In Pursuit of Becoming a Television Anchor

As the cell phone rings, Anya quickly answers it without skipping a heartbeat. She immediately takes a pen and starts jotting down an address where she must meet this guy. No, it is not a date that gets her so pepped up, it is the casting call that she has been waiting for since she stepped foot in the city. The caller is a coordinator who has shortlisted Anya’s portfolio for an anchoring assignment.

As she enters her first audition, Anya is surprised to see the number of people who have also turned up for the part. She quickly writes her name on the cue sheet, finds a chair and starts observing people amidst the disorganization. Most of them are well groomed and seem confident, while some lack the x-factor. The wait is long and getting up to face the casting director could take a while. Nonetheless, everyone gets a shot in front of the camera. Who will be the individual to get the job? No one knows…

Often, caked-up hopeful faces in long audition lines question the illusion of glitz and glamour in media. What once seemed like an attractive fantasy now appears all too complicated. In the quest to outdo others who happen to be in the same boat, one begins to wonder how the elaborate dream of being on television can be realized. Often fantasy and reality are poles apart and the paradox can be appalling.

Usually before stepping into the world of television anchoring, one does not know what to expect. Several erroneous perceptions and myths dominate the mind. Some think that having a degree in journalism will secure them a job, while others assume an attractive physical appearance would do the trick. The assumptions vary.

The reel-dreams that precede real-time success demand a lot more than simply good looks. Effective communication skills, a good command on language, consistent high quality work, commitment, diligence, destiny and unwavering faith are some ingredients that create possibilities. Contrary to popular belief that being an anchor is easy, it is often seen that performers go through a myriad of phases… from having butterflies in the stomach, difficulty memorizing scripts and unruly nerves to being camera friendly, smooth and sometimes even over-confident.

Being a good anchor has several elements. Though it is mainly about artistic yet effortless performance in front of the camera, visual appeal, effective communication, subject knowledge, program content, clarity of speech, wit and a pleasant personality significantly matter. Hence, weaving all these elements together is imperative in striking a chord with the viewer.

Many a times, television channels and their presenters operate on the imitation module. Whenever someone does a new thing, others follow suit. In this case, imitation is not the best form of flattery; instead it reflects lack of creativity. The joy then lies in discovering one’s own style as a presenter rather than cloning someone else’s. Flaws and rectifications, trials and errors, are all part and parcel of the job. For a television presenter, versatility is a virtue. Being able to host diverse shows of dissimilar genres takes skill.

Success is a process. Although getting significant work as a television anchor may take time and effort, it all seems worthwhile when wishes come true even in small doses. Passion for the job, the right attitude, positive work ethic, strong screen presence, professionalism and a desire to evolve can create on-screen magic.

Once the foray in the world of television begins, a bitter-sweet experience unfolds. Becoming a television anchor is not easy. Apart from other things, it requires patience, hard work and a positive mind set. With the correct blend of ingredients, immense possibilities can be tapped.

After all, it is an extra-ordinary ability to turn dreams into reality. The transition from aspiring to becoming feels so good that eventually memories of waiting in those long audition lines fade away.