TV Presenters are the hosts of television programmes, and work on a huge range of subjects from history to news to entertainment. They introduce and keep programmes flowing, interview their subjects and generally make sure that everything sticks to schedule and that the audience know exactly what is going on at any given time.
In order to be a good TV Presenter, you need to have excellent communicatory skills, and be able to both stick to a script and to improvise if anything was to go wrong at any point. Your personality needs to be infectious to the audience and your knowledge of your show must be backed up with anecdotes, facts and stories that you will have to learn before the show!
Salary & benefits
The industry is a hard one to break and an even harder one to break successfully, and you will be paid based on your reputation and the level of the show that you are presenting. Rates vary widely between channels and broadcasters, but there is scope for small jobs that will pay you one lump fee for a one-off, and huge contracts for the biggest shows on the planet.
Working hours
Your hours would be completely dependant on the programme that you are working on, and the filming schedule that they are employing. Hours can belong, and also completely random, because all shows will record at different times.
You might be working anywhere in the world, depending on the show, and outside broadcasts mean that you might be expected to work in any conditions at all. However, the work is rewarding, and if you break the industry you could end up with a set show every week in an air-conditioned TV studio – luxury indeed!
Entry
This is a slightly tricky one, as there’s no set route into TV Presenting – many presenters start in journalism or research, which often requires a relevant degree. Others begin on YouTube, and vloggers are becoming more and more prominent in the TV market as their stock continues to rise.
Experience is the key in the field, so get presenting as much as possible, and keep building your contacts list – the more people that know you, the more likely you are to be given a shot at presenting something, and a break can come from anywhere.
Presenters often have a two to three minute showreel, which demonstrates their ability, that they send off to talent agents and people looking for presenters. It will sell your ability and your personality, so you need to make sure it’s good quality and showcases the best of your presenting talent.
Training & progression
This is very much an on-the-job learning kind of career, but some people get a heads up by going to an acting or drama school as part of their education. You will need to learn techniques such as autocue and scripting, as well as honing your technique with microphones, using green screens and interviewing guests.