How to become a Media Presenter

Media Presenter

Media presenters deliver a variety of radio, television and live programmes, including all music formats, music and chat programmes, interview and talkback programmes, news bulletins and sports programmes. They may also present rock and classical music concerts that are broadcast live to air, and pre-recorded programmes such as documentary and music specials.

Personal requirements for a Media Presenter

  • Clear speaking voice with good command of English
  • Broad general knowledge
  • Interest in current affairs and/or music
  • Technical ability to operate broadcasting equipment
  • Able to work under pressure
  • Good communication skills
  • Willing to work in country areas

Education & Training for a Media Presenter

You can work as a media presenter without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job. Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications and you may like to consider a VET course. Applicants may be required to attend an audition or an interview. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.You can also become a media presenter through a traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10. Alternatively, you can become a media presenter by studying media, communications or journalism at university. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with English. Applicants may be required to attend an audition or an interview. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.


Duties & Tasks of a Media Presenter

Media presenters:

  • Announce programs, music and entertainment items
  • Read commercials, both live and pre-recorded
  • Read news bulletins
  • Provide station identification, time, weather and community announcements
  • Introduce live performances
  • Conduct interviews and host talkback programs
  • Make live-action commentary on sporting events, politics, and social and economic matters
  • Work off-camera in television announcing programs
  • Host panel shows and live variety shows
  • Interview personalities at special events, or in studios for live or taped broadcasts
  • Introduce performers and host special events
  • Write their own scripts.

Tasks

  • Introducing programs, music, entertainment items, guests and celebrities
  • Presenting opinions on sports, politics, and social and economic matters
  • Formulating and developing organisations' artistic policies and selecting and planning organisations' artistic programs
  • Preparing and reading news bulletins, making special announcements and providing commentary for sports and other events
  • Directing the formulation of media production strategies, policies and plans
  • Hiring and managing artistic staff
  • Managing artistic and media productions to meet quality, cost and timing specifications
  • Researching, investigating and compiling stories and programs
  • Controlling the use of media production facilities such as studios and editing equipment, stage and film equipment and rehearsal time

Working conditions for a Media Presenter

Media presenters may be required to work irregular hours, including weekends. On-camera presenters need to be well groomed. Specialist presenters, such as sports and political commentators, should have a solid knowledge of the subject they are presenting.


Employment Opportunities for a Media Presenter

Media presenters work for radio and television stations and advertising production houses. Competition is very strong for any positions offered. There are often more vacancies in country radio stations, which is where inexperienced media presenters usually begin their careers. Successful applicants are often those with knowledge in special areas of interest such as sport, music or drama.


Specializations

Media Presenter

Media presenters deliver a variety of radio, television and live programmes, including all music formats, music and chat programmes, interview and talkback programmes, news bulletins and sports programmes. They may also present rock and classical music concerts that are broadcast live to air, and pre-recorded programmes such as documentary and music specials.

  • Average age
    Average age
    39 years
  • Future Growth
    Future Growth
    Decline
  • Gender Share
    Gender Share
    43% female
  • Average full-time
    Average full-time
    47 hours
  • Weekly Pay
    Weekly Pay
    $2,099
  • Skill level rating
    Skill level rating
    Very high skill
  • Unemployment
    Unemployment
    Average unemployment
  • Full-Time Share
    Full-Time Share
    76% Full-Time
  • Employment Size
    Employment Size
    9,300 workers
  • Employment Size
    Employment by state
    ACT: 1.1%
    NSW: 50.5%
    NT: 0.8%
    QLD: 11.3%
    SA: 4.1%
    TAS: 1.2%
    VIC: 25.3%
    WA: 5.7%
  • Employment Size
    Age brackets
    15-19: 1.1%
    20-24: 7.2%
    25-34: 28.9%
    35-44: 29.4%
    45-54: 20.7%
    55-59: 5.6%
    60-64: 3.6%
    65 and Over: 3.4%
  • Employment Size
    Education level
    Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 13.8%
    Bachelor degree: 41.5%
    Certificate III/IV: 6.8%
    Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 9.3%
    Year 10 and below: 4.4%
    Year 11: 2.7%
    Year 12: 21.6%
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