Media Presenter
(Announcer, Television Presenter, News Reader, Disc Jockey, DJ, Radio Announcer, Broadcaster, Radio and Television Announcer)
Fact Sheet
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Cuing music to be played during a radio program |
Media presenters deliver a variety of radio, television and live programs, including all music formats, music and chat programs, interview and talkback programs, news bulletins and sports programs. They may also present rock and classical music concerts that are broadcast live to air, and pre-recorded programs such as documentary and music specials.
Duties and Tasks
Media presenters may perform the following tasks:
- 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
Specialisations
Areas of specialisation include sports commentator, disc jockey, newsreader, talkback announcer and political commentator.
Quick Facts
School subjects that include some aspect of English provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an English-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of LANGUAGE provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a language-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of the PERFORMING ARTS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a performing arts subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed area protected from the weather. Jobs requiring mainly indoor work are excluded.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
Included are jobs in the visual and graphic arts, in the crafts and in the performing arts, such as music, theatre, radio, film & television, as well as general entertainment and sporting jobs.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH IDEAS, to creatively express, present or perform them. An appreciation of design, style, form, beauty or related concepts used to develop or interpret an idea are important. Activities include writing, painting, singing, dancing, decorating, designing and performing.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH DATA to order, process or retrieve facts and figures, or to develop or administer policies and procedures. Activities include organising, using or updating information, such as files or accounts, developing or following procedures or systems, and the planning, budgeting, and staffing of an organisation.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH PEOPLE, to sell to, influence, motivate, negotiate with, or serve them. Activities include selling, promoting or providing goods or services, bargaining, or presenting a point of view.
These jobs do not usually require completion of secondary education, however further part-time study such as a Certificate III or IV, and on-the-job training, may be required.
Jobs in this group usually require completion of secondary education and/or completion of some further study of a vocational nature, such as a Diploma or an Advanced Diploma.
Jobs in this group usually require completion of a recognised Bachelor Degree, or extensive relevant experience. Some jobs also require post-graduate study, such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master Degree.
Work Conditions
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.
Personal Requirements
- clear speaking voice with good command of English
- broad general knowledge
- interested 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