Job Description for a Television Host
Small television stations routinely hire rookies to host local programs. However, hopeful TV personalities should perform a reality check before embarking on this career path. It takes more than a winning smile to land a TV host job, and only mega-stars take home huge paychecks. If broadcasting is truly your passion, you might find hosting your own TV show rewarding. On the other hand, if you’re just looking for riches and fame, you might want to reconsider.
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Duties
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Television hosts take on a wide variety of duties both on and off the air. They conduct interviews, introduce show elements and relay information to program viewers. Most TV hosts have a hand in writing scripts, booking guests and researching material as well. To enhance their public profile, hosts might also be required to participate in community events and other outside activities.
Education and Experience Requirements
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Recruiters prefer candidates who have completed some kind of training in broadcasting. Classes are available at community centers, technical schools and colleges. It is not uncommon for hosts to have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as communications or journalism. Relevant work experience is often required as well. Many candidates meet this need by completing a station internship or by working at their school’s television station.
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Other Qualifications
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Successful hosts are articulate and charismatic. Candidates must project an image that enhances the show. Depending on the program’s audience, this could mean creating a professional appearance, an edgy look or something in between. A knack for writing is desirable, as well as time-management skills. The ability to meet deadlines is crucial. Candidates should be comfortable working in fast-paced environments and thinking on their feet.
Conditions
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Many hosts work part-time, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports. However, the work can be demanding. Day-to-day office duties like preparing for the show and writing are often performed in cramped noisy newsrooms. While filming, hosts have to sit or stand under a blanket of hot lights. Plus work schedules are often long. Spending holidays on the set or in the office is common as well. On the other hand, some hosts get to shoot at interesting and exotic locations.
Salary
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Only television hosts working for major stations and national networks rake in the big bucks. Most hosts are employed by small or local stations, and salary figures reflect that fact. According to BLS reports, the mean annual wage for television announcers was $41,590 in 2009. Half of all workers represented made between $19,390 and $42,290. BLS experts say hosts working in New Jersey, Washington, Arizona, Massachusetts and California earned the most in 2009. Annual wages for workers in these states averaged more than $54,000.
Outlook
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BLS predicts the number of host and announcer positions in TV and radio will decline 4 percent between 2008 and 2018. Competition for positions will be strong. Each job opening attracts droves of aspiring stars. Candidates familiar with business, consumer or health issues might have an advantage, according to BLS officials. Shows covering these topics are particularly popular; knowledgeable hosts are in demand.
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References
- Photo Credit interview image by Peter Baxter from Fotolia.com
