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A broadcast analyst typically works for television and radio stations and informs the public about current events and news on an international, national, and local level. Broadcast news analysts are commonly called anchors. Some broadcasters actually analyze and interpret news stories and communicate their opinions.
Watch a video to learn what a broadcast news analyst does:
How to Become a Broadcast News Analyst
A broadcast news analyst preferably has a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting, radio television, mass communications, or journalism. However, some employers may consider applicants with degrees in a related field, such as English. Coursework usually includes basic journalism principles, news writing, and television production. Also, broadcast news analysts will be speaking to the public, addressing political and societal events; thus, public speaking, government, economics, and sociology courses will also be helpful.
Some companies even look for broadcast news analysts with expertise in the particular area they are reporting in, such as political science, commerce, or specific sports. Allowing the analyst to add their expertise or knowledge to a story they are covering and may also add credibility to the organization.
To find colleges or universities that offer Journalism or Mass Communication programs, check out the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC)’s website. This organization provides reviews of journalism programs throughout the country, though not mandated by schools that offer these programs. However, in 2020, there are over 115 listed on their website, with additional ones under provisional approval.
Skills and Experience
Other pertinent skills are critical thinking and interpersonal skills, strong communication skills, determination, strong computer skills, writing, editing, and excellent pronunciation when speaking.
Work experience is also essential and obtained through internships with other news organizations. Internships provide students with opportunities to work on stories to form a portfolio that demonstrates their on-air appearances or their best writing samples. It’s important to note that experience can also come from working for your college’s tv station. Podcasts are also a new medium where a person can gain experience in broadcasting. These are all ways to learn the trade, gain experience, and get your foot in the door. Most broadcast news analysts start behind the scenes, work for smaller new companies, and work their way up. It takes many years and experience to secure employment with a national news station.
Benefits of a Broadcast News Analyst
Broadcast News Analysts find fulfillment in crafting engaging stories for the public and take pride in reporting significant news events. This profession offers ample opportunities to work on design-related tasks, satisfying their creative inclinations. They enjoy collaborating with colleagues and engaging with co-workers, management, and the public. The field provides a clear path for career advancement, allowing them to steadily progress towards their goals. Travel is a notable perk, as news stories can take them worldwide. With stable full-time employment and a consistent income, they benefit from job security. Variety is another advantage, with both indoor and outdoor work to break the routine. Additionally, standard benefits like health insurance, paid leave, and retirement plans are typically included.
Job Description of a Broadcast News Analyst
Broadcast news analysts primary responsibility is to report the news on television or the radio. Weathercasters or meteorologists are considered broadcast analysts as well; they report and forecast weather conditions. Sports-casters report sports news. They all must present news stories clearly and concisely, so their audiences understand and are engaged.
Many analyst research, comprise, and edit their own stories, especially at the smaller news stations. They may also conduct interviews to help tell a more holistic story from all points of view. These interviews occur in a studio, or the analyst may seek additional community interviews or information outside the studio to prepare for the news broadcast.
A broadcast analyst typically works full-time to lead news programs or provide commentary, and work may include nights and weekends. During significant news events, natural disasters, or accidents a news broadcast analyst can be called to assist in the reporting. Though hours are full time, they are usually scattered throughout the day. News analysts typically work inside a studio with good lighting and soundproof walls. There are always deadlines, so one must work well under tight deadlines and stressful environments.
Free Resources
Berkley University of California offers a free English for Journalists through EdX. This course has two parts and provides an introduction to journalism, English proficiency, and how to use it in the journalism arena. There is a cost option if you wish to earn a verified certification after taking the course.
Broadcast News Analyst Career Video Transcript
On television and in print, journalists uncover facts to report the news as objectively as possible. Reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts inform the public about events and news occurring internationally, nationally, and locally. Reporters and correspondents (or journalists) spend a lot of time in the field meeting contacts, investigating stories, and conducting interviews so they can write or record a story. The work is often fast-paced to meet deadlines or be the first to break news.
Multimedia skills are increasingly in demand, so that journalists can add audio, video and graphics to adapt stories for different platforms including newspapers, magazines, television, live radio, websites, podcasts and social media. Some reporters freelance, covering individual stories for a fee or marketing their own stories to news organizations.
Broadcast news analysts work in radio and television, sharing their opinions with their audience, based on their expertise in a particular subject, such as politics, business, or medicine. Most reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts work full-time. Travel is common, and may include exposure to risks in situations such as war zones or natural disasters. Schedules change as news occurs, and may include nights and weekends. To enter the field, a bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications is preferred, along with related experience such as internships or work in college news media.
Article Citations
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 27-3021 Broadcast News Analysts.
National Center for O*NET Development. 27-3021.00. O*NET OnLine.
The career video is in the public domain from the U. S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.