How to Become a News Anchor?

Media, communications and journalism are one of the most promising careers in the current times. Over the past few years, the field has become more diverse with technological aids and the introduction of perspectives and skills. The field encompasses various opportunities and one such amazing profile is News Anchor. Anchoring is for those individuals who have a knack for public speaking and are comfortable in front of a camera and are interested in broadcasting media. In this blog, we will provide a complete guide on how to become a News Anchor!

Must Read: How to become a journalist?

Who is a News Anchor?

A News Anchor is someone who is responsible for drafting, analyzing, interpreting and managing data that comes from different media sources. In addition to these duties, a news anchor must also know the art of editing, writing and proofreading. They must have a good knowledge of what is going on around them and must be able to present news in a concise and crisp manner to the audience. Communication skills, public speaking and articulation are of the most important skills and qualities of an aspiring news anchor. 

Eligibility

• Candidates must have completed XIIth from a recognized board.
• Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in Journalism or related fields.
• Candidates must go for a graduate degree in broadcast media for becoming a news anchor.
• Candidates must possess the required skillset for becoming a news anchor.

Must Read: Journalism courses after 12th

Duties of a News Anchor

As a news anchor, an individual is expected to fulfil certain responsibilities such as:

1. Identifying news
2. Analyzing and interpreting news collected
3. Pitching story ideas to supervisors
4. Analysing which stories to air 
5. Framing scripts to read on-air
6. Analyzing research in order to ensure credibility of news
7. Scheduling and conducting interviews to collect opinions about a story
8. Being up to with all that’s happening around
9. Broadcasting news in an entertaining yet concise manner

Skills needed to become a News Anchor

Here are some necessary skills all journalists should possess in order to be successful in broadcasting media-

• Excellent Communication Skills
• Blend of desire, grit and skills
• Camera friendliness
• Expressive voice
• Good ability to modulate voice
• Patience and perseverance
• Good camera étiquettes
• Pleasant demeanor
• Strategic thinking skills
• Ability to work handle stress

Also Read: Types of Journalism

Popular Courses

To enter this field, students preferably should hold a degree in the following few courses:

• Bachelor in Journalism
• Masters in Journalism
• BJMC (Bachelor of Journalism & Mass Communication)
• Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism
• Masters in Advertising
• BA Hons 

Also Read: Internships for Journalism

Top Colleges Abroad

Best colleges for studying Journalism abroad-

1. London School of Economics and Political Science, UK
2. University of California, Berkeley, USA
3. Northwestern University, USA
4. University of London, UK
5. University of Minnesota, USA
6. University of Mississippi, USA
7. University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
8. Columbia University, USA
9. Harvard University, USA
10. Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Top Colleges India

Listed below are the top colleges where students can apply to pursue broadcast media or journalism in India.

1. Delhi University, New Delhi
2. Jamia Islamia Milia, New Delhi
3. Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi
4. Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune
5. Sri Aurobindo institute of mass communication, Pondicherry
6. Xavier’s Institute of Mass Communication, Mumbai
7. Indian Academy of Mass Communication, Chennai
8. Times School of Media, Bennett University, Noida

Best Books on Journalism

Listed below are certain books that can be referred by candidates for widening their knowledge –

1. How to Become a Journalist 2.0 
2. The ABC of News Anchoring 
3. News Anchor Sweetheart by Jack Engelhard
4. Writing & Reporting News by Carole Rich
5. The Elements of Journalism: What Newspeople Should Know and the Public Should Expect by Bill Kovach 

Famous News Anchors in the World

• Barkha Dutt
• Ravish Kumar
• Anderson Cooper
• Louis Sebastian Theroux
• Sudhir Choudhary
• Rajdeep Sardesai
• Nidhi Razdan
• Karan Thapar
• Shereen Bhan
• Robin Roberts

Scope and Salary

For those who wish to become a news anchor, the career scope is exciting. The salary as a news anchor varies depending upon the line of media and years of experience. In India, the starting salary is around Rs 4.5 lakh per annum and goes up to Rs 12 lakh per annum with time. However, in the initial stages, the salary is slightly less as candidates have to begin their career as a reporter. 

So, this was all about how to become a news anchor. A news anchor with time becomes the face of the channel and hence is a very promising career option for journalism students. Hope this blog has helped you with the necessary details for making a successful career in this field. If you require assistance in choosing the right university, our  Leverage Edu, A Study Abroad experts can guide you through the process. Sign up for a free session right away!