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

Communication
Attention to detail
Organisational
Time management
Critical thinking
Analytical
Independent thinking
Teamwork
Tech savviness
Creativity
Memorisation
Stamina

Job outlook

Projected growth
The projected growth rate of employment in the US from 2016 to 2026, based on data collected through the BLS Employment Projections (EP) programme. The national average growth rate for all professions is 7%.

0%

New jobs
The number of jobs projected to become available in the US between 2016 and 2026, based on data collected through the BLS Employment Projections (EP) programme.

0

Automation risk
The probability of computerisation, based on data published in ‘The Future of Employment’, a 2013 working paper by Carl Benedikt Frey and Michael Osborne.

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

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