Broadcast News Analyst

What an Broadcast News Analyst Does

Broadcast news analysts are more commonly referred to as newscasters or news anchors. These analysts are usually the more identifiable personalities of a news station since they get the most face-time and are responsible for preparing and delivering most of the news that is administered to the public via television or radio. Duties include introducing and interpreting pre-packaged news reels from various sources, leading transitions into videotaped or live news segments produced by an on–the-scene reporter, and delivering breaking news as it occurs. Since some broadcasts are aired with little or no time for preparation, news analyst must be able to think on their feet. While most news analyst work in comfortable offices, the workload is usually intense and chaotic and work hours do vary. Many morning news analysts, for example, must be at work at 3 a.m. to prepare to deliver the 6 a.m. news. High salaried news analysts are usually on-call as well, and must wake up to deliver important breaking news no matter their shift.

How to Become an Broadcast News Analyst

While there are some organizations known to have hired news analysts without a formal education in journalism, most employers do require a bachelor's degree in broadcasting, journalism or some type of communications degree. Prior experience delivering the news, whether broadcasting for a school's radio or TV station, or interning at a news organization, is almost always required. According the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 1,500 higher education institutions that offer journalism and related programs. Through the broadcast journalism sequence, students will take coursework in radio and television news, and learn how to edit and produce their own news packages. It's important to note that news analyst positions at large city stations are not for entry level professionals. Those who are assigned as general news reporters tend to have to very hard to advance in this field, which could include being assigned to work at odd hours during the night or solely on the weekends. As a news analyst, career advancement might mean relocating to an even larger station in a larger city.

Career Outlook for Broadcast News Analysts

While there will always be a continuous need for someone to deliver the news, the career outlook for broadcast news analysts will experience some pitfalls in the coming years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Bureau states that the journalism industry as a whole is predicted to decline by six percent in the 2008-18 decade due to decreased levels of advertising, which is the news industry's main source of income. That's not to say that there will be no career opportunities, however. The Bureau assures that consolidation and convergence should keep broadcasting stations and companies afloat. It also says that jobs will be created as veteran news analysts decide to retire or quit and pursue other careers because they found broadcasting too stressful. Career opportunities will also be greater in smaller cities and rural areas. It's important to note that competition for a news analyst position is fierce because of the number of people pursuing this career surpass the number of available positions. According to the Bureau, news employees held about 69,300 jobs in 2008, of which 21 percent worked in radio and television broadcasting. They earned an average $51,260 per year.