A presenter works on the frontline of a radio or television and engages the audiences or viewers with their information, news or gossip. The areas of specialisation extend to radio, television, theatre and even stage.

Presenters can work in specialised areas like sports, nature, animal world, celebrity, literature, music shows and even game shows. They are also involved in holding the attention of the audiences and at times engaging them in an interactive session. Presenters are also involved in introducing and hosting programmes, introducing and interviewing guests on various shows and interfacing with them.

Presenters should have the gift of the gab, a presentable demeanor and spontaneity. These individuals have to work closely with the production team and follow detailed instructions in order to keep the programmes as per the requirements whilst on air. They also need to be quick to respond swiftly and positively to any problems or changes that may be introduced at the eleventh hour. Normally, before a programme goes on air, the Presenters discuss the details with the directors/producers. Presenters are usually involved in the planning, researching and rehearsing processes. With experience and enhanced skills, Presenters become confident to write their own material as well.

Prospective applicants need to have an outgoing personality, be self-confident and must possess the ability to engage with an audience. Excellent communication and presentation skills are essential for this profession.

At times, they are required to memorize facts and make ad-lib presentations for which they should have the requisite aptitude. A keen understanding of the production process, a constant awareness of the current affairs, a creative mind, and the willingness to work under pressure and long hours are some of the issues related to this profession for which individuals should be willing to put their best foot forward.

Though a lot of glamour is attached to this profession, it includes a lot of hard work and dedication. The rewards are generous, coupled with perks. The role can also involve traveling, meeting people from across industries and different areas of society and the opportunity to communicate with them on a one-to-one basis. One can graduate to senior positions depending on one’s progress and willingness to prove individual worth.

While Television includes national and regional networks as well as satellite channels, the Radio industry includes national and regional networks and independent radio stations.

There aren’t any specific qualifying degrees, though some do enroll for courses in specialised fields of interest. Many presenters and some announcers are self-employed. However, most Presenters are employed on short contracts.

A press officer’s role includes the overseeing of all media relations activities. These include developing and implementing strategic plans and networking with journalists.

The individual is usually responsible for managing the design and the maintenance for the press pages, providing input and advice to the different media about publicity and public relations whenever required, and maintaining and updating the media database. Other key functions include managing day-to-day activities of the press office, assisting in the development of government policies and developing strategies to convey them to the media and the public.

Handling press inquiries, setting up interviews and briefings of the government officials with the press, advising government officials and staff on press relations and potential media reaction to proposed policies, overseeing speech writing, management of news conferences and preparing news releases are some of the other functions of a Press Officer.

An effective Government Press Officer should have a close relationship with the government official for whom he or she works for. This could be the prime minister, the president, a minister, or even the agency head. The person should be familiar with the official's beliefs and should have direct access to him or her.

The press officer should have the confidence to walk into meetings and interrupt the official with urgent news without requiring any prior permission. While this flexibility can disturb an orderly schedule, it results in a government that can respond quickly to media issues.

Additionally, a Press Officer also has to liaise with the concerned supervisors of other government press offices, arrange for the transport and hotel accommodations for the traveling press, issuing press credentials, supervising agency publications, and the evaluation of an event’s impact and future improvisations, if any.

Credibility and effectiveness coupled with confidentiality are the chief characteristics of a Press Officer. The position involves long hours of work and individuals must be able to physically and mentally endure the rigorous demands of this profession. Rewards and growth prospects are entirely based on performance.

A broad spectrum of specialisations exists for those interested in joining the Production industry.. These include television, film, radio, theatre, music, conference and even web production.

Excellent time management, organisational and communication skills coupled with an unflinching passion for the particular media, be it audio, video or even digital media is a must.

A Producer must have the skills to understand the needs of the target audience for whom the film/documentary/website is being made. He/She should have the capability and the aptitude to study the time slots, and understand the choices of the various audiences which will ensure success. The role also calls for close coordination with the team members and a perfect vibing with the concernedDirector, seeking guidance and critical appraisal from peers, in order to produce segments and interstitial materials.

