting while listening to what is happening in the gallery if there are technical problems.


• The trend is to be multi skilled and able to operate technical equipment. In future, you may have to be your own technical crew on location.

Getting In

• Entry is very competitive.


• Skills such as confidence, fluent speech and the ability to network are more important than formal qualifications. Being easy to work with is important.


• You should make a demo reel or tape to show your ability.


• There are no formal entry requirements, but most entrants have a degree. Any subject is acceptable but qualifications in drama, journalism or media studies would be relevant.


• For news and current affairs you usually need training in journalism.


• Employers rarely advertise posts. The best way in is to make contacts in the field and send in show reels again and again. And follow up with visits and phone calls.


• If you send a CV make it one side of A4 only - a presenter has to get information over as concisely as possible.


• Relevant work experience is very important. You may have to do several work experience placements without pay before getting your first job.


• Get experience through student, hospital or local radio, BBC Recruitment or RadioCentre.

What Does It Take?

You should have:

• self-confidence


• good appearance


• a clear and attractive speaking voice and conversational style


• a good memory


• quick wits


• good organising and planning skills


• an enquiring mind


• an ability to work under pressure


• a flow of good ideas


• awareness of the technical aspects of broadcasting


• a knowledge of media law and a willingness to keep to the rules


• knowledge about current affairs or about specialist topics such as sport.

Training

Most training is on-the-job. Entry to specialist courses is very competitive. The BBC runs training schemes for broadcasting journalists. Other broadcasters run short courses.

Getting On

• Within Scotland, most top jobs are in the cities, but there are openings for beginners in local radio and TV stations.


• Knowledge of Gaelic can widen the range of opportunities, because of the growth of Gaelic broadcasting.


• Although you might get a long-term contract, you will more probably work freelance, with not much job security.


• You might start as a continuity announcer in local radio and move on to present radio programmes on a regular basis.


• From there you could become a television presenter. If you are very lucky you might eventually host your own chat or game show, but this is rare.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual salaries may vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

If you are a young person aged 18+ you may be interested in The Network - formerly TVYP (Television and Young People).

The Network is part of the Media Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival.

The Network runs a major 5-day event each year. Applications for the 2010 event closed on 16th April 2010. Check the MGEITF website for 2011 dates.

You can download application forms from their website (see Addresses).

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.