Anchoring: Radio Presenting

Radio News Presentation

A Radio news presenter must:

·         have excellent presentation and performance skills

·         be able to generate original ideas, and to think creatively about how to communicate them to audiences

·         understand how to use the voice effectively for radio

·         be able to learn how to use a variety of recording equipment and to operate different radio studios

·         be able to present while operating studio controls and co-ordinating a range of simultaneous technical activities

·         be able to communicate knowledgeably and engagingly with audiences

·         have excellent communication skills and be able to draw information from people

·         be able to work calmly effectively under pressure, react quickly, and meet tight deadlines

·         have knowledge of the law, ethics and industry regulations around radio production

·         understand when it is necessary, and how to acquire, the relevant clearances and licences, including copyright and music clearances

·         understand the requirements of the relevant health and safety legislation and procedures

·         have strong IT skills, including word processing and data handling - and, ideally, audio editing and image manipulation software

·         have knowledge of the radio market, different station and programme styles, and audience demographics

What does a Radio Presenter do?

Radio Presenters are the voice of a station or programme, whether they work in speech-based or music Radio. They create the tone and style of radio output and establish a relationship with listeners. They may work for the BBC, commercial or community radio, on local or national stations, or for independent production companies.

Most presenters are self-employed, working on fixed term contracts. Although the greatest concentration of jobs is found in London and the South East of England, Radio Presenters work throughout the UK. Working hours are varied and may involve early mornings, late nights and overnights, as well as working weekends or holidays. In some roles Presenters are expected to travel to work on location, both within the UK and abroad.

Presenters in music radio work for a range of stations and programmes, catering for all musical tastes. Presenters in speech radio work in all genres, from topical talk shows to documentaries, light entertainment and comedy.

A Radio Presenter’s specific duties vary depending on the programme or station. They may present live or recorded shows, scripted and unscripted. They may write scripts and links or work from a brief supplied by other members of a production team. They may conduct interviews with contributors in a studio or over the phone. They may handle debates or phone-ins, or host live events. They should be able to operate various radio studios, and to record audio both in studios and on location.

They must understand the disciplines of the production process, particularly with regard to timings. They work closely with other members of a production team and may be expected to take direction from a Producer or Editor. They are expected to review their own output and to seek and accept feedback on their performance. They are also expected to monitor listener feedback, and contribute to responses to comments, or programme complaints

Tips for radio presenter

1.  Control Stress & Moods

You never know what’s going to happen live on air, whether that’s an angry listener relentlessly shouting at you or one of your shows goes haywire during a broadcast – Whatever the case it’s your responsibility to get a handle on the mood of the station to turn negatives into positives, essentially being the hero in a crisis.

2.  Well Read & Not False

People like to listen to presenters that know what they’re talking, so it’s important to find time to research topics for upcoming shows or guests you’ve invited along.

One thing you want to avoid is coming across as false, for instance reading an article on Wikipedia right before a show does show, so be to set a chunk of time aside to read up on what you’re going to discuss.

3.  Always Pre-Read Scripts

Pre-reading scripts gives you ground to stand on so you know exactly what you’re going to say and are well prepared in advance.

4.  Prepare Before & Paperwork After Shows

Trying to juggle too many things at once can be disastrous, instead structure your time by:

§  Preparing before your shows so you’re well rehearsed

§  Focus on your show and enjoy it

§  Finish any paperwork afterwards

Breaking your day up and planning ahead allows you to concentrate and each activity so you can make the most of them.

5.  Can Laugh at Yourself

Never take yourself too seriously as life’s too short, instead learn to kick back and laugh at yourself as it’s fun for everyone.

6.  Well Turned Out & Always on Time

The beauty of radio is that you’re heard, but never seen, however this doesn’t mean you should come to the office in your pyjamas and slippers.

Dressing nicely, relaxing before a show, and always being on time or earlier makes you feel professional which ultimately comes across to others, even if they can’t see you..

7.  Friends with Everyone

I think it’s important to be friends everyone at your station so you’re kept in the loop and overall have a more enjoyable time.

No matter if it’s commercial, sales, or producers, try to put in face time with all the people involved in making your and other presenter’s shows.

8.  Learn New Skills

Think of your radio station as your command centre with many buttons and dials, to effectively run your hub you have to know all the ins and outs of what they do, so put your thinking cap on and learn what everything does so you’re well prepared and on top form.

9.  Paint Pictures with Words

Radio is unique, it’s the only medium where you paint pictures with words and it has boundless possibilities that are only limited to the listener’s imagination.

Bring your shows to life with the power of story telling to engage and inspire your audience.

10.             Know Your Audience, Live their Life

As the old saying goes “walk a mile in my shoes”, it means to get a better understanding of someone you need to do what they do, talk to the people that they talk to, and so on.

If your audience are into the latest TV show, watch it, if they’re complaining about traffic in the city centre, find out more about it.

The point is to understand and relate to who you’re talking to, even if that means doing things you wouldn’t normally do.

11.             Talk to 1 Person, Not The Entire Audience

Many people on YouTube refer to fans as “YouTubers”, introducing videos with “Hey YouTubers”, this way they aren’t addressing one person, but instead an audience, however this doesn’t feel personal and can lead to viewers switching off.

Instead, frame what you’re saying in a way like you’re talking to one person like a friend, for instance “Hope your weekend was great, we’ve got some fantastic tracks coming your way soon, so stay tuned”.

12.             Air Check Your Shows

When you think shows have gone well, but later on you realise didn’t, is something you really want to improve, which is rather easy to air checking shows.

Once you’ve finished a broadcast, go back and listen to what you’ve said. Think of what went well and what didn’t, then see how you address these issues the next time you’re on air.

13.             Have Something to Say

Who wants to listen to a boring person?

Radio personalities should have something to say and be passionate when saying it as it makes for great radio content, above all else it’s fun to hear someone who genuinely has interesting stuff to say live on air.