How to become a 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

Average age
41
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
28% female
Average full-time
43 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Entry level
Unemployment
Average unemployment
Full-Time Share
54%
Employment Size
1,600
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%
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%
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%