A broadcast journalist who works for a television or radio station is known as a news analyst, also known as a newscaster or news anchor. He or she hosts a news show and speaks to a viewing or listening audience about current events. This person may use video or audio clips from reporters on the scene of a breaking news story to introduce the story. An analyst’s time on air can vary greatly; for example, some analysts may have half-hour time slots once a day, while others may have five-minute segments every hour for eight hours.
The responsibilities of news analysts can vary significantly depending on the location and size of a broadcast station. A person who works for a small, local broadcast station may have additional responsibilities than someone who works for a large, national broadcast station. Local broadcast analysts may be required to research and write news copy for on-air reading, as well as report on weather and sports. National broadcast anchors usually only read news reports that have been researched and written by other journalists, and weather and sports will be covered by meteorologists and sportscasters.
A news anchor’s job duties are also influenced by the nature of the television or radio news program for which he or she works. A news analyst may interview guests on his or her show at times. He or she might also moderate and host a panel discussion, such as a political debate with multiple participants. A person’s subjective qualities are typically required for a successful career; for example, a pleasant voice and likable personality are required for radio broadcasting, and a groomed appearance is required for television work. Other qualities required for success in this job include a solid command of the English language, clear pronunciation and diction, and a broad understanding of politics, business, sports, and other current events.
To ensure that all news is delivered within a show’s allotted time, a newscaster must know how to read news in a specific time frame. He or she also improvises and makes quick decisions, such as how to deal with equipment malfunctions or uncomfortable or problematic interviews. Because the development of major news stories can lead to long hours and strict deadlines, a news analyst may be required to be on call to deliver a news story with little notice or no preparation. These jobs are generally available anywhere in the world where there is broadcasting; however, jobs at national broadcast stations are the most competitive.