Nelson College
Radio Presenter Māngai Reo Irirangi
Radio presenters prepare and present news, music, interviews and other radio programmes to entertain and inform audiences.
Radio presenters may do some or all of the following:
- research and prepare scripts for programmes and interviews
- host interviews or talkback shows
- operate studio equipment
- select and play music and programmes
- read news, sports or weather reports
- provide commentary on live or current events
- communicate with their audience via social media, email and telephone
- write, narrate and produce adverts and promotions for radio station clients
- host community events and competitions.
Physical Requirements
Radio presenters need to have clear speech and an expressive voice.
Useful Experience
Useful experience for radio presenters includes:
- public speaking
- journalism
- sales and marketing
- drama or speech training
- any work in the broadcasting industry.
Personal Qualities
Radio presenters need to be:
- excellent communicators with good listening skills
- organised and good at planning and research
- confident and quick thinking
- able to work to rigid schedules and manage time effectively
- relaxed and personable
- able to make decisions under pressure and improvise if necessary
- interested in people and the community
- able to pronounce English and te reo Māori words correctly and clearly.
Skills
Radio presenters need to have:
- excellent communication skills
- knowledge of different musical styles, trends and performers
- knowledge of current events and subjects of interest to the audience
- technical skills in order to operate broadcasting equipment.
Conditions
Radio presenters:
- usually work shifts, including early mornings, evenings and weekends
- work in radio studios for community-based or commercial local, regional or national (network) radio stations
Subject Recommendations
There are no specific secondary education requirements to become a radio presenter. However, English, languages, media studies, music, dance and drama, te reo Māori, and digital technologies are useful.
Radio Presenters can earn around $48K-$70K per year.
Pay for radio presenters varies depending on experience, audience size and the type of radio station.
- Entry-level radio presenters usually earn between minimum wage and $50,000 a year.
- After three to five years' experience radio presenters usually earn between $50,000 and $70,000.
- Senior radio presenters with five to ten years' experience usually earn between $70,000 and $90,000.
- High-profile radio presenters with large audiences can earn
more than $90,000.
Entry-level radio presenters are usually paid a salary while more experienced radio presenters are usually paid contract rates.
Source: New Zealand Broadcasting School, 2021.
Radio presenters usually start off working for small regional radio stations before moving into roles with larger, more popular network radio stations.
Radio presenters may specialise in:
- music
- talkback
- current affairs or news
- commercials
- master of ceremonies (MC) work
- voice-over work.
Years Of Training
There are no specific requirements to become a radio presenter as you gain skills on the job. However, most employers prefer to hire radio presenters who have a clear speaking voice and a broadcasting qualification.
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