How To Become A News Anchor: Courses, Skills, And More
Introduction
News anchors are the faces of television journalism. They deliver daily news to millions of viewers, covering a wide range of topics from politics to entertainment. Becoming a news anchor requires a blend of academic qualifications, excellent communication skills, real-world training, and a deep passion for current events. If you’re interested in a career in broadcast journalism, this guide will take you through everything you need to know about how to become a news anchor — including courses, essential skills, career paths, and more.
Who is a News Anchor?
A news anchor, also known as a newsreader, is a journalist who presents news stories on television, radio, or online media platforms. They are responsible not only for reading news scripts but also for reporting live from the field, conducting interviews, moderating panel discussions, and sometimes writing or editing news content.
Role & Responsibilities of a News Anchor
- Research and verify news stories
- Collaborate with editors, reporters, and producers
- Read and deliver news on-air in a professional tone
- Conduct live interviews and debates
- Report breaking news with speed and accuracy
- Maintain impartiality and ethical standards
- Use teleprompters, studio cameras, and audio equipment
- Stay updated with current affairs and trending topics
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become a News Anchor
Step 1: Build Strong Communication Skills
From a young age, developing communication, public speaking, and writing skills can give you a head start. Participating in debates, elocutions, or school news programs helps build confidence.
Step 2: Choose the Right Academic Path
Educational Qualifications Required:
- 10+2 Stream: Any stream (Arts, Commerce, Science) — although Arts (Humanities) is preferred for early exposure to media, English, and current affairs.
- Undergraduate Degree Options:
- BA in Journalism and Mass Communication
- BSc in Electronic Media
- BA in English or Political Science (followed by a post-grad diploma)
- BMM (Bachelor of Mass Media)
- Postgraduate Options (Optional but valuable):
- MA in Journalism and Mass Communication
- PG Diploma in Broadcast Journalism
Step 3: Enroll in a News Anchor or Journalism Course
Some reputed institutions offering specialized journalism or anchoring programs:
| Institution Name | Course Offered | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) | PG Diploma in Radio and TV Journalism | New Delhi |
| Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC) | Diploma in Journalism & Mass Communication | Mumbai |
| Asian College of Journalism (ACJ) | PG Diploma in Journalism | Chennai |
| Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication | MA in Mass Communication | Pune |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | MA in Mass Communication | New Delhi |
🎓 Tip: Look for courses that offer practical studio training, internships, and live reporting experiences.
Step 4: Gain Practical Experience
- Internships: Work as an intern with news channels like NDTV, Aaj Tak, Zee News, India Today, Republic TV, etc.
- Campus Media: Participate in college radio, YouTube news segments, or campus magazines.
- Freelance: Create your own news commentary YouTube channel or podcast.
- Blogging: Write opinion pieces or news analysis blogs to showcase your journalistic insights.
Key Skills Required to Become a News Anchor
| Skill | Description |
|---|---|
| Communication Skills | Clear and articulate speech with correct pronunciation and diction |
| Command of Language | Proficiency in English, Hindi, or regional languages |
| Presentation & Body Language | Confident on-screen presence with positive posture and expressions |
| Voice Modulation | Ability to vary tone and pitch for engagement |
| Research Abilities | Fact-checking, understanding contexts, and referencing sources |
| Time Management | Managing show segments and adhering to live broadcast timings |
| Composure Under Pressure | Staying calm during live telecasts, especially during breaking news |
| Tech Savvy | Understanding of teleprompters, editing software, and newsroom tools |
Certifications and Online Courses (Optional)
- Certificate in Broadcast Journalism – Coursera (offered by Michigan State University)
- TV News Reporting and Anchoring – Udemy
- Journalism for Beginners – edX
- MoJo: Mobile Journalism Course – FutureLearn
These online certifications can add value to your resume and also improve practical skills.
Career Path: Starting as a News Anchor
Entry-Level Positions:
- News Trainee
- Junior Reporter
- Field Correspondent
- Assistant Producer
- News Reader (regional/local channels)
Mid-Level Roles:
- Anchor (day or night bulletin)
- Political or Investigative Reporter
- Debate Moderator
- Newsroom Editor
Senior Positions:
- Prime Time News Anchor
- Chief News Correspondent
- Newsroom Director
- Editor-in-Chief or Bureau Chief
Top News Anchors in India (Inspiration for Aspiring Anchors)
| Name | Channel/Media | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Ravish Kumar | Independent (Ex-NDTV) | Ground-reporting and anti-establishment views |
| Sudhir Chaudhary | Aaj Tak | Prime time show “Black & White” |
| Rajdeep Sardesai | India Today | Political reporting |
| Nidhi Razdan | Formerly NDTV | TV debates and diplomacy |
| Sweta Singh | Aaj Tak | Sports and investigative journalism |
| Rubika Liyaquat | Bharat24 | Prime time news anchoring |
Salary of a News Anchor in India
| Experience Level | Average Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Fresher/Intern | ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 |
| 1–3 Years | ₹25,000 – ₹50,000 |
| 4–7 Years | ₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Senior Anchor | ₹1.5 Lakh – ₹5 Lakh+ |
| Top National Anchors | ₹10 Lakh+ per month (including endorsements) |
Note: Salaries vary based on the city, channel, language, and media group.
Challenges Faced in Anchoring Career
- High-stress environments with tight deadlines
- Risk of live on-air errors
- Political and editorial pressures
- Public scrutiny and trolling on social media
- Unusual work hours, especially night shifts
- Need for continuous learning and awareness
Final Tips for Aspiring News Anchors
- Watch leading anchors and study their techniques
- Practice voice exercises and camera presence daily
- Read newspapers and magazines regularly
- Learn basics of editing, camera handling, and teleprompting
- Always maintain journalistic ethics and neutrality
- Be persistent — competition is tough, but passion pays
Conclusion
Becoming a news anchor is more than just appearing on screen — it’s about informing the public, telling stories that matter, and upholding the pillars of journalism. With the right education, hands-on experience, and strong personal attributes, you can build a rewarding career in the ever-evolving world of news media. Whether you aim to host prime-time bulletins or report live from the ground, the path is challenging but highly fulfilling.
