how to become a news anchor

Imagine a world without TV, social media, radio. Will you be able to survive for long? Human beings are social beings who don't exist in a vacuum. They need constant interaction and are curious to know what is happening out there.

Mass Communication involves the whole procedure of conveying or transmitting a message to the general population at a wider level through channels like radio, newspapers, magazines, television, internet, advertising photography, etc. Journalism falls under the field of Mass Communication.

Journalism is concerned with the compilation and transmission of news through print and electronic media. It involves compiling, editing, and presenting news reports or editorials for widespread distribution through any mass media with the objective of informing the audience. A journalist can report on any subject, ranging from politics to music and dance.

Anyone aspiring to become a news anchor should consider courses related to mass communication/ journalism. Before we delve into how to become a news anchor, let's first understand the difference between journalism and mass communication.

Journalism is a part of Mass Communication but Mass Communication isn't a part of Journalism. While deciding the course, always keep in mind that mass communication involves disseminating information to the masses whereas Journalism has an intent to persuade people.

What is Journalism?

Journalism is the writing compiling, editing, and presenting news reports or editorials for widespread distribution through any mass media with the objective of informing the audience.

Few subjects that are taught in journalism are- Print Media, Reporting & Editing, Behavioural Science, News & Contemporary Issues, and National & International Issues.

Here is the list of job opportunities available after Journalism:

Content Writing and Editing
TV News/ Newspaper Reporter
Magazines
Web Journalism
Freelance Journalism
Photojournalism
Sports Journalism
Legal Affairs Department
Investigative Journalism

Skills Required-

Writing skills
Critical Thinking
Interviewing skills

Who should Pursue Journalism?

People who are more interested in writing and presenting factual information and want to specialize in print and electronic media as journalists. There are also courses in particular areas of journalism like sports, television, photo, press law, etc.

What is Mass Communication?

Mass Communication refers to the ways of communicating with the masses. It would include journalism (which includes print – newspapers & magazines, internet – news websites, broadcast – TV & Radio), advertising, public relations, radio, photography, event management, etc.

Mass communication course in a collective term has a series of streams like- news-reading, reporting, columnist, Anchoring, radio jockey, public relations, advertising, production, acting, web journalism, social media, etc.

Few subjects taught in mass communication courses are- Public Relations, Media Management, Advertising, Visual Communication & Film Theory, and Practice.

Some job opportunities available after Mass Communication are:

Journalism
Production
Film Studies
Public Relations
Event Management
Broadcasting
Advertising
Marketing
Animation

Skills required-

Creative thinking
Dynamism
Idea generation

Who should Pursue Mass Communication?

People who are more interested in exploring the wide field of communication using ideation and creativity.

Recommended Read: Mass Communication Vs. Journalism: Are they the Same or Different?

Now that we have an understanding of Journalism and Mass Communication, let's delve deep into news anchoring.

News anchors are types of journalists who enlighten the public by reporting news stories and events happening on a local, national, and international level. News anchors or Broadcast journalists are those who present information to the mass audience through electronic medium – Radio or Television and not in print form. Their job is to present accurate, interesting, and eye-catching information to gather the attention of the public. They work in the field of politics, war, and the environment.

Few famous news anchors in India are-

Barkha Dutt
Rahul Kanwal
Rajat Sharma
Rajdeep Sardesai

To become a news anchor, the eligibility conditions may not be strictly rigid but a Mass Communication degree or Journalism degree might prove to be beneficial. Most of the well-known presenters/news anchors in the country have pursued some course or the other related to Mass Communication or Journalism.

Career in News Anchoring

For a career in news anchoring, one could choose from the following three routes –

Complete graduation in any subject and apply for internships during graduation. There are diploma and short-term certificate courses offered by various institutes and universities in journalism and related fields
Complete graduation in any subject followed by a post-graduation in mass media
Complete graduation in Journalism/ Mass Communication

Course in journalism/ mass communication equips people with the skills necessary for efficient and effective visual and oral communication of news and information relating to current events and public affairs and prepares students for broadcast careers in reporting, producing, and newsroom management.

Eligibility

Mass communication & Journalism courses are open to all streams.
Students are required to have at least one language in class 12th.
Most colleges have eligibility criteria of a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in Class XII (few colleges have 40% minimum aggregate criteria). Few other colleges may ask for a cut-off in English.
Most colleges have an entrance exam that tests the candidate on GK, English, reading, and comprehension.

Skills required

Critical & Creative Thinking
Interviewing skills/ Communication Skills
Dynamism/ Presence of Mind/ Spontaneity
Comfort with Camera

What do you study in Mass Communication/ Journalism?

Print Media
Reporting & Editing
Behavioural Science
News & Contemporary issues
National & International Issues
Public Relations
Media Management
Advertising
Visual Communication
Film Theory and Practice

Few notable colleges for under-graduation:

Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University
Delhi School of Journalism
IP College for Women, Delhi University
St Xavier's College, Mumbai
Jai Hind College, Mumbai University

Few notable colleges for post-graduation:

A.J.K. Mass Communication Research Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia
Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi
Asian College of Journalism, Chennai
Xavier's Institute of Communication

Recommended Read: The Career Counselling Process

Conclusion

Aptitudes such as language usage, creativity, and verbal are imperative in such fields. As Career coaches, we always encourage students to assess their personality, interest, aptitude, etc before embarking on any journey. At Mindler, we assess students on five different parameters (Orientation Style, Interest, Personality, Aptitude, and Emotional Quotient) and suggest careers accordingly.

If you think you need career guidance, then connect with our experts now and avail career counselling online.

Can't Decide Between Mass Communication & Journalism?

Lets help you choose the right one!