TV presenter

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• volunteering
• specialist subject knowledge

University

You could do a degree that will teach you some of the skills and knowledge needed to become a TV presenter.

Relevant subjects include:

• media production
• drama or performing arts
• journalism or broadcast journalism
• media or communication studies

Other degree subjects can also be useful. For example, in some presenting roles you may need specialist subject knowledge like:

• science
• history
• economics
• politics

You can search for courses that are approved by ScreenSkills .

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could do an apprenticeship in broadcasting or journalism like:

• Broadcast Production Assistant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Journalist Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
• Senior Journalist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship

With experience and further training you may be able to move into TV presenting.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

Presenters often move into TV from other media jobs like journalism and research, or from presenting on radio or online.

You may be able to start as a production runner or researcher with a media organisation and work your way up with experience and training.

Volunteering

You could get presenting experience through:

• community media
• hospital radio
• commercial radio
• student radio

Look out for:

• work experience placements
• insight and talent days
• internship schemes

These may help you get into the industry.

You can search for opportunities with broadcasters like:

• the BBC
• ITV
• Channel 4

OtherRoutes

If you have detailed knowledge of a subject, such as sport, gardening, food or science, you might find work as an expert contributor, presenting or co-presenting programmes with an experienced professional.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• 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
• a good memory
• broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• customer service skills
• knowledge of English language
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• excellent written communication skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• thinking and reasoning skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

TV presenters introduce and host programmes, interview people and report on issues and events.

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

Location : You could work at a TV studio.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

Salary:

Starter : variable
Experienced : variable

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

45 - 47 hours variable

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays flexibly

Career Path:

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