News anchoring is a crucial aspect of the media industry, connecting news with the audience via television, radio, or other platforms. To pursue a career as a news anchor in India, consider various courses and colleges. However, it is essential to meet eligibility criteria and possess the necessary skills and qualities. 

Our blog covers all aspects of becoming a news anchor in India, including courses, colleges, tips, job profiles, salaries, industry scope, and famous anchors. We provide comprehensive information to help you achieve a successful career in news anchoring.

Why Choose News Anchoring?

News Anchoring is a dynamic and rewarding career that offers a plethora of opportunities for individuals passionate about journalism and current affairs. If you are looking for a career that combines your love for news and communication, then news anchoring could be an excellent option for you. 

Here are some advantages of pursuing a career in news anchoring:

Advantages of Pursuing a Career in News Anchoring

Here is the list of advantages of pursuing a career in News Anchoring:

  1. Exciting and challenging work
  2. Opportunities for growth
  3. Fame and Recognition
  4. Positive impact on society
  5. Job security and growth opportunities
  6. Opportunity to inform and educate the masses

Let’s discuss the above-mentioned advantages:

Exciting and Challenging Work

News Anchoring demands individuals to keep up with current events and deliver accurate and compelling news coverage to the audience in a fast-paced and exciting profession.

Opportunities for Growth

News Anchoring enhances communication and presentation skills, promoting personal and professional growth. Experience allows individuals to advance and take on more significant responsibilities, such as senior anchor, news editor, or producer.

Fame and Recognition

Successful news anchors are considered credible sources of information and public figures in the media industry, which can create new prospects for hosting talk shows, debates, interviews, and more on other media platforms.

Positive impact on Society

News anchors have a vital role in educating and informing the public about significant global events. Their work can raise awareness, effect social change, and hold those in power accountable for their actions.

Also Read: Top News Anchors In India Name List

Job security and growth opportunities

News Anchoring is a thriving industry with increasing demand for qualified and experienced anchors. The job offers job security, growth opportunities, and higher salaries based on experience and expertise.

Opportunity to inform and educate the masses

News Anchors impact people’s lives by providing the latest news and a platform for public discourse, where individuals can share their views on various issues. They bear the responsibility of delivering unbiased, accurate news to help the public make informed decisions.

Courses Available to Pursue News Anchoring

If you want to pursue a career in news anchoring, then you need to have the right qualifications and training. Here are some of the courses that are available in India for students who want to become news anchors.

  • Diploma Course in Development Journalism
  • Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication
  • Diploma in Media Studies
  • BA (Bachelor of Arts) in Mass Communication and Journalism
  • MA (Master of Arts) in Mass Communication and Journalism
  • Bachelor of Mass Media
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Business Journalism & Corporate Communication
  • Ph.D. in Mass communication

Eligibility Criteria for News Anchoring

To become a successful news anchor in India, there are certain eligibility criteria that you need to fulfill. These include

Age Limit and Educational Qualifications

  • Age limit: Most news channels in India require news anchors to be at least 21 years of age. However, some channels may have a higher age limit.
  • Educational qualifications: To become a news anchor, you need to have a degree or diploma in journalism and mass communication. Some channels may also require a postgraduate degree in mass communication or a related field.

Skill Set Required for News Anchoring

It is a highly competitive field that requires a wide range of skills to be successful. 

Here are some of the key skills that are essential for news anchoring:

  1. Communication skills
  2. Confidence and stage presence
  3. Good voice modulation and diction
  4. Awareness of current events
  5. Ability to work under pressure

What Do You Study in Mass Communication/Journalism?

Mass Communication and Journalism are two of the most popular fields of study in India, with a wide range of degree and diploma courses available for students. Here’s an overview of the curriculum and major topics covered in Mass Communication and Journalism courses:

Overview of the Curriculum

The curriculum for Mass Communication and Journalism courses are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required for a career in media and journalism. The courses typically cover topics such as news writing, reporting, editing, production, and media ethics. Students are also given practical training in various aspects of media production, including video and audio production, digital media, and social media management.

