Media Presenter

A Media Presenter delivers news, current affairs, entertainment, or specialist content to audiences through radio, television, or digital platforms in Australian broadcasting. The role requires clear vocal delivery, on-air presence, and the ability to engage audiences while adhering to Australian broadcasting codes and editorial standards set by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Presenters work from studios or outside broadcast locations, reading scripts or ad-libbing content, conducting interviews, and responding to live audience feedback.

Read scripts and ad-lib content with appropriate tone, pace, and clarity to deliver news bulletins, weather reports, or entertainment segments. Conduct interviews with guests, community members, or experts, preparing questions in advance and responding dynamically to answers. Liaise with producers and technical directors during live or recorded broadcasts to manage timing, transitions between segments, and technical cues. Research current events, story backgrounds, and guest information to enable informed and credible on-air commentary. Operate teleprompter equipment and hand signals from floor managers to maintain timing and delivery during live broadcasts. Ensure compliance with ACMA broadcasting codes regarding content standards, accuracy, balance, and community standards. Participate in pre-broadcast planning meetings to understand story angles, segment structure, and editorial direction. Deliver sponsored content and advertisements while clearly distinguishing advertising from editorial material.

The standard entry pathway requires a bachelor degree or higher (ABS Skill Level 1). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

Broadcasting is contracting fast. Radio stations are closing, TV audiences are shrinking, and most growth is in digital platforms where presenters earn less and job security is weak. You'll likely start on low pay doing weekend or night shifts, and breaking into prime-time roles takes years. Your on-air presence matters more than qualifications, so career progression depends partly on luck and connections.

Regional stations exist but offer fewer roles and lower pay. Digital media jobs are scattered but don't require relocation. Practically speaking, you need to be in or willing to move to a major metro area for traditional broadcasting work.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 2121, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

• Active Listeningcore
• Adapt to type of mediacore
• Adaptability and Flexibilitycore
• Attention to Detailcore
• Continuous Learning and Upskillingcore
• Cultural Awareness and Sensitivitycore
• Digital Literacycore
• Empathy and Emotional Intelligencecore
• Multitaskingcore
• Research and Analysiscore
• Stakeholder Communicationcore
• Time Management and Prioritisationcore
• Verbal Communicationcore
• Written Communicationcore
• Adopt a relaxed posture
• Check correctness of information
• Conflict De-escalation
• Goal Setting and Planning
• Inclusive Practice
• Microsoft Teams Collaboration
• Negotiation
• Workload Self-Management
• Zoom Video Conferencing

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026