A job as a newsreader

[Uzoma]

I think I could really be a good news reader/caster. Is i possible to get a job in this area without actually studying to be a journalist? What should I start trying to do?

[Buenchico]

Television newsreaders are normally very experienced journalists. They're senior to many of their colleagues because they normally have editorial input. (i.e. they help to determine the way that each item should be presented). So, you're chances of becoming a TV newsreader without extensive training (usually at degree level) and experience as a journalist are almost nil.

Newsreaders on radio, however, are often part of the continuity team. Although many are also journalists, this is not always the case. See here:
http://www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/helpwithyourcareer/j obprofiles/profiles/profile829/

What you really need to think about is what newsreaders do when they're not reading the news. They certainly don't get a full day's pay for reading a few short bulletins! Most newsreaders are working throughout the day to help compile the news broadcasts (which is why experience in journalism is essential). Others (particularly in radio) will be working as production assistants or doing jobs like taking phone calls to compile the traffic reports.

Chris

[tonyhe]

Try work experience on local community radio stations. I know it is hard at first trying to get through the door but be persistant, many of them like the extra help. You need at least A level English, Geography skills and a grasp on recent Historic events if you want to enter the news arena. Many of my friends who work for BBC Radio in newsrooms up and down the country started off by recording themselves on cheap 4 track cassette tape recorders and mixing their voices in and out of music tracks. You can make as many mistakes as possible until you get it right via this method. This is also how budding musicians start out on their way to stardom...Buenchico is right though, newsreaders you see on TV today are fully trained up journalists. Good luck!!