How to Become a Television Presenter in Australia

There are many different types of TV presenters: cheeky, chatty reality show hosts; serious newscasters; the faces of sincere and passionate nature shows; and the bubbly personalities on children’s TV. 

Speaking broadly, presenters introduce and host programmes, typically conducting interviews and reporting current events. Duties differ based on the type of programme you present, the organisation’s size, and your level of experience, but common responsibilities include:

• Mediating discussion 
• Providing commentary 
• Preparing scripts and interview questions 
• Reading from scripts or teleprompters
• Fact-checking details 
• Liaising with production and technical teams to organise broadcasts 
• Undertaking research

Pathways into TV presenting vary just as the work does, but certain moves can place you in the ideal position. 

Take a course  

They aren’t always necessary, but studying for a degree or taking a short course in the following areas could give you an edge – and also a taste of what a career in presenting might look like. 

• Journalism 
• Media studies 
• Communication 
• Media production 
• Performing arts 

Considering going the full mile? Relevant undergraduate degrees focused on broadcast journalism include: 

• Journalism and Professional Writing from the University of South Australia
• Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Queensland 
• Journalism and Broadcast Media from Edith Cowan University
• Communication and Media (Journalism) from University of Southern Queensland 
• Communication and Journalism from Griffith University

If you’ve already got a degree and are considering a career change into presenting, or are juggling studying with professional commitments, you might consider a shorter course, such as:

• TV & Radio Presenting Intensive from Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS)
• TV Presenting Essentials from NIDA (The National Institute of Dramatic Art)
• TV & Online Presenting Course from Brave Studios
• Advanced TV Presenter Workshop from TV Pro Global

Gain hands-on experience 

Experience anywhere in the industry is crucial. Even if your plan is to be the face of a show, getting behind the camera – working as a broadcast assistant or another member of the production team – is a great place to learn the ropes. 

Seek out: 

• Internships, especially those allowing you to shadow seasoned presenters
• Volunteer opportunities at school, hospital, or charity broadcasting organisations – you might be surprised how many organisations have an internal radio system 
• Work experience placements 
• Industry events and open days

Entry-level positions will become more realistic once you have some work experience, so look for presenting work with small local news teams or other opportunities that get you on the air, such as covering for vacationing presenters or participating in panels. A willingness to work in rural areas can also help at the start, as major cities like London and Manchester are highly saturated with talent and so jobs are more competitive. 

Create a showreel 

Showreels are quick compilations highlighting your talents, abilities, and relevant experience. Ideally no longer than three minutes, they should demonstrate: 

• Personality: Instead of mimicking established talent, adopting their speech patterns and mannerisms, aim to convey your personal presence. Producers want to see what you, personally, can bring to a show. 
• Suitability: Tailor your presenting style and sample clips to the position and organisation. This might mean making several different showreels, but your time and effort will be worth it if you land a spot. 
• Adaptability: Whatever topic you choose to speak on, try to show your ability to adapt around it. You could rope in a willing participant to film a mock interview with you or write yourself a set of presentation questions to answer. 

Nurture a niche 

Identifying a specific subject as your area of expertise can focus your efforts and make you more attractive to particular employers or networks. If you set your sights on sports commentary, for example, you can make yourself an expert in all things sport, and then channel this into your showreel and job applications. 

Think about where you’re excelling, what feels most natural, and whether any particular field (such as reality TV, current events, politics, entertainment, or sports) interests you.

Alex Cimbal/Shutterstock

Top presenters make the job look effortless, but rarely can candidates walk in front of the camera and nail it right away. Much comes with experience, but here are the most important skills you’ll want to acquire before stepping in front of a camera.  

Good communication

There’s a real knack to speaking confidently on camera. TV presenters articulate clearly, remain engaging, and often translate complex ideas into concise language anyone can understand. 

Experience is the best teacher, but you can also:

• Study successful presenters, taking note of how they communicate 
• Practise off-air
• Create YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram videos to grow your confidence performing in front of a camera
• Live-stream a video on social media
• Join a Toastmasters club – this international not-for-profit is committed to helping people with their public speaking. 

Personable demeanour

With presenters often conducting interviews and leading panels, people skills are crucial. You’ll need to steer conversation and coax people to open up, possibly dealing with problematic guests or awkward questions. 

Develop some tactics – things like asking open-ended questions and actively reacting to answers – then practise by conducting mock interviews. Plenty of content creators simply interview random people on the street. Why not try it? 

Industry knowledge 

Presenters need to stay on the ball. Those following a daily news agenda could find themselves discussing the latest fashion trends one minute and international affairs the next. But if you’ve specialised, knowing what’s happening, or about to happen, in your industry is crucial. 

Presenters must keep their ears to the ground for emerging information – yesterday’s news won’t cut it. 

It will become second nature if your career takes off, but to get started: 

• Follow relevant accounts on social media 
• Network with colleagues in your field 
• Watch and read relevant shows and publications 
• Subscribe to industry blogs 
• Set up phone alerts for emerging news 

Resilience 

You can expect anything and everything from producers barking into your earpiece as you present, so stress management is essential. This could mean improvising during live broadcasts or making conversation about a topic you’re not very familiar with. 

Rejection is common, and the ability to accept criticism is a must. Remember not to take things personally and that one setback isn’t the end of your career. Give yourself time to relax each day, talk to someone if you’re feeling under pressure, and practise mindfulness techniques to help you recentre.

• Lisa Clare Wilkinson: Has co-hosted Nine Network’s Today, Seven Network’s Weekend Sunrise, and Network Ten’s The Project. 
• Renee Bargh: Popular entertainment reporter, former host of Channel [V] Australia, and co-host of The Voice Australia. 
• Waleed Aly: Social and political commentator who started on ABC TV’s Big Ideas and co-hosts The Project. 
• Rove McManus: Triple Gold Logie winner who started in stand-up and has hosted variety shows such as Show Me the Movie!, Rove Live, Rove LA, and Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?
• Leigh Sales: Former anchor of ABC’s 7.30 Report, Sales has interviewed every living Australian PM, plus Salman Rushdie, Hillary Clinton, and the Dalai Lama.
• Mel McLaughlin: Sports presenter for the Seven Network, regular on Fox Sports News, and previous host of Kick Off, Indian Super League, and Fox Sports FC.