How To Become A TV Presenter In Ghana

A television presenter (or television host, some become a “television personality”) is a person who introduces or hosts television programs, often serving as a mediator for the program and the audience.

Below is How To Become A TV Presenter In Ghana

What does a television presenter do?

Television presenters front and present factual and entertainment television shows. You could be working on a range of program types, including:

documentaries

children’s television

game shows

current affairs programmes

reality TV shows

This is a highly competitive career. 

You will usually need to audition and complete a screen test to become a television presenter. You’ll need excellent communication skills and be willing to work long hours and shifts. 

What do I need to do to become a television presenter?

While there are no specific qualifications required to become a television presenter, many people begin their careers by working as runners or media researchers behind the scenes of television shows. Some people become television presenters after working as actors.

Some presenters move into TV from other areas of the media like journalism or media research and may already have a degree. You may also need a degree or detailed knowledge if you wish to work on a specialized program such as science, history, or property development.

Whatever qualifications you have, you will need to have the right kind of skills and personality. Competition for jobs is very strong so you will also need determination, persistence, and the ability to network and promote yourself.

If you’re serious about a career as a television presenter, you’ll need to have a showreel – a short film that shows your on-screen presenting skills.  

You should try to get as much experience as possible of presenting, to develop an understanding of the way the industry works, and to start building up a network of contacts.

You could do this through work experience or voluntary work in the community, hospital, or student radio. 

You could still get into TV presenting without a degree if you have the right kind of skills and personality.

Competition for jobs is very strong so you will need determination, persistence, and the ability to network and promote yourself. 

You will need to get as much experience as possible of presenting, to develop an understanding of the way the industry works, and to start building up a network of contacts.

You could do this through getting experience in community, hospital, or student radio and work placements (such as with the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4).

To do a degree, you will usually need five GCSEs (A-C) including maths, English, and science, plus three A levels or equivalent level 3 qualification. 

You should check with universities for exact entry requirements as vocational qualifications are acceptable for some degree courses but not all.  

No specific A levels are required, but relevant ones include English literature, English language, media, psychology, sociology, communication studies, and law. Check with universities regarding specific subjects and entry requirements.

Vocational courses in media studies would be relevant for this work and performance-related courses. 

Related skills

Teamwork

Communication

Creativity

Literacy

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Academic route

A levels including English literature/language, media, psychology, sociology, communication studies and law

Vocational route

Courses in media studies

Related subjects

Art

Drama, music, and performing arts

English

Foreign languages

History

Media studies

Desirable qualifications

Undergraduate degree

What subjects do you need to be a TV presenter?

An appropriate Degree or Diploma in Drama or Speech and Drama – RU, US, UP, UCT, UKZN, UFS, Wits.

Television presenters also receive in-service training. Candidates must pass an audition for the post of the presenter.