Also Check: Highest Paid News Anchor In India

Major Topics Covered in Mass Communication and Journalism

  • News Writing and Reporting
  • Media Law and Ethics
  • Advertising and Public Relations
  • Digital Media
  • Video and Audio Production

Top Colleges Abroad for Studying Mass Communication

If you’re interested in studying Mass Communication abroad, there are several top-ranked colleges and universities that offer world-class courses in this field. Here is a list of some of the best colleges abroad for studying Mass Communication, along with brief information about their admission process and curriculum:

List of top colleges abroad offering Mass Communication courses:

  • Columbia University – Graduate School of Journalism (USA)
  • University of Southern California – Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism (USA)
  • University of California, Berkeley – Graduate School of Journalism (USA)
  • University of Oxford – Department of Journalism (UK)
  • University of Westminster – School of Media and Communication (UK)
  • University of Sydney – Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (Australia)
  • University of Melbourne – School of Culture and Communication (Australia)
  • University of Hong Kong – Journalism and Media Studies Centre (Hong Kong)
  • National University of Singapore – Department of Communications and New Media (Singapore)
  • University of Amsterdam – Graduate School of Communication (Netherlands)

Top Colleges in India for Studying Mass Communication

India has a large number of colleges and universities offering Mass Communication courses. 

Here is a list of some of the top colleges in India offering Mass Communication courses in India which includes the College names and their annual fees.:

Sr. No.CollegeTotal Fees (PA)
1Asian College of Journalism – [ACJ], Chennai₹ 708,000
2Indian Institute of Mass Communication – [IIMC], New Delhi₹ 160,000
3Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media – [IIJNM], Bangalore₹ 435,000
4Xavier Institute of Communications – [XIC], Mumbai₹ 377,150
5Parul University, Vadodara₹ 53,000
6AJK Mass Communication Research Centre, New Delhi₹ 86,320
7Lovely Professional University – [LPU], Jalandhar₹ 168,000

Students must meet the institute’s eligibility criteria, typically a Bachelor’s degree, to apply for these courses. The admission process, including entrance tests, interviews, and group discussions, varies by institute and course. Visit the institute’s official website for more information.

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Best Books on Journalism

Aspiring news anchors can benefit greatly from reading books on journalism, as it provides valuable insights and knowledge about the field. 

Here are some of the best books on journalism that you should consider reading:

  1. “All the President’s Men” by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein
  2. “The Elements of Style” by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
  3. “On Writing Well” by William Zinsser
  4. “The New New Journalism” edited by Robert S. Boynton
  5. The Journalist and the Murderer” by Janet Malcolm

Essential Tips to Become a Successful News Anchor

Becoming a successful news anchor requires a combination of hard work, dedication, and talent. Here are some essential tips that can help you become a successful news anchor:

  1. Practice and hone your skills
  2. Build a strong portfolio
  3. Stay updated with the latest news 
  4. Network with industry professionals

Top Job Profile for a News Anchor

A news anchor is a journalist who presents news stories on TV or radio, delivering information in a clear, engaging manner. They report on current events accurately, conduct interviews, analyze news stories, and report from the field.

Types of news anchors

  1. Studio Anchor
  2. Field Anchor
  3. News Correspondent
  4. Main Anchor
  5. Co-Anchor
  6. News Analyst
  1. Studio Anchor: A studio anchor presents news stories from a studio set. They may be responsible for presenting breaking news, conducting interviews, and moderating discussions with experts and guests.
  1. Field Anchor: A field anchor is responsible for reporting on news stories from the field. They may cover breaking news, and live events, or conduct interviews on location. Field anchors must be physically fit and able to work in challenging environments.
  1. News Correspondent: A news correspondent is responsible for reporting on news stories from different locations. They may travel to different parts of the world to cover news stories and conduct interviews. Correspondents are required to have excellent communication skills and must be able to adapt to different cultures and languages.
  1. Main Anchor: The main anchor, also known as the lead anchor, is the face of a news channel. They are responsible for presenting the major news stories of the day and are often the most experienced and recognized news anchors on the channel. They must possess excellent communication skills, a good voice, and a strong presence on screen.
  1. Co-Anchor: A co-anchor works alongside the main anchor to present news stories. They may present less important news stories, conduct interviews, or moderate discussions with experts and guests. Co-anchors are required to have good communication skills and must be able to work well with their colleagues.
  1. News Analyst: A news analyst is responsible for analyzing and interpreting news stories for the audience. They may provide insights, opinions, and predictions about current events. News analysts are required to have in-depth knowledge of current events, excellent communication skills, and the ability to present their analysis in an engaging and informative manner.

Roles and Responsibilities of a News Anchor

News anchors play a vital role in the media industry, as they are responsible for presenting news to the public in a clear and concise manner. 

