Specific duties of television presenters are determined by their employer.
Television presenters may specialize in specific areas of announcing, such as children's programmes, news, sports or the weather and, obviously, need to be familiar with their chosen areas. Between programmes, they may be required to advertise forthcoming productions, make promotional and public announcements and identify the station. Some presenters introduce live programmes, while others announce pre-recorded or filmed programmes.
Television announcers and presenters work under bright, hot lights in front of cameras. Presenters may also be required to make appearances in the community for charity, social and community events. They are required to work irregular hours in shifts.
Some television presenters also develop, create, record and produce special television programmes.
Satisfying Aspects
- variety of work
- opportunities to make public appearances and being well known
- possibly being able to specialize in your field of interest
Demanding aspects
- working under hot lights
- irregular hours, including nights, weekends and holidays
- high degree of work pressure
- keen competition for jobs
Requirements
A television presenter should:
- have confidence and initiative;
- have a well-groomed appearance;
- be able to react quickly in an emergency;
- project personality to audiences;
- be able to work well with others;
- have good judgement;
- have a pleasant, well-controlled speaking voice and good pronunciation;
- have good health and stamina.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Dramatic Arts, Languages, Visual Arts, Music
Training
An appropriate Degree or Diploma in Drama or Speech and Drama - RU, US, UP, UCT, UKZN, UFS, Wits.
Diploma: N.Dip: Drama - DUT, TUT, Northlink FET
Television presenters also receive in-service training.
Candidates must pass an audition for the post of presenter.
The following are important in an audition:
- voice quality;
- appearance;
- free speaking ability;
- reading ability;
- knowledge of mother tongue and other languages;
- music knowledge;
- ability to communicate;
- pronunciation and expression.
Employer
- television companies
- self-employment, doing freelance work
Contact
National Television and Video Association of South Africa (NTVA)
P O Box 16140
Vlaeberg, 8018
Fax: (021) 424-7580
SABC Recruitment Department
M-Net Recruitment Department
eTv Recruitment Department
www.ntva.org.za