How To Become A Television (TV) Presenter In Australia?

Do you like current affairs, music, and sports and feel comfortable in front of a camera? If yes, a career as a Television Presenter might be ideal for you.

A Television presenter is a multi-faceted role that comprises working in front and behind the camera within the TV industry. They prepare and host news, interviews, sports shows, entertainment programs, and special events on television.

To become a TV Presenter, you don't need formal qualifications. However, a university or VET course in media, journalism or communications may increase your chances of landing an entry role.

This blog will teach you the qualifications, courses to study, where TV presenters work, how much salary you can earn, the job opportunities, and the steps to becoming the best TV presenter in Australia.

1. What Is A Television Presenter?

Television Presenters act as an entertaining intermediate between television viewers and broadcast programmers.

They deliver various programs, including interviews, performances, talk shows, sports, and general news.

Being the 'face' of a TV program, they significantly promote the show and enhance the brand image.

2. What Does A Television Presenter Do?

The duties of a Television Presenter depend on daily events, their skill set, and the type of program they work for. The following are the duties of a TV presenter:

• Host live television events, game shows, sports, current affairs, entertainment, educational or arts programs

• Report from LIVE star-studded events

• Finds guests to appear on the tv program

• Conduct on-air interviews with public figures

• Mediate panel-style discussion shows 

• Research and write dialogue scripts for their show 

• Lend their voice for commercials

• Recap the daily news

• Make public service announcements

• Introduce reporters, celebrities, sportscasters, guests, and newscasters

• Work off-air production in television announcing programs

• Assist with fundraising

• Interact with the public off-camera

• Read news, weather, or sports reports

• Attend newsworthy community events, production meetings, promotional events, social functions, and conferences

• Provide opinions on politics, social, sports, and economic matters

• Reads live and pre-recorded advertisements

• Make station identification, community, and weather announcements

3. Television Presenter Skills For Success

These are the sought-after skills for the Television Presenter role:

• Good command of English

• Confident personality

• Immaculate verbal communication skills

• Good interviewing skills

• Able to remember a dialogue

• Likes to be in front of the camera

• Well presented

• Able to take criticism and rejection constructively

• Clear voice

• Able to articulate their words with precision

• Able to improvise in stressful situations

• Able to work under pressure

• Good knowledge in their area of interest such as current affairs, sports, etc. 

• Able to operate broadcasting equipment

• A good understanding of the television production processes

• Willing to work in rural areas

4. Qualifications Of A Television Presenter In Australia

As many employers train new hires, no formal qualifications are required to become a Television Presenter. However, a University or VET course in media, communication and journalism can improve your entry into this profession.

• Gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in English

• Complete a university degree in media, journalism, or communications.

• Alternatively, complete a Certificate IV in Screen and Media to develop basic knowledge and job skills.

5. Steps To Become A Television Presenter In Australia

Step 1: Get Qualified

If you are in high school, consider taking video and speech classes to improve your public speaking and debating skills. After Year 12, undertake a VET or university degree in media production, journalism, or communication.

The following courses will prepare you for an entry role as a television presenter:

• Bachelor of Media Communication

• Bachelor of Communications and Media

• Bachelor of Journalism Bachelor of Communication (Journalism)

• Certificate IV in Screen and Media

Identify opportunities to give tv presenter auditions for theatre productions in your university. It will improve your communication skills with people in front of a camera. Some universities also provide on-campus clubs or jobs to help you become a better presenter.

Step 2: Refine Your Skills

Though the above courses equip you with the necessary job skills, keep practising and refining your presenting skills by doing the following things:

• Read scripts loudly to develop a clear and engaging speech.

• Develop your grammar and writing style

• Try perfecting your communication, hand gestures, and facial expressions

• Try to articulate your words and hold conversations with people without using filler words

• Ask questions to people and listen attentively

• Talk directly to the camera to get comfortable in front of the camera 

• Watch TV presenters identify how they interact with the camera and absorb their style

Step 3: Identify Your Area Of Specialisation

TV presentation is a vast field with several genres, such as news and current events, sports, music, and more.

