This February marks the start of my third year at GB News, and I’ve worked across almost all of our output from Headliners to Breakfast. The transition from TV producer to news bulletin presenter at GB News has been nothing short of exhilarating. It’s a shift that really requires the ability to think on your feet, and an energy reserve that never seems to run out! I’ve always dreamed of this role and I never imagined it would come about so quickly —but I’m beyond grateful that it has.
As a producer, I was already familiar with the fast-paced nature of the newsroom. Coordinating guests, building a show, writing scripts, and cutting clips were all part of my daily routine. But stepping in front of the camera has meant taking it to another level. When you’re the one delivering the news, the pace doesn’t slow down—it accelerates. Suddenly, you find yourself solely responsible for your own mini programme at the top (and half way through) of each hour, ensuring the content is engaging, accurate, and delivered with authority and personality.
What might come as a surprise is how much multitasking is involved. A bulletin presenter doesn’t just rock up and read the news; they craft it all. One moment you’re doing your makeup while practising the harder-to-pronounce words in your script, then you’re following a live governmental speech while simultaneously writing another story, editing clips, and drafting the straps and graphics that will accompany a different story. It’s a very fun juggling act.
Stepping in front of the camera takes the fast paced nature of the newsroom to another level.
Sophia Hill
How have I found it? Daunting at first—suddenly, reading out loud is not the easiest thing! But it’s also so much fun. There’s a bizarre but exciting feeling when you stop to think about how many TV screens you might have just popped up on for a few minutes. How many people you’ve just brought up to speed, and how conversations could happen just because you told someone about two new Pandas in the Smithsonian’s Zoo in Washington! The adrenaline rush is real, and the thrill (and relief) of delivering a well-executed bulletin never gets old.
Our early shifts start at 5am, meaning you do have that little head start to really get across your stories and scripts before many even turn on their telly. Coffee and a deep dive into the daily news’ agenda and the showtime countdown begins. Updates can be made to your script right up until the last few seconds before that “Cue Sophia” echoes in your ear and you know it’s go time.
Between live hits, it’s time for more research, writing, and liaising with the production team to ensure every element of the bulletin aligns to the other shows’ content. Breaking news can drop at any moment, throwing all plans out the window. But that’s the exciting part when you pivot, rewrite, and carry on. Adaptability isn’t just a skill in this job—it’s a necessity.
However, it’s by no means a solo effort. Without fellow producers, editors, floor managers and directors - I really would have been a deer in the headlights. Constant support, tips, advice, and of course, the mandatory ribbing received upon exiting the studio, or even in your ear from the gallery, after tripping up on a word mid hit. It’s all so important.
The adrenaline rush of delivering a well-executed bulletin never gets old.
GB News
The support I’ve received has been incredible. Friends, family, and colleagues have all been so encouraging, and it’s genuinely comforting to hear people say they can see me growing more confident or more comfortable as a shift goes on. The random texts from unknown viewers are always a pleasant surprise—those unexpected messages make the long hours and early starts even more worthwhile!
By the time the final 11pm hit is over, the adrenaline seems to outweigh any tiredness. There’s a unique buzz that comes with knowing you’ve helped inform and engage the audience. Every shift is a new lesson in broadcasting—each day is a little different, and I do believe it’s crucial to see each day as an opportunity to grow.
This journey has reinforced what I already knew: presenting the news isn’t just about sitting in front of a camera. It’s about being a journalist, a producer, an editor, and a broadcaster all in one. It’s demanding, thrilling, and relentless—but I wouldn’t have it any other way and can’t wait to continue.
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