Job description
Broadcast news analysts gather multiple sources related to a story and examine, analyse and interpret the news as objectively as possible. This position will also entail penning columns, commentaries or scripts prior to going on air as an anchor for news broadcast programmes on television, radio or online channels.
Duties
- Perform shoe-leather journalism and investigate stories
- Look for news items of local, national or global importance or obtain assignments from editors
- Comb through the media to attain various points of view relating to a news story
- Organise various sources, determine original content and pen news reports
- Edit news items to ensure they fit in the allotted time of the newscast
- Verify data and developments from sources to prevent corrections and accusations of fake news
- Interpret and present news stories so the audience can receive a balanced report
- Conduct and participate in live interviews with other experts on the subject
- Communicate with other reporters while live on the air
- Help put together news programmes and produce different segments by coordinating reporting
Skills and qualities
Job outlook
Projected growth
0%
New jobs
0
Automation risk
6.7%
Career progression
Years of experience, as well as accolades and tremendous insight, will improve your job prospects. You can then become a key news anchor or chief correspondent, or get elevated to the national stage.
Working conditions
Average hours
40h/ week
Typical schedule
Unpredictable
Nights, weekends, holidays occasionally
Broadcast news analysts spend their days in soundproof studios, well-lighted workstations and temperature-controlled offices. Sometimes, if the assignment consists of visiting a location and speaking with officials and witnesses, the job will require some travel.
Since broadcast journalism is a 24-hour-a-day industry, a broadcast news analyst will work irregular and unpredictable hours. While some news programmes are recorded in advance of their airing time, there are many broadcasts that are completed live, particularly during breaking news or special events.
Salary
Bottom 10%
$27k
Median
$67k
Top 10%
$200k
Annual salary estimates are based on percentile wage data collected through the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey of US workers.
Qualifications and training
Education level
Undergraduate
Bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications
Study time
4 years
To become a broadcast news analyst, you will need typically need to complete a four-year university degree programme in a subject like journalism or communications. Some employers may hire candidates with a degree in English or political science, along with relevant experience.
If you’re considering specialising in certain areas of the news – such as business or law – then a degree and experience in any of these fields (like an MBA or a Juris doctor) will be useful.
Last Updated: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