Don't try to become a jack of all trades. Pick one area that interests you and gain mastery in it. Read online articles to develop broader knowledge in your chosen field.

As the industry keeps on changing, you must develop the habit of keeping yourself updated with the latest developments.

Your interest in constantly expanding your knowledge and staying updated will put you above your competitors.

Step 4: Create A Showreel

A showreel demonstrates your best on-screen skills, talent, and abilities in an impressive way.

It includes a range of your presenting styles in varying genres and settings. Ideally, a showreel is up to three minutes duration. Use your previous footage experiences to create the reel.

To make your showreel impressive, match it to the position or company to which you are applying. Focus on showing your strengths relevant to the job role. Keeping it precise and simple will get you more recognised.

Show your willingness to work in rural areas and relocate for a position per the project requirements.

Step 5: Look For Low-Level Media Production Jobs

Before you gain the role of a television presenter, you may have to work in media production jobs. These include writing, editor, camera operator, production assistant, and radio host jobs in Australia.

While working, familiarise yourself with the media production environment and learn how a professional television presenter works.

Network with other professionals within the industry that share the same goals and develop meaningful connections with them.

It is an excellent way to stay informed of recent job openings to improve job chances. Also, regularly check job boards for open auditions for television presenting jobs.

Submit the relevant material, such as a resume, showreel, and headshot, to the company you wish to apply for. When attending the audition, stay confident and follow the producer's instructions properly.

Express your gratitude to them for their time in the end. This approach will cast a good impression on them and may increase your chances of success.

National Resources For TV Presenters:

• Australian Broadcasting Corporation

• Community Broadcasting Association of Australia

6. Television Presenter Courses

Many colleges in Australia offer online presenter training experience. This course comprises four modules that cover all areas of Television Presenting:

• Podcasting

• Radio Presenting

• Basic Journalism

• YouTube/Vlogging

These online television presenting courses are suitable for all genres and levels of presenting. It is available in video lessons, audio, and written theory to help students learn at their pace and convenience.

When studying these courses, you learn the following:

• Each element of the camera and audio presenting skills

• How to be natural, confident, and engaging when facing the camera.

• Fundamental working principles in a Television studio to demonstrate in screen test auditions 

• Ways to self-shoot, interview, and script-write effectively

• How to work in a live tv studio

• Create your podcasts and YouTube content

• Radio presentation skills

• Tips and techniques to work as a TV presenter

Certificate IV in Screen and Media

The Certificate IV in Screen and Media provides strong industry knowledge and a practical foundation for the vast spectrum of TV and digital film production, including story development, scriptwriting, pre-production, production, and post-production stages.

By taking this course, students get the chance to work on diverse projects such as studio-based shows, dramas, and documentaries. This helps them create a comprehensive work portfolio and a professional resume to boost their employment chances.

The course covers the following areas of TV and media production:

• Screenwriting

• Storyboarding

• Location and Studio media production 

• Sound recording

• Live streaming for real and virtual productions

• Cinematography 

• Video production

• Multi-camera directing

• Vision mixing

• 2D Animation

• Broadcast Audio Mixing

• Camera operation (studio and on-location) 

• Colour Grading

• Editing 

• Post-production process

On completion of the course, you can work on a plethora of entry-level positions in film and TV, content development, video production, and special effects.

You can pursue the role of a special effects developer, production assistant, assistant director, lighting assistant, or YouTube content creator.

Students can take the Certificate IV in Screen and Media course in any of the below Australian training institutes:

• TAFE NSW

• South Metro TAFE WA

• Swinburne University of Technology- TAFE Course 

• North Metro TAFE

• TAFE International WA

• RMIT University

7. Working Conditions For A Television Presenter In Australia

TV presenters in Australia work irregular hours, including late evenings and weekends. Full-time workers work 46 hours per week. With 59% of workers working full-time, there are plenty of part-time work opportunities in this profession.

