What anchors do
News anchors present bulletins, interview guests and handle live breaking news. Other presenters host business, sports, lifestyle or entertainment shows, and many now work on digital platforms.
Skills that matter
- Clear voice and diction in one or more languages.
- Composure during live broadcasts and technical problems.
- Research and general knowledge, especially for news.
- Interviewing — listening and asking sharp follow-up questions.
- Writing for the ear, short and simple.
Training routes
Journalism and mass communication programmes, such as those at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (checked 2026-10-28), teach reporting and broadcast skills. Short courses in voice, speech and presentation also help.
First steps
- Record yourself reading the news and review it honestly.
- Start with campus radio, local channels or your own video channel.
- Many anchors begin as reporters or producers before presenting.
Deciding whether it fits you
A field can look exciting from the outside and still be a poor fit. Before committing, talk to two or three people already doing the work, try a short course or project, and notice whether the day-to-day tasks energise or drain you. A structured conversation with a mentor can help you compare options against your interests, abilities and values rather than trends alone.