How to Become a Broadcast News Analyst

About Broadcast News Analyst

A career as a Broadcast News Analyst, also referred to as a news anchor or a reporter, includes collecting information and compiling it together to broadcast the story on radio or T.V. Their job also includes interviewing people, organizing panel discussions, writing commentaries, scripts or various columns. They also analyse national, local and international news and edit news material so that it fits within the available time of space.

They also are responsible for selecting relevant material for the presentation and organizing it. They edit interviews and write and record voiceovers. They also make use of social media to cover live events and offer additional information for viewers, interact with the audience and promote their stations. They may choose to cover a particular genre such as politics, crime or they may also cover a wide range of subjects. They often team up with photographers, editors or other journalists while working on a story.

Eligibility to become Broadcast News Analyst

Here's how to become a broadcast news analyst, you need to meet the following criteria. 

Subject Requirements: No specific subject requirements as such but candidates who have studied journalism are sometimes preferred over the others.

Educational Qualification: 

• There are no specific degrees that you must have pursued to make a career in media but if you have studied broadcast journalism/ mass communication at the UG level, it helps.
• Most of the high ranked channels or companies require candidates to hold either a master's degree or a postgraduate diploma (PGD) in journalism. 

Experience:

• In this field of journalism, experience matters. 
• You must have at least 3-5 years of experience in journalism and media field. 

Key Skills:

• Good editing and research skills
• Need to be confident and have a clear speaking voice
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and ability to meet deadlines
• Creative approach to handle problems and improvise when required
• A high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Understanding what makes a good news story

Types of Job Roles Broadcast News Analyst

There are many job profiles in this field. They are listed below

Editors: Editors prepare, rewrite and edit copy, they also proofread it to correct errors also pitch in story ideas.

Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians: They operate and maintain the equipment for TV broadcasts, radio programs, movies and sound recordings.

Technical Writers: Technical writers are responsible for preparing how-to-guides, instruction manuals to simplify complex and technical information. They also gather technical information from various sources.

Announcers: Announcers are responsible for presenting sports, music and news and commentary about these things or other topics.  

Film and Video Editors: Film and video editors take charge of the raw footage by using digital editing software. They work in many different industries such as broadcasting and advertising or even film. 

Employment Sector/Industry for Broadcast News Analyst

Some of the top industries in which broadcast news analysts work are as follows

• Radio and Television Broadcasting
• Newspapers, periodicals, and publishers
• They can also work as teachers and teach journalism at colleges and universities
• Information services 

Top Recruiting Companies for Broadcast News Analyst

Given below is the list of some of the top media and broadcasting companies.

• TV18
• TV Today Network
• Entertainment Network (India) Ltd. (ENIL)
• HT Media
• Eros International Media Ltd
• India Today Group
• Bennett, Coleman, and Co. (The Times of India)
• Asian News Channel Pvt. Ltd
• Star India 

Responsibilities of a Broadcast News Analyst

Broadcast news analysts are involved in the following responsibilities:

• Conducting interviews
• Writing and reporting the news
• Improvising as and when needed
• Calling experts on the show for feedback and analysis
• Commenting and giving their analysis on various news
• Providing live coverage for breaking news or other events/meetings/court hearings
• Verifying the sources and fact-checking the items used in reports
• Citing various sources during reporting

Pay Scale/Salary of Broadcast News Analyst

• The average salary for a broadcast news analyst can begin from INR 6.2 LPA. 
• For the middle and senior-level positions, it can range from INR 8 LPA to INR 20 LPA.

Note: The above figures are an estimate and may vary from individual to individual and company to company.

Books & Study Material to Become Broadcast News Analyst

Some books that broadcast news analysts can refer to are as follows

• Managing Television News: A Handbook for Ethical and Effective Producing by B.William Silcock
• Broadcast News: Writing, Reporting, and Producing by Ted White
• Broadcast Journalism: Techniques of Radio and Television News

Pros of becoming a Broadcast News Analyst

• Many broadcast news analysts may choose to specialize in one particular area such as politics, current events or entertainment. They have the power to educate and inform people about the issues and bring awareness.

• These people are storytellers and they may often share people’s stories of courage, love, and sacrifice amidst adversity. Such stories have a positive impact on the world and inspire people.

• Broadcast news analysts get the opportunity to meet people from various cultures. They get to interview celebrities, politicians and other interesting public figures. It is very exciting yet challenging at the same time.

• This field is not monotonous. There is a lot of variety in the jobs that one gets to perform. You can interview people, investigate stories, conduct follow-ups, compile news and produce stories. And there is a variety of stories that they get to work on such as business-related, non-profit, crime, government news and arts and entertainment.

• It can take you places. This is one profession which offers opportunities to travel to various places, locally and internationally. You don’t have to remain in your cubicle the entire day.

• It is a fast-paced field so if you are someone who’s looking for something adventurous and fun, a career as a broadcast news analyst may be for you. This field brings new opportunities, events, and stories to the fore so you always have to be ready and on your toes.

Cons of becoming a Broadcast News Analyst

• Career as a broadcast news analyst won’t pay you well especially when you are starting out. After a few years of experience, the number may go up but it still won’t be enough if you compare it to other professions.
• Broadcast news analysts have to work under a lot of stress because they have strict deadlines. This can put tremendous pressure on a news analyst to come up with an effective and non-biased report within the stipulated time frame.
• People in broadcast media also have to often work long hours. They may even have to do night shifts, work irregular hours, work on the weekends as well and at times, the erratic work hours can take a toll on their health.
• Broadcast news analysts are at risk of getting injured or losing their life while covering riots or some other violent disturbance.
• Though you will get to travel a lot which can be fun but, at the same time, you may have other plans or other personal commitments and you may have to cancel those as you may be asked to travel at very short notice.