Tips in 60 seconds... How to become a news presenter

Summary

This video explores the journey to becoming a news presenter, emphasizing that the role is about journalism, not the desire for fame. It highlights that the path often involves being a producer or correspondent before stepping into presenting. Key qualities include a passion for journalism, a drive to break stories, and the ability to handle live TV pressures. The job requires strong communication skills, resilience in the face of technical challenges, and the ability to engage with people, both on-camera and off.

Takeaways

• 😀 You must be able to get past the lens and truly connect with the audience, beyond just appearing on screen.
• 😀 Being a news presenter isn’t about simply reading the news, it’s about being a journalist with a deep motivation for storytelling.
• 😀 Most successful news presenters come from backgrounds as producers or correspondents before gaining on-camera confidence.
• 😀 Having the desire to be on TV is not enough; your primary drive should be journalism and delivering the news.
• 😀 The core of the job is live television journalism, both in the studio and on location, involving interviewing and broadcasting.
• 😀 Even when technical difficulties arise, it’s important to stay calm, keep going, and remember your primary objective—delivering the news.
• 😀 The role of a news presenter is to inform the audience, hold people to account, and break stories as they unfold.
• 😀 Effective communication on camera is crucial for news presenters, but journalism skills and a passion for reporting are equally important.
• 😀 News presenters must be able to adapt to live television’s unpredictable nature and remain professional despite challenges.
• 😀 Becoming a news presenter requires a combination of journalistic drive, on-camera ability, and the confidence to handle live reporting.

Q & A

What is the primary motivation for becoming a news presenter according to the script?

The primary motivation for becoming a news presenter should be journalism, not the desire to be on TV. The role is about delivering news and telling stories, not just reading from a script.

How do most people become news presenters, according to the script?

Most people become news presenters after having experience as producers or correspondents. As they gain more confidence on camera, they are given the opportunity to try presenting.

What skill is crucial for news presenters to effectively communicate on camera?

Being able to break through the lens and make eye contact with viewers is crucial. This helps establish a connection with the audience and makes the news feel more personal and engaging.

What is the role of a news presenter during a live broadcast?

The role of a news presenter is to tell people what is happening, conduct interviews, and anchor the broadcast. They must manage technical issues smoothly and continue presenting even if something goes wrong.

What is emphasized about the nature of live television journalism?

Live television journalism requires flexibility and adaptability. Technical issues are inevitable, and the presenter must remain calm and focused on delivering the news, regardless of any disruptions.

Why is it important for a news presenter to be motivated to find stories?

A strong motivation to uncover stories and hold people accountable is vital for a news presenter. It ensures they are actively seeking important information to share with the public.

What does the script suggest about the technical aspects of being a news presenter?

The script highlights that technical things often go wrong, but the news presenter must carry on regardless. The key is to focus on delivering the content and not get distracted by technical difficulties.

How does the script describe the approach to being on television?

The script advises that being on TV is not about seeking fame or the glamour of television. The real focus should be on journalism—delivering news and stories to the audience.

What is the underlying message about the relationship between news presenters and their audience?

The underlying message is that news presenters must connect with their audience by engaging with them directly. Eye contact and clear communication are key to building that relationship.

How does the script suggest that someone can become a successful news presenter?

To become a successful news presenter, a person must be motivated by journalism, have strong on-camera communication skills, be adaptable to technical issues, and possess a drive to find and report important stories.