News Reader

If you're passionate about storytelling and want to play a role in shaping public discourse, this could be the perfect career path for you. Here's why:

Firstly, as a news presenter, you get to be at the forefront of sharing important information with the public. You'll have the opportunity to report on current events, share stories that matter, and connect with viewers on a daily basis. It's a role that requires excellent communication skills, a passion for storytelling, and a keen interest in the world around you.

Additionally, being a news presenter offers a dynamic and fast-paced work environment. Each day brings new stories and challenges, keeping the job fresh and exciting. You'll have the chance to work with a team of professionals, including journalists, producers, and camera operators, to bring the news to life.

As a career choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders it can also provide a platform to represent and amplify Indigenous voices and perspectives. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander news presenters have the opportunity to share stories from their communities, highlight important issues, and contribute to greater diversity and inclusion in the media landscape.   

As an example, First Nations Media Australia is the national peak body for First Nations not-for-profit broadcasting, media and communications. First Nations Media Australia supports the First Nations broadcasting and media industry to provide essential media and communications services to metro, regional and urban First Nations people and communities

Overall, a career as a news presenter in Australia offers a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact, stay informed about current affairs, and engage with audiences from diverse backgrounds. 

What a typical day looks like

Here's what a typical day might look like for a news presenter:

• Morning Briefing: Review news stories, updates, and assignments for the day during a morning meeting with the editorial team.
• Research and Preparation: Conduct research on upcoming news topics, gather background information, and prepare scripts for the day's broadcasts.
• Studio Setup: Arrive at the studio early to prepare for the broadcast, including setting up equipment, testing microphones, and reviewing visuals.
• Rehearsals: Participate in rehearsals with the production team to ensure smooth delivery of scripts and coordination with other presenters or reporters.
• On-Air Broadcasting: Present news segments live on-air, delivering updates, interviews, and breaking news stories with professionalism and accuracy.
• Adapting to Breaking News: Stay flexible and ready to adapt to breaking news stories by quickly updating scripts and providing live coverage as needed.
• Collaboration: Coordinate with producers, editors, and other team members to ensure seamless transitions between segments and maintain the flow of the broadcast.
• Post-Broadcast Review: Debrief with the editorial team after the broadcast to discuss what went well, areas for improvement, and any adjustments needed for future segments.
• Follow-Up Tasks: Complete any follow-up tasks, such as recording promos, updating social media channels, or preparing for upcoming interviews.
• Continuing Education: Stay informed about current events, industry trends, and best practices through ongoing professional development and training opportunities.

How to Become a News Reader

Becoming a news reader and presenter in Australia typically involves a combination of education, training, and practical experience. While there isn't a specific degree required for this role, many aspiring presenters choose to pursue qualifications in journalism, communications, or media studies.

Universities offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs in journalism and media that can provide valuable skills and knowledge for aspiring news presenters.

In addition to formal education, gaining practical experience through internships, work placements, or volunteer opportunities is essential for building a strong foundation in broadcasting. Many universities and vocational colleges offer practical training programs or internships with local news organizations, allowing students to develop their on-air skills and gain exposure to the industry.

Joining professional associations such as the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) can also be beneficial for aspiring news presenters. Membership in these organizations provides access to networking opportunities, industry resources, and professional development workshops to help individuals navigate their careers in broadcasting. 

Is this career for me?

Assessing whether a career in news presenting is suitable for you requires self-reflection and careful consideration of your skills, interests, and values. Here are ten questions to ask yourself:

1. Do I enjoy being in the spotlight and feel comfortable speaking in front of large audiences? Enjoying being in the spotlight and feeling comfortable speaking in public is essential, as news presenters often address large audiences on live television.

2. Am I passionate about staying informed about current events and breaking news stories? Having a passion for staying informed and keeping up-to-date with current events is crucial for a successful career as a news presenter.

3. Can I remain calm and composed under pressure, especially during breaking news situations? Being able to remain calm and composed under pressure, particularly when reporting on breaking news or unexpected events, is a key attribute for a news presenter.

4. Am I able to articulate information clearly and concisely, ensuring it is easily understood by viewers? Having strong communication skills and the ability to articulate information clearly and concisely is vital for effectively conveying news stories to viewers.

5. Can I adapt quickly to changes in the news agenda and adjust my presentation style accordingly? Being able to adapt quickly to changes in the news agenda and adjust presentation styles accordingly is essential for keeping viewers engaged and informed.

6. Do I have a natural curiosity and desire to investigate stories and uncover new information? Having a natural curiosity and a desire to investigate stories and uncover new information is important for delivering insightful and engaging news coverage.

7. Can I handle criticism and feedback from viewers and colleagues constructively? Being able to handle criticism and feedback constructively, both from viewers and colleagues, is essential for personal and professional growth as a news presenter.

8. Do I have the ability to build rapport with interviewees and conduct interviews effectively? Having the ability to build rapport with interviewees and conduct interviews effectively is important for gathering information and presenting diverse perspectives on news stories.

9. Am I committed to upholding journalistic integrity and ethics in my reporting? Demonstrating a commitment to upholding journalistic integrity and ethics in reporting is essential for maintaining credibility and trust with viewers.

10. Can I handle the demanding schedule and irregular hours often associated with a career in broadcast journalism? Being able to handle the demanding schedule and irregular hours associated with a career in broadcast journalism, including early mornings, late nights, and weekends, is important for maintaining a successful career as a news presenter.

Want to Learn More?

To continue your exploring this as a career path visit the follow career and training websites and related links:

• yourcareer.gov.au
• Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance - meaa.org
• firstnationsmedia.org.au

ARTICLE SOURCES

LabourMarketinsights.gov.au

Yourcareer.gov.au

Note salary information source taken from ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021, Customised Report. Median weekly total cash earnings for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. Earnings are before tax and include amounts salary sacrificed. Earnings can vary greatly depending on the skills and experience of the worker and the demands of the role. These figures should be used as a guide only, not to determine a wage rate.