TV presenter
Introduce and host TV programmes, interview people and report on issues and events.
Also known as: TV show host
About the job
What it's like
Would you like to broadcast to the nation and meet lots of interesting people? As a TV presenter you'll introduce and host TV programmes, interview people and report on issues and events.
You'll be the public face of TV. You could work on national or regional television, or satellite and cable channels.
You could work on all kinds of live or recorded programmes, such as:
news and current affairs
sport
music shows
talk shows
children's entertainment
game shows
special interest programmes such as travel or history
You'll engage with the audience and keep their interest throughout the programme.
Your tasks might include:
meeting with the production team to go through the running order
attending briefs with researchers and production crew
preparing and rehearsing your own scripts, links and interview questions
presenting, which may include reading from an autocue, interviewing guests and working with studio audiences
reacting to instructions given to you through an earpiece by the director or floor manager
filming the programme, including 're-takes' if needed
You'll usually follow a script but there may be times when you have to improvise, for example during an interview or if you're chatting to the public. It's great if you can think on your feet and you engage well with other people.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
BBC Careers – find out about working at the BBC, including work experience, trainee schemes and apprenticeships
ITV Careers – discover what it's like to work at ITV, including apprenticeship, graduate and work experience programmes
4Talent – find out about Channel 4's training schemes, work experience programmes, workshops and careers events
Sky Careers – discover opportunities for graduates, apprenticeships, work experience and placements at Sky
Katie Thistleton's story, BBC Bitesize – find out why Kate loves being a TV and radio presenter and how she got into her career
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- recalling
- self esteem
- attention to detail
- creative
- verbal communication
- reading
- networking
- cooperating
- reflecting
- positive attitude
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
English
Gaelic (Learners)
Gàidhlig
Media
Skills for Work: Creative Industries
Foundation Apprenticeship: Creative and Digital Media
Drama
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There are no set qualifications required to enter this role but some presenting jobs require a degree in journalism or specialist subjects such as sciences. Let's look at how you could get into this role.
University
Subjects that would be useful for working as a TV presenter include:
Drama
Journalism
Media Studies
English
Film and Media
Broadcast Production
Use the My World of Work course search to find relevant degrees.
To enter a postgraduate course that's relevant for TV presenting, you'll usually require an honours degree in a relevant subject.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you find a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects could include:
Communication / Media
Radio Broadcasting
Outside Broadcasting
Television Production
Use the My World of Work course search to find relevant courses.
Work
The most useful qualifications include practical skills and work placements. You could still get into TV presenting without a degree if you have the right kind of skills and personality.
Competitions for jobs is very strong so you will also need determination, persistence and the ability to network and promote yourself.
You should try to get as much experience as possible of presenting, to develop an understanding of the way the industry works and to start building up a network of contacts.
Use the My World of Work job search to find vacancies.
Getting work experience in a relevant role is a great way to build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a TV presenter. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
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