TV presenter
TV presenters introduce and host programmes, interview people and report on issues and events.
Working Hours
45–47
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
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
Skills needed
- 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 get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- volunteering
- specialist subject knowledge
Career 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