Anchor Ananya Dasgupta talks about career as a TV news presenter
Shiksha has started a series called – Take 5, in which we put forth five questions to industry stalwarts. This series is initiated by us with an aim to help candidates understand what the industry values when they hire people.
Take 5 with Ananya Dasgupta
Lights. Camera. Cue.
Well! That is how a typical day before the camera starts for an anchor. It is true that an anchor is the face of the channel. However, the work allotted to an anchor is not just looking pretty on camera. Presenting an engaging show or news bulletin requires an anchor to multi-task throughout the day.
So, for all aspirants wanting to make a mark in the field of anchoring, Ananya Dasgupta, a famous face on Indian television offers advice on what to and what not to do when one plans to become a television news anchor.
On asked what a typical day at work for her is like, Ananya shares that her job revolves around handling day to day breaking stories – making sense of them as they unfold.
Ananya is a graduate from Asian College of Journalism (ACJ). In 2005, she won the British Chevening scholarship for TV journalists - during which she trained with the Thomson Foundation at Cardiff University, UK.
She also pursued English Honours from Jadavpur University in Kolkata.
In this Take 5 article, Shiksha got talking to Ananya Dasgupta, a senior anchor with CNN IBN who shared insights into what students can expect when planning to make a career as an anchor.
Q. What are the skills one needs to join the industry as a TV anchor/presenter?
First and foremost, if one is joining as a news anchor/presenter, then an interest in news is a must. Also, television is usually a live medium, so quick thinking is needed. An anchor must also be comfortable and fluent in the language in which s/he is anchoring. The language has to be grammatically correct, but spoken language. Not verbose.
Familiarity with the medium is an asset. Camera angles, lighting, shooting and reporting a TV story and of course, news writing skills are essential.
Q. Based on what criteria does the industry hire people?
The criteria can vary. Usually a basic degree in journalism/mass communication is considered. Training in TV news - especially online video editing, presentation, production, camera and reporting is an asset.
Q. Which are some of the top institutes that students should consider for their studies/training before joining this field?
Some top colleges would be:
Q. Things you wish you knew about being an anchor as a student?
I wish someone had warned me about irregular timings and working on Diwali, New Year, weekends!
Q. Tell us about the career progression and what kind of packages students can expect.
Usually a fresher will start on newsdesk - cutting sound-bytes and packaging. Then the person can move to copywriting or reporting depending on skills and inclination. Those who are camera-friendly and know the news can finally try for anchoring.
The starting salary differs - could be anywhere in the range of Rs 18,000- 25,000. The increments depend on a variety of factors - including the company where you work. The average increment is about 15% every year.
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