Monday 10 October 2016

Anchoring


Anchoring


Career of an anchor is one that commands immense popularity. He/ she is the face seen by millions of families each day and is instantly recognised by people. To succeed in this career one must be an extrovert, be confident and should be free from inhibitions while communicating.

Anchoring has emerged as a popular career option in the country with the entry of satellite channels, with several news as well as entertainment channels coming up day by day. The field is quite lucrative for successful anchors in the field.

An anchor is usually known as either a presenter, host, news reader or news/program anchor etc. Anchors are of three types- stage anchor, news anchor and programme anchor. While stage anchor present live events, News anchor/program anchors present news or programs in entertainment media or news media. TV news anchors present news in different languages - national, regional and other different languages. Program anchors focuses toward entertainment programs such as award functions, any competition shows, comedy shows, film based shows, cooking shows, reality shows, sports, crime reports or talk shows and debates etc.

Anchors are the mediators between the channel and the audience. They are not only mere presenters, but are required to have updated knowledge about the world around them. Be it entertainment or sober news presentations, they must have the quality to engage the viewers throughout the programme. The task of news reading and presenting a program is a challenging field. An anchor is responsible for not only providing information, but also needs to ensure that program is delivered in an entertaining manner.

The nature of the program determines the conduct of its anchor. The anchor must be versatile and flexible based on the nature of the program. If the program is purely an entertainment based show, then the anchor may have to engage in light-hearted conversation with the caller, be able to crack jokes at the proper time and should radiate a vibrant attitude. Whereas, if the program is on a delicate and serious issue, then its anchor should be calm and composed. In a sense, the anchor can make a show interesting or dull.

Anchoring is a talent-based profession, it requires a good command over language and a humour sense. An anchor must maintain wit and humor at all times to make up for any slip of tongue that they may make. The art of talking your way out of uncomfortable situations is the most important pre-requisite. Moreover an anchor needs to be a powerhouse of knowledge. Thorough knowledge of current affairs, politics and history are a must if you want to sustain in this industry. The popularity of the show entirely depends on an anchors performance on stage. Being on the call always is also essential if you are passionate about the career.

A trusted, respected anchor reflects well on the public's general opinion of that channel. In short, people tune in that channel because of who the anchors are, their familiarity with them and the trust built over time, and that's a great deal of responsibility.

Educational

Although academic qualification does not play a major role for news anchoring or program anchoring, the increasing demand for good anchors has resulted in the need for specialized and professional training. The minimum eligibility criteria for most of these courses is graduation. However, for certificate courses a 10+2 will also suffice. To become a news anchor, a course in journalism will help you a lot.

Many courses have been designed to enhance the skill of aspirants. Most of the anchoring courses are of one to six months duration. The course curriculum for anchoring covers training in the change of facial expressions, voice modulation, use of proper diction and pitch according to the given script/situation etc. They are also trained on anchoring, interviewing, news reading, chat shows etc. The courses designed for anchoring also focus on other aspects like technical issues and camera handling to enhance the skills of aspirants.

Personal attributes

The voice is the key quality to be possessed by an anchor. Anchor must have a passion towards the career and must be responsible. They must be confident and have a pleasing personality. In other sense anchor must be presentable. Apart from these qualities he/she must have dynamism, knowledge, command over pronunciation and communication. Comfort before camera is also a must for this field.
Job Prospects & Career Options

Anchoring has wide scope as a career avenue with the constant launch of various news, infotainment and entertainment channels. With the flood of realities shows, chat shows, music shows etc. demand for experienced anchors is immense. Most anchors begin their career through trial and error method-working at small broadcast stations, sometimes as reporters. Gradually after gaining experience, move on to larger stations or television networks. Program/news anchors specialize in news or entertainment programs such as award functions, music and dance shows, comedy shows, reality shows, cookery shows etc.

Position of an anchor combine journalism and entertainment. One can work with channels as a news anchor as well as programme anchor or presenter in a reality show, game show, conduct interviews and offer commentary for various live events. Anchors are in demand not only in channels, they are wanted to introduce a product and even present a programme or event. Usually product launches are common events where there is a need for anchors to present the function. There are many more cultural and social events which need an anchor to conduct them. Even family functions like marriages or birthdays hire anchors so that the function runs smoothly. Due to the spurt in events and festivals these days demand for anchors are on the rise. Festivals like Christmas, new year, diwali are more elaborate with lots of events. There are more corporate events, celebrity nights, trade fairs etc. all of them require anchors to present the show or event.

Anchors can find employment opportunities in TV channels, radio stations, as hosts in award functions, reality, comedy, music, dance shows etc. Most of them work on a freelance basis and are mostly occupied with anchoring live events. Employers include TV channels such as ZEE, Star Plus, Sahara news, Asianet, Sony, Sun, BBC, Surya, CNN IBN etc. If you are a good performer and dedicated employee you could also get a chance to work with international reporters and News channels.

This career is rewarding not only in monetary terms, but the fame and honour one gains from this field is much more.
Institutes

Due to the increasing demand and popularity of TV anchors, a number of institutes have started conducting specialized training courses for the same. Prominent among them are Prans Media Institute, New Delhi, Center For Research in Art of Film and Television (CRAFT) New Delhi.

To get the list of institutes conducting respective course click on the course name

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