High School

In high school, you should focus on a college preparatory curriculum that will teach you how to write, speak, and use the English language in literature and communication classes. Subjects such as history, government, economics, computer science, and a foreign language are also important. Participation in journalism clubs and on your school newspaper will also help you prepare for this career.

Postsecondary Training

Today, most news anchors have earned at least a bachelors degree in journalism, English, political science, economics, telecommunications, or communications. Visit the Web site of the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (https://www.acejmc.org/accredited-programs) for a list of accredited postsecondary training programs in journalism and mass communications.

Certification

Colleges and universities, online learning platforms, and broadcasting schools offer certificate programs in broadcasting, communications, journalism, and other fields. These programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.

Other Education or Training

Continuing education seminars, webinars, and other learning opportunities are provided by the National Association of Broadcasters and Radio-Television Digital News Association, as well as state-level organizations such as the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

There are no certification or licensing requirements for news anchors.

Large markets for radio and television news anchors usually employ announcers who bring experience from smaller stations. Anchors must have proven ratings records to attract and maintain audiences. In addition to their news announcing tasks, anchors must be able to create and update their social media sites, make promotional appearances, and appear in commercials for the station.

Aspiring radio and television news anchors must have a mastery of the English language—both written and spoken. Their diction, including correct grammar usage, pronunciation, and minimal regional dialect, is extremely important. News anchors need to have a pleasing personality and voice, and, in the case of television anchorpeople, they must also have a pleasing appearance.

News anchors need to be creative, inquisitive, aggressive, and should know how to meet and interact with people—including coworkers and people who they interview to help gather the news.