Presentateur

Presentateur is the French term for a person who presents, hosts, or introduces a program or event to an audience. In media, it commonly refers to a host of television or radio programs, a news anchor, a game-show host, or a master of ceremonies at live events. The feminine form is présentatrice, and related terms include animateur/animatrice for broader hosting roles, and journaliste-présentateur for journalists who present news on air.

Responsibilities typically include introducing segments, interviewing guests, reading scripts or teleprompter text, and managing pacing and tone to suit the program. Presenters coordinate with producers, directors, and technical staff to ensure smooth delivery and adherence to broadcast schedules. They may also contribute to program planning and on-air etiquette, and adapt to formats ranging from news to entertainment or sports.

Etymology and spelling: the term derives from présenter, meaning “to present.” The standard spelling in French includes the acute accent on the first e: présentateur; absence of the accent (presentateur) appears in some non-standard uses or older texts. In English, the equivalent term is “presenter,” used with similar senses.

Distinct but overlapping roles: présentateur vs animateur and modérateur. An animateur hosts entertainment or events, while a modérateur leads discussions or debates. In news contexts, a présentateur may be paired with a journaliste or with a présentateur-journaliste who both presents and reports. In sports media, the term commentator is often used for play-by-play or analysis, while the general hosting function is covered by the présentateur.