Broadcasting presenters

What does a broadcasting presenter do? Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills

Broadcast presenters work for the BBC, national independent radio and television companies and local/regional radio stations. Opportunities may also arise with independent television and radio production companies. Key responsibilities include:

• writing and rehearsing scripts
• meeting with programme directors/producers to discuss programmes/shows
• choosing and playing music
• organising meetings, interviews and schedules
• undertaking relevant background research
• interviewing guests via the telephone or in person
• presenting traffic, weather and/or news summaries
• giving reviews of newly released books, films, music etc
• providing programme links
• operating technical equipment, such as radio ‘desks’

Most jobs occur in major cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds. Vacancies attract intense competition, with many receiving little or no advertising. Consequently candidates need stamina, enthusiasm, determination and perseverance to succeed. Opportunities are advertised via the internet, in newspapers, and specialist publications such as The Stage, The Radio Magazine, Media Week, Ariel and Broadcast. Networking, job shadowing, speculative applications and sector research are essential (directories including The Guardian’s Media Guide, and the Blue Book of British Broadcasting can provide useful contact information).

Qualifications and training required

A degree is not a prerequisite for entry, although applicants with qualifications in journalism, communication/media studies, music technology, performing arts, English and media performance may be preferred. Specific degree subjects may be required for specialist programmes. A genuine interest in, knowledge of and/or experience of television/radio is essential.

It is essential to gain as much paid or unpaid work experience as possible – this may be as a broadcast assistant, actor, producer, or news-gatherer, or via self-employment as a club/private disc jockey (DJ). Voluntary work for student newspapers/radio stations and local/hospital radio and television stations can also be helpful.

Key skills for broadcast presenters

Employers seek confident and creative candidates who are adaptable, calm and able to work well under pressure. Good organisational, communication, team-working and problem-solving skills are also necessary.

What to expect

• Presenters work much longer than the actual broadcast hours. Pre-show preparation, such as meetings with the producer, researching, writing scripts, rehearsing and post-show review, which includes discussing the broadcast with the producer and beginning advance planning for the next show, all add to the working day.
• Most work is based in a radio or television studio, but may also include outside broadcasts, which involves working in all conditions.
• Much of the national broadcast industry is centred in London or MediaCityUK in Salford. Other studios exist in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leeds and Birmingham. Local or regional studios are available throughout much of the UK.
• Presenters have a public image to maintain and, as a result, must be prepared for some loss of privacy.
• Travel during the working day varies according to the type of programme. Radio roadshows, for example, involve a significant amount of travel, with presenters working away from home for extended periods of time. Similarly, documentary-makers or roving reporters can also be expected to travel in the UK and abroad to cover stories and news events.

Qualifications

You do not need a degree to become a broadcast presenter as employers tend to look more for experience and practical skills.
However, some degree, HND and foundation degree subjects may be useful and could provide you with relevant knowledge that can be used in the job. These include:

• broadcast/radio/television/media production;
• drama/performing arts;
• journalism;
• media/communications studies.

Certain courses have been assessed by the radio and television industries and are approved by Creative Skillset, the industry skills body. Details of courses can be found at Creative Skillset Courses Directory.
A degree in the particular area that you wish to work in, such as politics or economics may also be helpful.

Skills

You will need to have:

• excellent communication and presentation skills;
• performance skills and a clear voice;
• ability to generate original ideas;
• personable and confident manner;
• a broad range of interests, including current affairs;
• good research and interviewing skills;
• confidence and the ability to sell yourself;
• awareness of media law;
• the ability to take the initiative and make quick decisions under pressure;
• team-working skills;
• creativity and problem-solving skills.