Presenting breaking news: Jane Hill
Presenters need to make live TV look smooth and polished. Jane Hill has been a presenter on the News Channel since its launch. She is also a presenter on the News at One, Six and Ten on BBC One.
Live news is fast, with running orders being continually updated while the programme is on air. The skill of the presenter is to absorb new information from the gallery (essentially the control room behind the scenes) and convey it calmly and smoothly to audiences.
Whatever is going on behind the scenes, he or she needs to take everything in their stride.
Breaking news is particularly challenging.
Presenters often need to keep talking to camera while listening to instructions in their earpiece. They also need to grasp the facts and implications of a breaking story while on air - and have the ability and background knowledge to ask pertinent questions to guests that the programme producers will be showing into the studio.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to work harmoniously with the backstage team are essential.
In the event of a major developing incident, it's important to remember that viewers are often looking to the BBC for an authoritative, factual account of what is unfolding.
