Numerous news channels now broadcast news round the clock. This simply means more job opportunities and openings for the post of anchors, news editors, news reporters, photographers and the technicians. While there are people working in all departments the number of job openings is largest for a news reporter.
A news reporter is not only responsible for reporting but for various other things also. They may even need to write, shoot and edit the video. They need to work at odd hours to cover news events which can be planned events or unexpected incidents. They also need to do research elated to various News programs which can include meeting people, visiting various locations and exploring the internet. They also meet celebrities and political personalities and take their interviews. They also conduct chat shows where they need to ask questions and give their opinions. They need to ensure that the questions are intelligent and the program must be interesting and insightful.
Having a degree in journalism is preferable along with excellent software skills. They should be able to handle data efficiently and lay it in front of the viewers in a well organized manner so that they can easily follow the turn of events. A confused news anchor is not exactly a pleasant sight when the position is being coveted by thousands others.
A person aspiring to be a reporter should have excellent hold over speech and pronunciation. Knowing the language thoroughly is important. Capacity to generate innovative ways of delivering even the simplest of facts with enthusiasm is a skill most sought for. Great on-camera presence, confidence, unparalleled presentation skills, and poise are essential. Experience counts and people with experience are definitely given preference. Knowledge about current affairs and situations and keeping oneself updated is also important. It may happen that one needs to speak not from the teleprompter but directly, without any aid, and the capability to handle such situations comes from experience. Having good writing, production, interpersonal and analytical skills count a lot and can be the basis of promotion. One must be ready to be on toes and must be aware of various happenings.
This is one place where experience counts. The salary earned by a television news reporter is directly proportional to the number of working years. Though presentation skills and other things matter but they also come with experience. So the higher the number the bigger the pay pack. A new anchor receives on an average $20,000- $40,000 in a year while those with an experience of five to nine years earn $40,000- $80,000 per year. People with more than twenty years of experience even earn up to $125,000 per year. Though the figures may sound big, but after years of time and sleepless nights spent, along with the dedication, to provide the best service to the people, it is well deserved.
News is no longer a one hour show, which you see in the morning, or late at night. With a lot of news channels telecasting 24X7, there is unlimited scope available for the new reporters and anchors. These channels are not like a TV episode but are focused on covering global events.