An eye for colour, structure and a passion to work and successfully deliver under tight work schedules and constant pressure are inherent qualities of the ambitious Producer. The will to achieve, the creative instincts to produce the best and the drive to move on despite various ups and downs are the traits that make a successful Producer. The individual must be a creative multi tasking individual experienced in producing a wide variety of work, right from the initial concept though to the final product,

A Bachelor’s degree is a must to set foot in this industry. Once a person sets off, he/she can progress swiftly by enhancing skills in tandem with the latest technologies.

Accolades, awards and fame on a national and international level are assured in this position provided the Producer succeeds in making the right package of esthetic and creatively desirable material.

A Production Assistant is a vital contact point for both new and existing advertisers in any production business, which could range from the television, the radio, the web to the publishing industry. The role demands a huge responsibility which includes close and constant coordination with clients, understanding their needs and requirements and acquiring their timely approvals on all adverts/ inserts. A production assistant has to ensure that all relevant production material is processed within the specified time-frame in coordination with the production team.

Maintaining strict schedules, ensuring a strong and healthy relationship between the advertising co-coordinators and the Sales teams, overseeing all production related activities and reviewing and combing the minutest detail of every production activity to offer utmost satisfaction to the clients are the important functions of a production assistant.

Prospective aspirants must have flawless organisation skills, team spirit, effective leadership skills, and the ability to maintain high standards of production, and provide administrative support to all the other senior production personnel, as and when required.

This role involves a lot of liaising with external agencies like packers, press houses and even printers and as a result the person has to have excellent relationship skills.

Proficiency in the English language, and skills for accuracy and content, timely delivery to clients and other related agencies are other essential traits of a Production Assistant.

The hours of work are cumbersome as the position involves a lot of coordination for materials, art work and other elements. Hence, the individual should be willing to devote long hours of work

Creativity, coupled with a die-hard passion and a drive to achieve the best can enable a production assistant to graduate to a senior position quickly with better compensationpackages.

A Production Manager is mainly responsible for the day-to-day management of all production activities. With varied areas of specialisation, a person needs to be experienced in all aspects of production be it print, television, audio, video or the web.

A Production Manager must have a strong reputation for creative output and have ample experience in interfacing with vendors, procuring the best artwork and its production, the ability to maintain project status and work with clients within specified time frames, budgets and functionality. Likewise, a Production Manager has to have the requisite managerial skills to delegate and supervise the execution and implementation of promotional campaigns in the most cost-effective and timely manner.

A Production Manager liaises between the marketing and advertising departments to coordinate relevant production schedules and their timely delivery in accordance with the specified deadlines. Therefore, the individual must have the desired knowledge and experience to provide creative and technical production advice whenever required by the other team members, thus acting as a guide to budding production personnel.

The role of a Production manager also involves constant research, and enhancement of knowledge in terms of the latest techniques and technologies. The individual must be willing to take on challenges and have the inherent desire to prove his/her worth.

Extensive knowledge of the specialised area of production and the willingness to achieve the bestare the trademarks of an ambitious and successful Production Manager.

The rewards are immense and are totally dependenton the individual efforts and achievements.

A Project Manager assumes responsibility for the daily management of every project assigned to him/her and involves taking control of the planning, costing of all initial ideas, generating of final strategies / project plans as well as managing the entire project in total coordination with both internal and external customers.

The individual should have outstanding communication skills and proven project management experience. He/She must have the ability to generate high-level ideas and strategies and work along the same in coordination with the creative team.

Excellent corporate communications, skills in customer acquisition and retaining their loyalty, high level of commitment, strategic awareness and creative thinking coupled with proven track record of successful project management within budgets and time frames are some of the essential requirements of a successful Project Manager. This apart, a Project Manager must have excellent leadership and management skills for proper liaising with all the members of the other departments, and should be able to effectively manage the progress of projects, supplying documentation for each stage of the project, from the inception to the final sign-off stage.

Academic qualifications coupled with computer skills are a must. Since the positioncarries a lot of responsibility the individual needs to beabsolutely devoted to ensure success at all times. Compensations and perks are matched to individual performances and proven results.