The average age of workers in this profession is 41 years. Around 40% of workers are female.

8. Employment Opportunities for a Television Presenter In Australia

Television presenters, also called Television hosts, work in local or national television networks for live streaming productions and live broadcasts.

They do this across all technical areas: audio, camera, directing, graphics and editing. They also work as reporters' commentators on current events and make public appearances or announcements.

Besides hosting TV programs, television hosts can take up a few other roles, such as producing, journalism, acting, directing, wardrobe, technical support, and editing.

A television presenter is a highly competitive profession. More students graduate with film and TV qualifications yearly than job vacancies available. If you possess a diverse skill set in this field, you have a better chance of job success.

Successful applicants have good knowledge and experience in journalism, radio announcements, sports, theatre, drama, and music. Based on top job portals, employers usually hire qualified Television Presenter for the following positions:

• Senior Producer

• Producer 

• State News Producer

• Promo Producer

• Journalist/Presenter/Producer/Analyst

• Presenter 

• Reporter

• Media Sales Coordinator

• Production Assistant

• Senior Account Director

9. Areas of Specialisation

Experienced Television Presenters looking to advance their careers can choose to specialise in the following areas. Choose a career path matching your skills, passions, and interests.

• Media Presenters: They deliver radio, TV, and live programs that include various music formats, rock and classical music concerts, pre-recorded documentaries, music specials, chat and singing programs, talkback shows, interviews, sports programs, and news bulletins. Job opportunities are available in radio stations, Television stations, and advertisement production units throughout the country.

• Sports Commentators: They possess a thorough knowledge of a specific sporting event, including its history, playing rules, and teams. Sports Commentators provide live commentary on sporting competitions while adding their opinions and explanations on the gameplay.

• News Readers: They host news programs for TV and conduct on-air interviews with celebrities, public figures, journalists, news subject experts, and correspondents in the field. News Readers provide a clear report on current day-to-day events while reading from teleprompters written by journalists and news writers.

• Media Correspondents: They are journalists who provide comprehensive and first-hand information and updates about events worldwide. Media Correspondents report news events from a specific location via a video feed. These videos are transmitted to the studio and shown by the newsreader. 

10. Job Prospects Of Television Presenters In Australia

Television Presenter is a very small occupation. According to the National Job Outlook website, the number of Television Presenters grew steadily over five years. 

The healthy demand for skilled TV and media presenters in the screen and media industries shows moderate growth in TV presenter jobs in Australia in the coming years.

Though Television Presenters work in almost all regions of Australia, New South Wales has a larger number of workers.

The top recruiting industries in this profession are Information Arts and Recreation Services, Media, Telecommunications, Scientific and Technical Services, and Professional Services.

11. How Much Does A Television Presenter Earn In Australia?

The average Television Presenter's salary in Australia is AU$ 87,429 per year or equivalent to AU$ 50.87 per hour.

Based on Experience

• Early career Television Presenters (1 to 4 years of experience) earn AU$85,000 

• Mid-career Television Presenters (5 to 9 years of experience) earn AU$114,783

• Experienced Television Presenters (10 to 19 years of experience) make AU$81,927

12. Conclusion

The television industry is exciting ever-evolving unpredictable. Before you put in the effort, be prepared to handle its fast pace, competitiveness, and demands. 

Once ready, get qualified to develop the essential knowledge and job skills. A certificate IV in Screen and Media course is the ideal foundational entry path to this dynamic and versatile profession.

Useful Links to Explore:

• English Language Requirements for Australia
• Cultural differences you may experience in Australia
• How to find Part-Time work as a Student in Australia
• Seven Tips for Students on a Budget in Australia
• How to get a Scholarship to Study in Australia
• Driving in Australia as an International Student
• How to change your Course or Institute in Australia
• The Benefits of a Professional Year Program (PYP)
• A Complete Guide to Study in Australia
• Types of Education in Australia
• What to Study in Australia?