Presenters are the public face of television. They entertain and inform programme audiences on national and regional television, and satellite and cable channels.

Presenters can work on all kinds of live or recorded programmes, including:

• news and current affairs
• sport
• music shows
• chat shows
• children's entertainment
• gameshows
• specialist programmes such as travel, gardening, history and DIY.

What they actually do depends on the type of show they present, but in general they host programmes, introduce and interview guests and interact with the audience.

During live broadcasts they follow detailed instructions from the production team in order to keep everything to plan whilst on air. They need to react quickly and positively to any problems or changes. Presenters are also often involved in planning, researching and writing their own scripts before filming.

Hours and Environment

As a TV presenter, you will often work long and irregular hours, including early mornings or late nights, depending on the filming schedule of the programme you are working on.

You might work in air-conditioned TV studios, or outdoors on outside broadcasts, which can take place in all situations and weather conditions.

Skills and Interests

To be a TV presenter you need:

• an outgoing and confident personality
• excellent communication and presentation skills
• a flexible approach
• the ability to ‘think on your feet’ and ad-lib when necessary
• research and interviewing skills
• calmness under pressure and the ability to work to strict deadlines
• ‘multi-tasking’ ability
• a good memory, for recalling facts, figures and scripts
• the ability to work well as part of a team.

Entry

There is no set route to becoming a TV presenter. Some start out as journalists or researchers; others have been actors, models, musicians or DJs. Some presenters have a background in the type of programme they present, such as sport, medicine, property developing or history.

For most types of programme, the right look, personality and skills are more important than qualifications, although you will often need to be a trained journalist to present news or current affairs (see Broadcast Journalist profile). Success also often depends on determination, persistence, contacts, and luck.

You should try to get as much experience as possible, to develop an understanding of the production process and to build a network of contacts in the industry. You can do this through:

• community, hospital or student radio or TV - see the Community Media Association website for a list of local stations, and the Hospital Broadcasting Association site for a list of hospital stations

• paid or unpaid work experience in radio or TV – you can find placements through BBC Recruitment, through the RadioCentre (for commercial radio), or by contacting broadcasters and production companies ‘cold’ to ask for opportunities.

Drama school or acting lessons can be useful for learning presenting skills. Some colleges and private training providers also run short courses in TV presenting, but they can be expensive so you should research them carefully.

It is a good idea to have a three-minute ‘showreel’ tape or DVD that shows how you come across on camera. You will usually need a showreel to sell your skills when applying for presenting jobs. You can also sometimes ‘get your foot in the door’ by sending your showreel ‘cold’ to broadcasters, producers and agents.

Another way into presenting can be to enter competitions that broadcasters sometimes run, such as BBC Talent – check broadcasters’ websites for details.

Contact Skillset Careers for more advice on breaking into TV presenting (see the Further Information section below for details).

Training

You will usually develop your presenting skills on the job. You may also get some formal training at the start of your career, in skills like using an autocue or interviewing techniques.

Skillset and the British Film Institute jointly provide a database of media courses, including courses for new and experienced TV presenters. See Skillset's website for more details.

Contact Skillset Careers for practical advice on developing your career, including information on training, networking and marketing yourself effectively.

Opportunities

As a TV presenter, you could be employed by television production companies, national or regional broadcasters, or local cable stations.

Most presenting jobs are freelance contracts ranging from one day to several weeks or months. Competition for work is extremely strong.

Over half of the TV workforce is employed in London. The rest of industry is mainly based in the south east and north west of England, and major regional cities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Jobs and auditions may be advertised in The Stage, on broadcasters’ websites, and broadcasting industry recruitment websites. You may also find work through showbusiness agents, or through word of mouth and networking.

As a successful and established TV presenter, you will often present more than one show and could branch out into radio work, acting, or writing for newspapers and magazines. With experience, some TV presenters choose to move into producing or directing.

Annual Income

Most presenters are paid a fee for each contract. There may be gaps between contracts.

Freelance rates vary widely and may be calculated on a daily or weekly basis. You could negotiate your own fees based on your experience and track record, the type of production and the budget available, or you may be paid according to Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) guidelines.

See BECTU’s website for current minimum rates (details in Further Information below).

Further information

373-377 Clapham Road London SW9 9BT http://www.bectu.org.uk

18 Miller's Close
Rippingale
near Bourne
Lincolnshire
PE10 0TH
Tel: 01778 440025 Guild House
Upper St Martin’s Lane
London
WC2H 9EG
Tel: 020 7379 6000

The New Granary Station Road
Newport Saffron Walden
Essex CB11 3PL
Tel: 01799 544014

The Radiocentre
77 Shaftsbury Avenue
London
W1D 5DU
Tel: 020 7306 2603 The Workstation
15 Paternoster Row
Sheffield
S1 2BX
Tel: 0114 279 5219 Tel: 08080 300 900 for England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Tel: 0808 100 8094 for Scotland Prospect House
80-110 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1HB