How To Become A Game Show Host
A game show host is in charge of running a game show where contestants play for prizes. Part of your responsibilities include telling the studio and television audience what the game is all about, how it is going to be played and what the prizes are. You also introduce the players who will be joining the show.
Interviewing contestants is part of the job of game show hosts. You will talk with them before, during and after the show to orient them about the rules of the game and what is expected of them while the show is in progress. In most cases, you will also do a dry run before the actual taping or live show is done to make the contestants feel comfortable. You could be asking contestants about their life, work and hobbies before they start playing the game. You may also talk about current topics of interest. Aside from the contestants, you will also be interacting with the audience in the studio.
In addition to the work you do on set, you are also expected to join meetings with the rest of the show’s staff and share your ideas about how to make it better. After each show, the director may evaluate performance and call your attention to things you have said or done which may not be appropriate. It is your responsibility to keep these things to heart so that you don’t make the same mistakes in the next shows.
Why Become A Game Show Host
Individuals who are naturally inclined to people and aspire to work on television will find becoming a game show host to be quite a fulfilling career. This is also the ideal profession for those who find enjoyment in talking and human interaction. Another reason why those with a background on broadcasting and journalism will want to go into this profession is the opportunity it provides to dabble in other areas of media like acting which can pave the way for hosts to earn more income.
Game Show Host Work Environment
Game show hosts are usually employed by television stations. The shows are typically done in studios which are well-lighted and air-conditioned. The shows can either be taped beforehand to be aired at the set schedule or done live. Aside from doing their own show, game show hosts may also guest in other programs to promote their show.
Game Show Host Salary
The Occupational Employment and Wages report of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have salary data specifically for game show hosts. However, it reports that the mean annual wage of radio and television announcers—the category where they belong to—is $41,800.
Game Show Host Career Outlook
Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not state the career outlook specifically for game show hosts, it does project that the employment rate for the general category of radio and television announcers will show little or no change in the decade covering 2012 to 2022. The need for these professionals will be dampened by the consolidation of radio and television stations although there will be demand for beginners in smaller television stations. Naturally, competition for jobs will be intense and the best prospects will go to those who have received formal training in broadcasting, journalism or related fields.
Game Show Host Degree
Although very talented individuals can be hired as game show hosts even if they only have a high school diploma, job prospects are brighter for those who have received formal education in the field of mass communication, broadcasting, journalism, acting or similar areas. Internships at radio or television stations are part of the training that students receive which help prepare them for the realities of the job.
