NEWS PRESENTER TRAINING AT SMKN 3 KUNINGAN: STRENGTHENING COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA LITERACY COMPETENCIES FOR VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

The development of information technology and the broadcasting industry demands increasingly complex communication skills from the younger generation, especially vocational high school (SMK) students who are being prepared for the workforce. One important competency that is relevant to the needs of the creative and media industries is the ability to perform as a news presenter. This Community Service and Research (PkM) project aims to improve the news presentation skills of students at SMKN 3 Kuningan through intensive practice-based training. The method used is a structured workshop that includes observing the style of professional presenters, vocal and body language training, news script writing and reading, mini studio simulations, and video-based evaluation. The results of the activity showed significant improvements in three aspects: (1) students' confidence in appearing on camera, (2) technical skills in voice, intonation, rhythm, and body language, and (3) better media literacy in understanding the structure and ethics of news broadcasting. This PkM had a positive impact on students' readiness to enter the world of work in the field of broadcasting and served as an implementable model for other vocational schools. This article recommends further development in the form of regular broadcasting classes and the integration of AI presenter technology to prepare students for the transformation of the digital media industry.