Q&A for How to Become a TV Reporter or News Anchor

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Is it possible to advance in a career as a news anchor if I have several years of experience, but no professional degree?

Community Answer

Yes. A degree is not required to be a news anchor. However, people who have degrees will often get jobs before people who don't.

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What subjects do I need to excel in to become a news anchor?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Speech and journalism are very important.

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What are some of the highest paying places for a news anchor?

Donagan

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Generally speaking, the larger the market the better the pay.

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Is being a news anchor a good job?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Most anchors enjoy their work and are compensated well, though not lavishly in most cases.

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What steps can a high school student take towards becoming a news anchor?

Community Answer

Take a variety of dual credit literature courses, political science, etc., so that you have a well rounded knowledge heading in the field. You can also try to job shadow a local news anchor for a day or two.

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My general knowledge is very weak but I am a great public speaker. I want to use my talent to become a news anchor. I am in 12 class, what should I do?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Read every piece of nonfiction you can find, and practice your writing skills.

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If I want to be a journalist, which subject should I select?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Journalists report on absolutely everything, so any course of study could help, but writing and public speaking are particularly useful.

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What is a news anchor?

Community Answer

News Anchors introduce the show and the stories that are going to be featured, and give a very brief statement on what it involves, before introducing a correspondent.

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l am a near graduate in BA Hons English Language and Literature. Will this degree take me into broadcasting and journalism?

Donagan

Top Answerer

It's a good start, but those who hire journalists and broadcasters are just looking for people who are articulate, presentable, and write well.

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Does being a PR and Communications student increase any chance of being a news anchor?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Yes, it's a good start.

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How can I gain more confidence when reporting?

Community Answer

Practice. Continuous practice will help you build confidence.

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How long does the schooling take to become a reporter?

Donagan

Top Answerer

It doesn't actually require any schooling at all. The goal is to become a good writer with the ability to ask pertinent questions. Listening to and reading the work of professional reporters is good training.

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What is the cut off age to become a reporter? I am in my 50s and have a Bachelor's degree in English and a Master's in Education. I have written some articles in my twenties. Is it too late?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Not if you're willing to start small and work for little pay. Competition is fierce in larger markets.

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What do I need to become a news reporter?

Donagan

Top Answerer

The ability to ask insightful questions and convey accurate information. If you're asking about broadcast news, you should be a good speaker, too.

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Question

How do I improve my writing skills?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Keep practicing. Read other writers' work, and see how they express their thoughts. Let other people read your work, and ask for feedback.

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How long does it normally take to become a successful news anchor?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Most anchors begin that work in their 30's.

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I would like to find the news media's reporter guidelines and ethics codes. How can I accomplish that?

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

You can always contact the news stations directly. Most companies also publish these on their website. Even if they consider this document to be internal, i.e. not to be communicated to the general public, if you ask nicely and explain your case, you should be able to obtain a copy.

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Question

How do I become a news reporter?

Community Answer

Generally, you need a BA in English or journalism and then look for an internship for experience.

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