TV Anchoring as a Career: Spunk and Spontaneity is the Key

When one talks about TV Anchors, the names that flash into one's mind are Barkha Dutt, Pronnoy Roy, Cyrus Broacha, Mrinal Pandey and of course Rajdeep Sardesai. All these have earned a fame, which is irreplaceable and outstanding. They have not only worked hard on TV Anchoring as a Career, but also kept the passion alive and proved that they are born for this profession. This is what the TV Anchoring as a Career is all about. It demands dynamism, perseverance, patience and also formal training for one's personality.

A television anchor is the identity of any channel and carries with him a unique quality. They are not only mere presenters but are required to have updated knowledge about the world around them. Be it entertainers or serious news presenters, they must have the quality to engage the viewers throughout the programme. TV anchors are also required to have a striking and controlled body language, an essential prerequisite of these professionals.

A good TV anchor has to be wholehearted, active and spirited. A news anchor shoulders immense responsibility to channelize factually correct information, without exaggerating facts. On the entertainment front, a TV anchor must not be offensive, biased and derogatory. They must have an empathy and sensitivity towards other's views and lifestyles. It is only then one can become a revered, well known and beloved TV presenters.

Qualities of a TV Anchor

Apart from having the aforementioned skills, an anchor must have following qualities:

• A reservoir of knowledge and information
• Awareness of the current political setting
• Knowledge of issues from different fields
• Versatile
• Excellent command over language
• Good sense of humor
• A vibrant attitude
• Spontaneous
• Flexible approach towards the profession
• Calm and composed
• Camera friendly
• A unique style

Career Prospects

It is a wrong notion that TV anchors have a short life. The truth is that there is immense scope in this profession as the field is very wide and versatile. Adding to this, if one has the passion with the profession, there are no bounds for success. With mushrooming of news and entertainment channels, demands for able and well-read anchors are on rise. The aspirants can work with any entertainment channel as a host in a reality show, game show or comedy show.

However, to become a TV anchor in a news channel one has to have immense command over social, political and economic scenario of the nation. This is due to the fact that the anchors are required to have their own unbiased opinion on the issue.

Remuneration

As TV anchors are in great demand these days, one can earn a decent salary between Rs 8000- Rs 12, 000 per month, as a fresher. On the other hand, depending upon experience and one's abilities the salary of TV anchors can touch nearly Rs 30, 000 till Rs 1 lakh. If we keep money aside, good anchoring will fetch name, fame and most importantly creative satisfaction.

Colleges offering Courses in TV Anchoring

• IAAN School of Mass Communication (New Delhi)
• Asian Academy of Film & Television (AAFT)
• Pran's Media Institute (New Delhi)
• Center for Research in Art Of Film and Television (New Delhi)
• Sadhna Academy for Modern Studies, Noida
• NBA School Of Mass Communication (Education Venture Of Jain TV), Delhi
• Purple Rose Arts and Media Institute, Noida

The Road Ahead

It is a well known fact that surviving in media is very tough and only few courageous and passionate people can make it big. The same is applicable with TV Anchoring as a career. Apart from taking admission into a good college, one has to have good contacts in the industry. This should not be taken as a hamper in growth but must be taken sportingly as a learning experience. If the aspirants have their eyes fixed on the goal, there is no one that can stop them from reaching the zenith.

Source: Prachi Srivastava (Shiksha Team)

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