News anchor
Also known as: anchorman, anchorwoman, broadcast news analyst, TV news presenter, chief anchor, news presenter
About this occupation
News anchors present news stories on radio and television. They introduce pre-recorded news items and items covered by live reporters. News anchors are often trained journalists.
Essential skills and knowledge
- interview techniques
- adapt to changing situations
- interview people
- develop professional network
- vocal techniques
- present during live broadcasts
- spelling
- memorise lines
- audiovisual equipment
- pronunciation techniques
- work closely with news teams
- breathing techniques
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys (O*NET 27-3011.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Read news flashes to inform audiences of important events.
- Announce musical selections, station breaks, commercials, or public service information, and accept requests from listening audience.
- Operate control consoles.
- Identify stations, and introduce or close shows, ad-libbing or using memorized or read scripts.
- Study background information to prepare for programs or interviews.
- Prepare and deliver news, sports, or weather reports, gathering and rewriting material so that it will convey required information and fit specific time slots.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Artistic, Enterprising, Social
Top skills: Speaking, Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Social Perceptiveness, Time Management
US median pay: US$47,340 a year (2025), 21,240 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaExtremely important (4.8)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageExtremely important (4.7)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.8)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
- Producers and Directors
- Media Programming Directors
- Media Technical Directors/Managers
- Film and Video Editors
- Disc Jockeys, Except Radio
- Editors
- Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
- Writers and Authors
- Public Relations Specialists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.