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Broadcast Presenter

Presenters are the public face or voice of any broadcast show. Their role is to entertain and inform the listener or viewer.

The actual role will vary depending on the type of programme involved: news, current affairs, sport, gameshow, music show etc. Essentially though, the presenter introduces the programme and creates links between items, often interviewing and introducing guests, as well as interacting with the listeners or television audience.

Radio presenters may be expected to have some technical expertise in order to 'drive' the equipment. This is unlikely to be necessary in television but here other aspects become important, such as physical appearance.

Typical work activities

The typical work activities of a broadcast presenter will vary depending on the type of programme and the medium they are involved in.

Prior to the broadcast, presenters may be involved in:

researching topics;
writing scripts;
selecting music;
providing links between programmes;
discussing the programme with director/producer.

During the actual show a presenter may be involved in:

playing music;
interviewing guests in the studio and over the telephone;
reviewing papers, books, films and music;
reading short news, traffic or weather bulletins.

Radio presenters on music shows usually 'drive' the desk, but news and current affairs presenters would not be expected to have technical knowledge. In this situation they are far more likely to be expected to use a specialist subject knowledge.

Presenters on television come from a slightly different background. Those working on news and current affairs programmes will invariably have had journalism training. Many are specialists in a particular field such as politics, or foreign affairs. Presenters for entertainment shows will normally have followed a performing or acting career before becoming television presenters.

It is very difficult to be specific about working conditions for broadcast presenters. There are huge variations depending on the medium and type of programme involved. The working conditions of a presenter on a small local radio station with a show in the middle of the night will not bear any resemblance to a high profile celebrity with a prime-time television show.

Most presenters will be working on a fixed-term contract to deliver a certain number of shows.
Salaries are normally calculated per show. A well-known radio presenter on national radio could expect to earn in the region of £2,300 for a two-hour show, while a local radio presenter may only earn £50 for a four-hour show.
Generally speaking, television pays more than radio but this, again, may depend on the type of show and the profile of the presenter.
Hours of work will, inevitably, depend on the timing of the show involved and whether it is live or pre-recorded. In all cases the presenter will put in considerably more hours than those that are actually broadcast. Presenters spend several hours prior to the show in preparation; meeting with their producer, researching, writing scripts and rehearsing. There may well be work required after the show as well, reviewing the broadcast with the producer, answering listener or viewer letters and advance planning for the next show.
Virtually all presenters are self-employed on fixed-term contracts.
Much of the national broadcast industry is centred on London, although there are other regional opportunities available.
Presenters have a public image to maintain and as a result must accept some loss of privacy.
Depending on the type of show they are working on, there may be travel involved.

Most presenters, particularly those on national radio and television, will employ an agent to negotiate working terms and conditions on their behalf.

Information taken from Prospects www.prospects.ac.uk for more information

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