TV presenter
Introduce and host TV programmes, interview people and report on issues and events.
Also known as: tv show host
About the job
Salary
Source: LMI for All
Weekly
£1,120
Average
Monthly
£4,853
Average
Yearly
£58,240
Average
2,100
people are currently employed
Low growth
100 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would introduce and host TV programmes, interview people and report on issues and events.
You would 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 would engage with the audience and keep their interest throughout the programme. Your tasks would depend on the type of show, but typically you would:
Meet with the production team to go through the running order
Be briefed by researchers, or prepare your own scripts, links and interview questions
Rehearse
Present, which may include reading from an autocue, interviewing guests and working with studio audiences
React to instructions given to you through an earpiece by the director or floor manager
Go through several 'takes' if needed
In live broadcasts you would usually follow a script. There may be times when you would have to improvise, for example during an interview.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Related industries
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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.
Here are some of the 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 the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Drama
English
Gaelic (Learners)
Gàidhlig
Media
Skills for Work: Creative Industries
Foundation Apprenticeship: Creative and Digital Media
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 (SCFQ level 9/10) in journalism or specialist subjects like sciences.
Many TV presenters have qualifications in areas like drama, journalism or media studies.
You can enter some relevant National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF 2-6) with no formal qualifications but most courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
To enter a postgraduate course (SCQF level 11) you will usually require an honours degree in a relevant subject.
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.
Qualifications and experience that show understanding of the industry such as Skills for Work Creative Industries (SCFQ level 5) and experience in presenting or performing.
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.
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