Radio Presenter
Māngai Reo Irirangi
Alternative titles for this job
Radio presenters prepare and present news, music, interviews and other radio programmes to entertain and inform audiences.
Pay
Radio presenters with up to five years' experience usually earn
$48K-$70K per year
Senior radio presenters usually earn
$70K-$90K per year
Source: NZ Broadcasting School, 2021.
Job opportunities
Vocational PathwaysPay
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.
- PAYE.net.nz website – use this calculator to convert pay and salary information
- Employment New Zealand website - information about minimum wage rates
(This information is a guide only. Find out more about the sources of our pay information)
What you will do
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.
Skills and knowledge
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.
Working 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
What's the job really like?
Matthew Pledger
Radio Announcer
From an early age Matthew Pledger had a fascination with radio that eventually led to him becoming a radio announcer.
Work experience and study
“My journey in radio started with work experience when I was 13. I loved the environment and after finishing college I applied to study at the New Zealand Broadcasting School.
“Studying isn’t necessary to get into radio, but I strongly recommend it. The training and practical skills I learned are the reason I got an internship and that resulted in a job working as an announcer. I’m now hosting the network breakfast show on More FM every Saturday.”
Lots of variety
“During the week I write and read traffic reports that get broadcast nationally across radio networks. On Saturday I do the network breakfast show which involves reading local marine and individual weather reports for all of the regions. I also prepare content for the show so it’s a very early start but an incredibly fun work environment. No two days are the same.”
Work hard and opportunities will come
“As younger generations embrace different ways to tell stories, there will be opportunities for jobs. The radio industry is always looking for those who can share stories and be engaging.
“Work hard, be curious and when an opportunity comes you’ll be ready.”
Entry requirements
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.
Secondary education
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.
Personal requirements
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.
Useful experience
Useful experience for radio presenters includes:
- public speaking
- journalism
- sales and marketing
- drama or speech training
- any work in the broadcasting industry.
Physical requirements
Radio presenters need to have clear speech and an expressive voice.
Find out more about training
- Auckland University of Technology
- 0800 288 864 - www.aut.ac.nz
- New Zealand Broadcasting School, Ara Institute of Canterbury
- (03) 940 7546 - www.nzbs.com
- Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi
- 0508 926264 - ssc@wananga.ac.nz - www.wananga.ac.nz
What are the chances of getting a job?
Radio presenter job opportunities limited
The number of vacancies at established radio stations is declining because radio increasingly has to compete with other types of media for audience attention. Therefore, there are limited vacancies and strong competition for any jobs that become available.
According to the Census, 441 radio presenters worked in New Zealand in 2018.
Education and experience improve radio presenter job chances
Chances of getting a radio presenter job are best for those with experience and broadcasting qualifications. Having a variety of media skills, such as journalism, video production and social media, may improve your chances of getting work.
More opportunities at community, iwi and student radio stations
Your best chance of getting work or experience as a radio presenter is with community, iwi and student radio stations. Entry-level positions are available at these stations due to high staff turnover, but are often poorly paid or voluntary and competition may be high for vacancies.
Small range of employers
The main employers of radio presenters in New Zealand are:
- MediaWorks
- Radio New Zealand.
Smaller community, iwi and student radio stations throughout New Zealand also employ radio presenters.
Sources
- Ara Institute of Canterbury website, accessed March 2021, (www.ara.ac.nz).
- Pledger, M, radio presenter, MediaWorks Radio, careers.govt.nz interview, March 2021.
- Reilly, B, radio course leader, New Zealand Broadcasting School, careers.govt.nz interview, March 2021.
- Stats NZ, '2018 Census Data', 2019.
(This information is a guide only. Find out more about the sources of our job opportunities information)
Progression and specialisations
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.
Radio presenters entertain and inform audiences by presenting a range of radio programmes
Last updated 7 August 2024