News anchors are the people you see on TV who are explaining the events
of the day. They are the hosts of a newscast.
Anchors usually work in the studio, but sometimes they go on location.
They introduce the reporters' stories and try to keep the audience's attention.
Audrey Desrosiers is a news anchor. She says she's lucky to be able to
work both behind the desk and on location. "I like reporting, because I like
being out there and getting in the thick of things and asking the questions
and getting the story. But I also like being at the anchor desk because it's
just fun," says Desrosiers.
Anchors must be prepared to be either night owls or early risers -- some
rise as early as 3:30 a.m. to start the day. Late-night anchors, especially
those on 24-hour news stations, are awake when most of the world is asleep.
Top anchors can earn big money, but getting to that point usually means
starting small. Your first few experiences as an anchor will probably be volunteer
jobs in high school or college.
The key is being believable, someone that people can relate to. While appearance
has long been important, recent preferences and public opinion have turned
away from movie-star looks.
Desrosiers has talked to several news directors about the role of appearance
in TV journalism. "They want someone that will not necessarily blow you away,
but somebody that's pleasing to the eye," says Desrosiers.
A news anchor needs impeccable communication skills, a smooth voice, a
TV presence, news judgment and experience. Competition for the job is about
as tough as it can get. According to Desrosiers, competition is fiercer amongst
women.
"It's very hard to get into this field out of college because there's a
lot of people. Especially for young girls -- there are a lot of females wanting
to get into the business. And they look more for males now, because there's
just a surplus of females that want to do it. I know in my journalism class
we had about 15 people, and I'd say about 11 of us were female," she says.
"I think it's easier for men to get jobs, but a lot of the guys want to
do sports," says Desrosiers.
To get to the top, you have to be willing to pick up and move to where
the bigger markets are. If you're looking for fame and money, you may have
to put family life aside.