Here are some of the key roles and responsibilities of a news anchor:

  1. Scripting and presenting news bulletins
  2. Conducting interviews
  3. Covering breaking news
  4. Engaging with the audience through social media

1. Scripting and presenting news bulletins: One of the primary responsibilities of a news anchor is to prepare and present news bulletins for television or radio broadcasts. This includes reading from a teleprompter, improvising when required, and maintaining a professional demeanor throughout the broadcast.

2. Conducting interviews: News anchors may also conduct interviews with experts, politicians, and other newsmakers. They must be able to ask insightful questions and follow up on responses to ensure that the audience receives a complete and accurate understanding of the issue at hand.

3. Covering breaking news: News anchors are often called upon to report on breaking news stories as they happen. This requires quick thinking, strong reporting skills, and the ability to present information in a calm and clear manner.

Also Read: Vijay TV Anchor Name List With Photos

4. Engaging with the audience through social media: Many news anchors use social media to engage with their audience and provide updates on breaking news stories. This may include live-tweeting events, sharing behind-the-scenes photos and videos, and responding to comments and questions from viewers.

Overall, news anchors play a critical role in keeping the public informed about current events and shaping public opinion. As such, they must possess a range of skills and be able to perform their duties with accuracy, impartiality, and professionalism.

Salary Packages for News Anchors

The salary of a News Anchor depends on several factors such as experience, educational qualifications, skills, and the organization they work for. Here are some factors that affect the salary of a News Anchor:

Experience plays a crucial role in determining the salary of a News Anchor. A fresher may earn between Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000 per month, whereas an experienced News Anchor with 5-10 years of experience can earn around Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 per month.

The average salary of a News Anchor in India ranges from Rs. 3 lakhs to Rs. 10 lakhs per annum. A successful News Anchor can earn a high income by anchoring popular news shows, participating in events, and endorsements.

Qualities of a Good News Anchor

A news anchor is the face of a news organization and the person who presents news bulletins to the audience. To become a successful news anchor, it is important to possess certain qualities that set one apart from the rest. Here are some of the key qualities of a good news anchor:

  1. Objectivity and Impartiality
  2. Ability to Connect with the Audience
  3. Good Research and Writing Skills
  4. Professionalism and Integrity

Internships and Entry-Level Jobs

Internships and entry-level jobs are crucial steps toward building a career in news anchoring. They offer practical experience, exposure to the industry, and an opportunity to hone your skills. Internships can be obtained through various media houses, news channels, and production companies.

Many media houses in India offer internships to students pursuing a degree in mass communication or journalism. These internships usually last for a few months and provide hands-on training in news gathering, scriptwriting, and reporting. Some of the well-known media houses that offer internships include NDTV, Times of India, Hindustan Times, and The Indian Express.

Apart from media houses, there are various news channels that also offer internships and entry-level jobs. These include Zee News, India Today, CNN-News18, and Aaj Tak. Interns are usually assigned to work under senior anchors and reporters, assisting them with research, scriptwriting, and other tasks.

In addition to media houses and news channels, production companies that specialize in news production also offer internships and entry-level jobs. These include companies such as Balaji Telefilms, Endemol Shine India, and Optimystix Entertainment.

Internships and entry-level jobs are highly competitive, and candidates are required to have strong communication and writing skills, a good understanding of current events, and the ability to work under pressure. However, these opportunities can provide a launching pad for a successful career in news anchoring.

Building Your Portfolio

In today’s competitive world, having a strong portfolio is crucial to showcase your skills and stand out in the crowd. A portfolio not only highlights your work but also showcases your personality and creativity. In the field of news anchoring, having a well-crafted portfolio can help you land internships, and entry-level jobs, and even advance in your career.

Here are some tips for creating a portfolio as a news anchor:

  1. Start with a strong introduction
  2. Include your best work
  3. Highlight your education and experience
  4. Showcase your social media presence
  5. Keep it organized and visually appealing

1. Start with a strong introduction: Begin your portfolio with a brief introduction about yourself and your goals as a news anchor. This will give the employer an idea of your personality and what you have to offer.

2. Include your best work: Choose your best work that showcases your skills, such as news segments, interviews, and other media appearances. Make sure to include a variety of content to demonstrate your versatility and range as a news anchor.

3. Highlight your education and experience: Include details about your education and any relevant experience you have in the field of journalism and news anchoring. This can include internships, work experience, and any awards or recognition you may have received.

4. Showcase your social media presence: Social media is a vital part of news anchoring today. Include links to your social media profiles, such as Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, to demonstrate your engagement with your audience and your ability to create a personal brand.

