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Broadcast presenters inform and entertain audiences by delivering content in an engaging and accessible way across television, radio, and online platforms

As a broadcast presenter, you'll introduce and host programmes, link between segments, interview guests and engage with the audience.

The specifics of your role will depend on the focus of the programme, such as news, weather, sport, music, or lifestyle.

Responsibilities

As a broadcast presenter, you'll need to:

• research topics and background information
• write scripts and other digital content, including podcasts
• plan and rehearse shows
• introduce and host the show using a combination of prepared scripts (often with the aid of autocue) and ad-lib or improvise where appropriate
• interview guests in the studio, by telephone or on location
• play music and jingles
• deliver news, traffic, sport or weather reports
• provide links between programmes
• engage with audiences across social media
• in radio, 'drive' the desk and operate some of the technical equipment for recording and playback, using computers to cue up
• keep the programme running to schedule, responding positively and quickly to problems or changes and improvising where necessary
• in television, keep in contact with the director and production team in the studio gallery, via ear-piece link
• adhere to broadcasting codes of conduct
• liaise with other members of the production and technical teams
• meet with the production crew to assess or review a broadcast, analysing stats and user feedback and to plan future shows.

Salary

Salaries vary enormously, depending on whether you're working full time for a channel/radio station or working freelance on an ad-hoc or short-term contract basis.

Advice on current pay guidelines may be available from the and . Most presenters work freelance, and payments are normally calculated per show or on short, fixed-term contracts to deliver a certain number of programmes.

Working hours

You'll work much longer than the actual broadcast hours and work is rarely, if ever, 9am to 5pm. 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.

Hours may be long and unsocial, involving early mornings, evenings or weekends, although this depends on the timing of the programme and whether it's live or pre-recorded.

What to expect

• Working conditions vary depending on the medium and programme type. For example, a late-night radio presenter's experience is very different from that of a high-profile TV host.
• Many presenters (particularly those on national radio and television) employ an agent to negotiate working terms and conditions on their behalf
• You'll spend most of your working time in a radio or television studio, but some broadcasts may be made outside, which can involve working in all conditions.
• The national broadcast industry is largely based in London and MediaCityUK in Salford, with additional studios in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leeds and Birmingham. Local and regional studios operate throughout the UK.
• You'll have a public image to maintain and, as a result, must be prepared for some loss of privacy.
• Travel requirements will vary according to the programme you're working on. For example, live roadshows or location-based features can involve significant travel and time away from home. Documentary-makers and roving reporters may travel across the UK or internationally to cover stories and events.

Qualifications

You don't 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 or media production
• drama or performing arts
• journalism
• media or communications studies.

Certain courses have been assessed by the radio and television industries and are approved by ScreenSkills, the industry skills body. Details of courses can be found at .

A degree relevant to the area that you wish to work in, such as politics or economics, may also be helpful.

Skills

You'll need to have:

• outstanding communication and presentation skills, both on-air and off-air
• a clear, engaging voice and confident performance skills suited to the intended audience
• strong research and interviewing skills, with the ability to ask insightful, relevant questions
• creativity and originality in generating engaging content ideas
• a personable, confident, and adaptable manner, with strong on-screen or on-mic presence
• a broad knowledge of current affairs and cultural trends, with the curiosity to explore diverse topics
• digital literacy and familiarity with social media, streaming platforms and content management tools
• the ability to build rapport with guests, contributors and audiences across different platforms
• an understanding of media law, copyright, and broadcasting regulations
• the ability to promote and represent yourself professionally
• quick thinking, with the ability to take initiative and respond calmly under pressure or during live broadcasts
• strong teamworking and collaboration skills, working closely with producers, technical staff and other presenters
• the capacity to solve problems and a flexible approach to adapt to changing plans or unexpected events.

Work experience

You'll need to develop the practical skills required for presenting, ideally supported by relevant experience that demonstrates your ability and confidence on air. This could include involvement in student radio or TV, creating content for YouTube or podcasts, or working with local or community media outlets. Make sure to keep recordings of your work to showcase to potential employers.

There's no single entry route into broadcast presenting, and requirements vary depending on the medium and type of programme. For example, television presenters in light entertainment may come from backgrounds in journalism, acting or modelling, while music radio presenters might previously have worked as performers, DJs or producers.

For work experience opportunities, see .

Employers

You're likely to begin in an entry-level role such as runner, broadcast assistant, production assistant or programme researcher, while you develop your presenting skills and gain industry experience.

Broadcasting remains a highly competitive field, so you'll need enthusiasm, persistence and a proactive approach to finding both job opportunities and work experience. Many established presenters are represented by agents who help them secure work.

The broadcasting landscape continues to evolve rapidly. While it still includes traditional television and radio split into national, regional and local services, it's increasingly shaped by digital, on-demand and online media.

Potential employers include:

• the BBC - for both radio and television, nationally and locally
• independent television companies such as ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, as well as digital-only and streaming channels
• national, regional and local commercial radio stations
• independent production companies that create content for broadcasters and digital platforms
• podcast and internet radio producers
• online video platforms and content networks, including YouTube channels and social media content creators.

There are growing opportunities in digital broadcasting, streaming services, podcasting, and interactive formats, as new media continues to reshape how audiences access and engage with content.

Look for job vacancies at:

The UK radio and audio charity aims to promote excellence in radio and audio and has an extensive calendar of regional and national events.

Many job vacancies go unadvertised, so independent research and speculative applications may be another route to gaining employment in the industry. Specialist directories that include relevant contacts include:

Professional development

You'll usually be expected to have the necessary skills before starting the job. These can be acquired by working in a supporting role on a broadcasting team, as a broadcast assistant, for example, or through independently taken courses.

Independent training is offered through organisations such as:

On-the-job training will generally be given for use of any specific technical equipment, such as microphones or recording equipment, or to drive the desk in radio. However, since most presenters produce their own demo tapes, a certain level of technical knowledge is expected.

Organisations that run various useful training programmes and placements include:

The union Bectu has a free  aimed at those looking towards a career in media and entertainment (broadcasting, film, theatre, live events). It also provides discounted membership rates for runners and new entrants - runners can join at £8 per month for their first two years and new entrants can join for £5 per month for their first year.

The annual event provides a great opportunity to hear from industry professionals, through a series of seminars and workshops.

Career prospects

Broadcast presenting is a competitive and unpredictable profession, and career development often depends more on your personal goals and visibility than on a set progression path.

Many presenters start out in local radio, community media, or in junior television roles. Valuable early experience can also come from university or student media, podcasts, YouTube channels, and community stations. Some presenters enter the industry through journalism or other performance-based careers, taking opportunities in radio and then television as they arise.

Career progression may involve moving to more prominent programmes, securing peak-time slots, or stepping up from a support presenter role to lead presenter. Over time, you might aim to work on national or international broadcasts.

A proactive agent can help you identify and secure opportunities, while career support schemes - such as those offered by can assist with training, networking and professional development.