One of the biggest mysteries in television is: how to become a news anchor?

The competition is fierce and everyone at the station wants the same spot.

Even people not at the station want that spot! There are many different

theories from many different sources: Here are some tips from

http://www.becomeanewsreporter.com

Believe it or not, some very small markets will allow you to immediately

start on the anchor desk. But you'll also be in charge of producing,

calling, shooting, editing, writing, making coffee, and painting the

building. These jobs are called "one man bands" and can be very

challenging. The pay is low but the responsibility and stress is very high!

If you can handle the demands, it's a great way to gain a tremendous amount

of television news experience.

Typically, you will need to work your way up the chain at your news station.

So, the best way to become a news anchor is...don't be so set on being an

anchor! I know that may sound strange but there are many jobs at the

station...and your 1st job is to get ANY job at the station. It's very

challenging nabbing that elusive anchor spot, but it can be done. Help

yourself by being flexible. Don't have the attitude of, "Anchor or

Nothing." Some of your favorite news anchors started off as weekend

reporters or weather reporters.

The News Director is much more likely to promote someone already working at

the station than to hire a brand new outsider. Obviously, the ND is looking

for a qualified news anchor candidate but they are also looking for a hard

worker and team player. Whether you get a news reporter job or a sweeping the

floor job, once you get your foot in the door, be sure to show initiative and

willingness to take on extra responsibility.

On our local Fox affiliate in Las Vegas, we have a brand new anchor...but she

really isn't new. She started off as an on-call traffic reporter, then she

was promoted to weekend weather girl, then she was promoted to general

assignment reporter. I'll never forget the day that one of the head anchors

announced she was leaving the station for a job in San Diego. It was a shock

to the station and community but who do you think replaced her? That's

right! The original on-call traffic reporter! The point is: be willing to

take ANY job at the station. If you do, the anchor position might be a lot

closer than you think!