Blake McCoy on Career Path to Becoming a News Anchor | Chicago, IL

A news anchor is a person who is responsible for delivering the news. They should be objective and unbiased, and they have to be able to present the news in a way that is both entertaining and informative. The field of television news is very competitive and requires a good personality and knowledge. Here is everything you need to know about the career path to becoming a news anchor.

Position Explained

The job description of a news anchor states that they are responsible for delivering local and national news coverage. They typically report from a script and take in information from their news team whenever a breaking story occurs. Regardless of the topic, an anchor should remain calm and professionally deliver the news. Besides gathering information from their news team, a news anchor also introduces the in-field reporters and other individuals who can provide valuable insight into a story.

Education

A bachelor’s degree program in mass communications or broadcast journalism can prepare you for a career in this field. You can also take public speaking and speech classes to improve your skills. Although a master’s degree isn’t necessary, it can help you land a job with a media outlet or network. Attending a university or college can provide access to the school’s local news station, which can help you gain experience.

Skill Building

Some news anchors are required by their employers to write their own reports. These individuals typically have the necessary communication and writing skills to deliver effective and informative content. If you’re interested in becoming a news anchor, you should consider working hard and developing strong presentation and writing skills.

Experience

If you still need to figure out what a news anchor job entails, you can start by getting experience through a training program or an internship. After that, you can apply for part-time positions at a local media outlet or a smaller news station. Experience is crucial to ensure you’re ready to become a household name. You should also watch a variety of television news anchors to get a deeper understanding of what it takes to become a successful news anchor. In addition to their mannerisms and appearance, you should also learn about the job’s different aspects.

Make a Sample

A resume tape is similar to a demo reel that an actor uses to show off their skills. It features various segments highlighting how you would handle situations as an anchor. Besides being able to report breaking news, your resume tape should also show how you interact with other people on-air.

ABOUT BLAKE MCCOY

Blake McCoy is a dynamic, engaging broadcast journalist with a depth of experience. As a network news correspondent, Blake has traveled the country sharing stories of human triumph and tragedy, struggle and perseverance. As a local anchor, Blake has connected with audiences by leading top-rated newscasts with authenticity, accuracy and care.

Blake McCoy’s news journey began in Boise, Idaho where he spent nearly two years establishing the foundation for his career as a reporter and morning anchor at KBOI-TV.

Next stop was Las Vegas, NV where Blake McCoy worked as reporter and weekend anchor at KTNV, ABC Action News. Vegas had gone from boom to bust overnight, rattled by the 2008 financial crisis. Reporting on tourism from the fast-paced Las Vegas Strip, Blake found new urgency in the constant push for reinvention. Just beyond the neon, reporting juxtaposed with deeply personal stories of job loss, home foreclosure and desperation.

After three years in Las Vegas, Blake McCoy’s next career opportunity came from the highly respected, award-winning team at KARE 11, NBC in Minneapolis, MN. Blake would keep is schedule anchoring weekend evenings and reporting on important issues in the community. At KARE 11, Blake’s authenticity and smart reporting was quickly embraced by viewers of their #1 rated newscasts.

Prior to embarking on a career in broadcasting, Blake McCoy graduated with honors from The George Washington University, earning a double-major Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Political Science. He spent a semester abroad in England, studying European politics at the University of Manchester.