Do News Anchors Actually Do Any Research Of Their Own?
News anchors play a vital role in broadcasting the news and current affairs to the public. However, there is often a perception that news anchors simply read off a teleprompter and do not conduct research or journalism of their own. In this article, we analyze the actual work done by news anchors behind the scenes and examine whether they do independent research.
The Role of a News Anchor
A news anchor is the public face and voice of a news broadcast. Their primary role is to present the news stories and introduce reporters, guests, and pre-recorded news packages on air.
However, the common perception is that news anchors are just news readers who simply narrate the news stories prepared by journalists and news producers. So do anchors actually carry out any original journalism or research?
Research and Preparation by Anchors
The fact is that while the news packages and bulk of the news content is prepared by reporters, producers, and assignment desks, anchors still carry out several key tasks:
- Review and analyze news scripts: Anchors review the news scripts and packages prepared by the editorial team to familiarize themselves with the top stories. This allows them to identify key points or formulate questions.
- Conduct pre-interviews: For guest interviews on the show, anchors carry out pre-interviews to understand the guest perspectives and prepare relevant questions.
- Follow the news: Anchors regularly follow reputable news sources, newspapers, magazines and news channels to stay updated on important local, national and international news. This allows them to connect developments to provide context during news broadcasts.
- Pitch story ideas: Experienced anchors often come up with interesting story ideas and perspectives, which they pitch to producers and assignment desks to develop into news segments or investigative reports.
- Write their own scripts: In many cases, anchors choose to write their own scripts instead of solely relying on the prompter scripts prepared by producers. They incorporate their own research, perspectives, and commentary into such scripts.
So while anchors may not carry out extensive field reporting or firsthand journalism, they are still actively involved in news analysis, scripting, interviews and providing story ideas behind the scenes.
Skills Required by News Anchors
Presenting news on live television requires anchors to have a specialized skill set. Some key skills and capabilities crucial for news anchors are:
News Judgement
Determining newsworthiness and priority of stories is critical for anchors. They need to identify the top headlines for their viewers and provide the necessary context.
Communication Skills
From modulating their voice, articulation and eye contact to using the right terminology, body language and hand gestures – anchors need top notch communication ability.
Quick Thinking
Anchors need to adapt smoothly during live broadcasts in case of technical glitches, breaking news or unexpected developments. Spontaneity and quick thinking allows them to handle such situations.
Scripting Skills
Writing eloquent yet simple news scripts that connect with viewers and convey the necessary information accurately requires skill.
Interview Skills
Researching guest perspectives and formulating engaging yet hard-hitting interview questions is a specialized skill anchors need to cultivate.
Tech Savvy
Operating teleprompters, earpieces, video wall displays and other studio tech smoothly while presenting the news demands technological literacy.
So while news anchors may not be reporting breaking news from the frontlines, presenting the news requires its own distinct set of capabilities.
Typical Workday of a News Anchor
Here is what a typical workday of a news anchor may look like:
- Morning Editorial Meeting: Attend the morning editorial meeting to discuss top stories and interview guests lined up for the day. Contribute perspectives and help finalize the rundown.
- Script Review: Read through news scripts prepared by producers and assignment desks. Make edits where necessary to polish language or incorporate additional context based on personal knowledge.
- Pre-interviews: Conduct pre-interview calls with key guests, experts and analysts that may be featured in that day’s news broadcast.
- Bulletin Review: Review updated newswires, articles and videos as the news cycle updates through the day to stay updated with breaking developments.
- Rehearsals: Practice reading through prompter scripts and test equipment during rehearsals prior to the live broadcast.
- Makeup and Wardrobe: Get hair, makeup and wardrobe organized before going on air.
- Live Broadcast: Present the news bulletin along with reporters, packages, guest interviews and analysis.
So anchors have a set of core responsibilities to perform through the day leading up to the live broadcasts.
Dealing With Inaccuracies and Misinformation
With the massive proliferation of false information and misinformation across media platforms, news anchors face the challenge of avoiding legitimization of false narratives on air.
Here are some tips anchors abide by in the modern media landscape riddled with misinformation:
- Fact-check information rigorously before presenting it using credible journalistic sources
- Identify misinformation and label it clearly instead of engaging in false debates
- Bring on experts to debunk false narratives and counter misinformation
- Leverage data, statistics, research and investigations to back reports instead of rhetoric or conjecture
- Issue clear retractions and corrections in cases where inaccurate information is inadvertently broadcast
Adhering to the established principles of ethical journalism allows anchors to deal with false narratives and present the news with accuracy.
Common Issues Faced by News Anchors
Despite the best efforts, news anchors may face occasional issues such as:
Losing Composure On Air
Going blank, stumbling on words, getting tongue-tied or losing composure during live broadcasts is a common issue faced even by experienced anchors. It helps to be well-prepared and rehearsed to minimize such situations.
Inadequate Scripts
Anchors often have to present poorly written scripts with technical terms, rambling quotes or complicated sentences that trip them up on air. Reviewing and rewriting scripts helps overcome this challenge.
Technological Glitches
Dealing with teleprompter failures, earpiece malfunctions, video feed loss or lighting issues requires anchors to keep their cool and handle problems smoothly during live TV.
Health Issues
Vocal strain, back problems, eye strain and headaches are common occupational hazards for anchors. Taking adequate preventive measures and self care is vital.
Key Takeaways
- News anchors review scripts, conduct pre-interviews, follow news developments and even provide story ideas despite not being frontline reporters.
- Presenting news on live TV requires anchors to have specialized skills like news judgement, communication, scripting and technological adeptness.
- Fact checking information thoroughly and adhering to ethical journalism allows anchors to avoid legitimization of false narratives.
- Losing composure on air, inadequate scripts and technological issues are some common problems faced by news anchors.
So while a lot of the news gathering, packaging and production happens behind the scenes – news anchors still carry out critical tasks to present the news with accuracy, insight and engaging delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do news anchors write their own scripts?
A: In many cases, news anchors do make edits to the prompter scripts prepared by producers or write their own scripts to incorporate additional research, perspectives or commentary. However, the bulk of the news packages and footage is prepared by reporter and production teams.
Q: How much research do news anchors conduct daily?
A: Anchors regularly review news articles, bulletins, research reports and expert commentaries to immerse themselves in the latest local, national and global news updates. This allows them to provide context and analysis during live broadcasts.
Q: What makes for an engaging news anchor?
A: Key qualities that make news anchors engaging include wit, humor, warmth, relatability, smooth delivery, crisp communication, body language and facial expressiveness along with authority over news topics.
Q: How do anchors avoid propaganda or misinformation?
A: Anchors rigorously fact check information, counter false narratives with data and experts, issue retractions for inadvertent mistakes and adhere to codes of ethical journalism to avoid propagation of misinformation.
Q: What are some common health issues faced by news anchors?
A: Owing to the demanding live broadcasting routine, news anchors often face a range of problems like vocal strain, headaches, back issues, eye strain, fatigue and insomnia. Taking preventive health measures is vital.
