6 answers
Auta
Student
Kampala, Central Region
1
Question
Updated
661 views
Should I continue with my passion?
I want to be a news anchor. I have been told I have the voice and confidence, I also enjoy talking to new people. My parents however don't support this. They say that news anchoring can be depressing and I'll eventually get bored of it. They have been constantly trying to change my mind and it is now getting into my head. I don't want to end up going a career that I would later on regret. I need a point of view from someone professional and honest on what to do.
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6 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1920
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Auta !
I am happy to know that you are considering exploring broadcasting and I encourage you to explore it further. It is a dynamic, exciting, always interesting and fulfilling career for those I know that are in the field. I say go for it. I do have some advice for you about it. And it's all good !
First, I would like to mention that you will hear a lot of opinions about your career goals and that's just what they are - opinions. We don't always have an outpouring of support for some of our plans, and that is perfectly okay. