In many newscasts, the anchorman is a crucial and central figure. With such a long and illustrious history of broadcasting, many aspiring journalists and correspondents in the news world vie for the position of anchorman or anchorwoman. A news anchor’s job is to keep a broadcast on track by balancing reports, providing editorial commentary, and serving as the team’s most recognizable face.
An anchor can do a variety of jobs long before the show even starts. Anchors are typically seasoned reporters with a long history of both schooling and on-the-ground reporting experience. Many anchors, having risen to prominence, have significant influence over the format of a show, the guests chosen to speak, and even the team of reporters bringing nightly stories. The anchor can act as a creative figurehead for a broadcast in this position, which is known as editorial control.
An anchor may study details on stories, visiting experts and guests, write his or her teleprompter note cards, and even rehearse certain parts of the show prior to airing. Because anchors may conduct interviews during the broadcast, they will often spend time researching the subject and the person they will interview. An anchorman may also assist producers in determining the show’s pace, such as which stories to cover and in what order.
During a broadcast, the anchorman has a number of responsibilities. When a show starts, he or she must greet the audience and explain the evening’s top stories. The first segment or report is then introduced, with a transition in and out of each news story or segment provided by an anchorman. The anchor may ask follow-up questions if reporters are giving their reports live.
The anchor frequently interviews guests who are scheduled to appear on the show. These visitors could be dignitaries, authors, or experts on a topic covered in the broadcast. Anchors must be able to ask intelligent and probing questions while maintaining a delicate balance of journalistic zeal and courtesy.
When breaking news occurs unexpectedly, an anchorman usually takes command of the broadcast. He or she will have to improvise commentary and read breaking news on the spot. Because the anchor will have little or no time to prepare for a new story that breaks during the broadcast, improvisation is a must.
An anchorman may make a personal or editorial statement about the news of the day at the end of a broadcast. These remarks are usually intended to provide the anchor’s perspective on the previous news, providing context for viewers to consider all of the information they have received. An anchorman usually thanks the reporters and guests for their contributions and bids the viewers farewell at the end of a broadcast.