5. Keep it organized and visually appealing: Your portfolio should be visually appealing and easy to navigate. Use clear headings, organize your work chronologically, and include a table of contents to make it easy for the employer to find what they’re looking for.

Creating a strong portfolio takes time and effort, but it can be a powerful tool in helping you land your dream job as a news anchor. Make sure to keep it up to date and continue adding to it as you gain more experience and skills in the field.

Job Search in News Anchoring

Job search is a critical aspect of building a career in news anchoring. Aspiring news anchors must be strategic in their job search efforts to land their dream job. Here are some job search strategies to consider:

  1. Networking
  2. Referrals
  3. Online job portals
  4. Recruitment agencies
  5. Freelancing

1. Networking: Networking is essential for any job search, and it’s particularly crucial in the media industry. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with professionals in the field. Building relationships with people in the industry can lead to valuable job opportunities.

2. Referrals: Referrals are an excellent way to get your foot in the door. Reach out to your network and let them know you’re looking for a job in news anchoring. They may be able to refer you to job openings or connect you with industry professionals.

3. Online job portals: There are several online job portals that list job openings in news anchoring. Popular job portals like Naukri, Indeed, and LinkedIn are great places to start your job search.

4. Recruitment agencies: Recruitment agencies can be a valuable resource for job seekers. They can connect you with job openings that match your skills and experience. Reach out to reputable recruitment agencies in your area and submit your resume for consideration.

5. Freelancing: Freelancing is an excellent way to gain experience and build your portfolio. Many media companies hire freelancers for short-term projects or to cover breaking news. Freelancing can also lead to full-time job opportunities in news anchoring.

When applying for jobs, make sure your resume and cover letter are tailored to the job you’re applying for. Highlight your relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments. With a strategic job search approach and a well-crafted resume, you can land your dream job in news anchoring.

Famous News Anchors in the World

Over the years, there have been many famous news anchors who have gained worldwide recognition for their exceptional reporting skills and engaging personalities. In this section, we will take a look at some of the most famous news anchors in the world.

List of famous news anchors in the world:

  1. Anderson Cooper
  2. Christiane Amanpour
  3. Rachel Maddow
  4. Robin Roberts
  5. Sean Hannity
  6. Diane Sawyer
  7. Lester Holt

Famous News Anchors in India

In India, news anchors have become an integral part of the media industry, with several personalities emerging as household names. In this section, we will discuss some of the famous news anchors in India and their achievements.

List of famous news anchors in India:

  1. Ravish Kumar
  2. Barkha Dutt
  3. Rajdeep Sardesai
  4. Arnab Goswami
  5. Nidhi Razdan
  6. Sudhir Chaudhary
  7. Vikram Chandra
  8. Rahul Kanwal
  9. Anjana Om Kashyap
  10. Rajat Sharma

These news anchors have not only gained fame and recognition in India but have also become well-known globally for their work. They have set high standards for the news industry and continue to inspire aspiring news anchors to pursue their dreams.

Conclusion

News anchoring is a highly rewarding and dynamic career that requires a combination of skills, including communication, confidence, and the ability to work under pressure. This field offers several growth opportunities for individuals who are passionate about journalism and have a strong desire to inform and educate the masses.

FAQs

How much do Indian anchors earn?

In India, News Anchors can earn between ₹ 3 Lakhs to ₹ 10 Lakhs annually based on 280 latest salaries, with an average salary of ₹ 1 Lakhs for those with less than 1 year to 10 years of experience.

Is it easy to become a news anchor?

Succeeding in the field of television news anchor jobs requires a combination of knowledge and personality, as the competition is high.

How can I become a news reporter in India?

To become a reporter, students have the option to pursue degrees such as BMC (Bachelor of Mass Communication), B.M.M. (Bachelor of Mass Media), or MAJMC (MA in Journalism and Mass Communication).

How do I start news anchoring?

To pursue news anchoring, get a journalism or mass communication degree, develop skills, build a portfolio, network, seek internships, and stay updated with current events and emerging trends.

Who is the highest-paid anchor in India?

Gaurav is a highly paid-news anchor with an estimated annual income of 2 crores. Another top news anchor in India earns an estimated annual income of 10 crores and is a senior journalist in the Indian media.

Which course is best for news anchoring?

To become a news anchor in India, one can pursue a Bachelor of Journalism or an MA in Journalism and Mass Communication. In today’s age of fake and paid news, honest and unbiased reporting can make a significant impact.