Presenters

A television presenter is a person who introduces or hosts television programmes, including factual documentaries, live events and sport. Nowadays it is common for minor celebrities in other fields to take on this role, but there are also a number of people who

have made their name solely within the field of presenting, particularly within children's television series to become a television personality. Some presenters may double as an actor, model, singer, comedian, etc. Others may be subject matter experts, such as scientists or politicians, serving as presenters for a programme about their field of expertise (for example, Sir David Attenborough). Some are celebrities who have made their name in one area, and then move on to get involved in other areas. Examples of this latter group include the British comedian Michael Palin who now presents programmes about travel (such as Around the World in 80 Days), and Alan Alda, who has been the host of the Scientific American Frontiers TV program for about a decade. The term is also used in other countries, such as Ireland and Sri Lanka. In the United States, such a person is always called a host, a hostess (females), or an M.C. (Master of Ceremonies or "emcee").