Why this matters:
Whether news anchors are reporting prewritten stories or narrating breaking updates, they’re responsible for delivering news in a clear and concise manner. Candidates must be able to assess, internalize, and summarize information quickly in order to get through an entire news cycle while keeping viewers engaged.
What to listen for:
- Strong verbal communication skills
- Ability to adapt to sudden changes in information
- Commitment to providing factual, unbiased news
Why this matters:
When news anchors discuss certain details of a story, it can be beneficial to add further analysis and open up the topic for discussion. While staying unbiased is important, offering analytical commentary has the potential to add more depth, complexity, and clarity to the news.
What to listen for:
- Ability to verbally distinguish fact and opinion for viewers
- Strong analytical skills when discussing a topic
- Professionalism while exploring a story’s complexity
Why this matters:
News anchors must be able to successfully interview guests, witnesses, or other important news sources who are invited to a broadcast. They should ask specific questions that elicit insightful answers and spark productive conversations. Their primary goal is to gather the most relevant information for a story — and an effective interview can make a world of difference.
What to listen for:
- Ability to formulate strategic questions
- Ability to highlight key information for the audience
- Willingness to ask for clarity in response to vague answers
Why this matters:
A news anchor’s top priority should be to provide news that is supported by evidence. However, there are times when news anchors receive erroneous updates. In cases like this, it’s important to acknowledge one’s mistakes and share accurate, up-to-date details with the public as soon as possible.
What to listen for:
- Ability to take accountability for errors
- Fact-checking skills
- Demonstrated experience correcting oneself on live television
Why this matters:
Many news stories can incite strong emotions. News anchors are expected to remain composed and continue delivering information in a calm manner — but this isn’t always how things play out in real time. If a news anchor feels strongly about a certain topic, they may unconsciously insert their own opinions into the story. When they do so, it’s important to bring up the issue and conclude the story in a professional manner.
What to listen for:
- Ability to identify and address their bias
- Professionalism in handling dialogue that goes off-script
- Commitment to separating facts from personal opinions
Why this matters:
With many global and national events to keep track of, it can be difficult for news anchors to monitor tight deadlines for their own news cycle. When they miss a due date, it’s important to demonstrate resilience and quick thinking. Whether they create a new time frame or push for a later deadline, they must act in a timely manner so their news channel isn’t negatively affected.
What to listen for:
- Problem-solving skills
- Ability to propose and implement possible solutions
- Ability to adapt to any quick changes
Why this matters:
On a regular basis, news anchors must be attentive to several tasks: monitoring current events, fact-checking, and ensuring that reports fit in an allotted time window. In order to complete these tasks effectively, they must be able to multitask and prioritize deadlines according to their level of importance — this way, they won’t fall behind.
What to listen for:
- Strong time management skills when handling multiple projects
- Ability to meet urgent deadlines
- Organization skills when prioritizing and completing tasks
Why this matters:
Because news anchors spend a majority of their time communicating verbally, they must continuously seek ways to sharpen their public speaking skills. It’s beneficial for news anchors to practice certain parts of their speech — whether that’s intonation or enunciation — so they can embody confidence and control when speaking on live television.
What to listen for:
- Desire for self-improvement
- Ability to receive and respond well to feedback
- Commitment to pursuing further learning opportunities
Why this matters:
Occasionally, news anchors receive stories with limited information. In order to paint a fuller picture for the audience, they must be able to gather additional details in a timely manner, whether through an interview with a valid source or a keen observation of their surroundings. Current events are always subject to change, so they must stay attentive to any updates.
What to listen for:
- Ability to uncover exclusive information during an interview
- Willingness to attend events or read additional material on an issue
- Foundational research skills
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