hlásatel

Hlásatel is a term used in Czech and Slovak to describe a person who announces information to an audience. It derives from the verb hlásit “to announce” and the agent-noun suffix -atel, with cognates connected to hlas “voice” or “sound.” The corresponding Slovak form is hlásateľ (and hlásateľka for feminine); in Czech the form hlásatel is standard, with hlásatelka as the feminine form used in some contexts.

Historically, hlásatel referred to a herald or town crier who proclaimed decrees, market notices, or public information in public spaces such as town squares or gates. In this sense the role parallels medieval and early modern heralds found in various European societies.

In modern usage, hlásatel most commonly denotes a radio or television announcer or news presenter—someone who reads news, introduces segments, and delivers weather or traffic updates. The term is used in Czech and Slovak media, although outlets may prefer terms like moderátor or redaktor depending on function. The feminine forms hlásatelka/hlásateľka are standard when the subject is female.

Outside broadcasting, the term can refer to an official or system responsible for public alerts or warnings in civil defense or meteorology, though this usage is less common in everyday language.

See also: herald, announcer, newsreader, presenter.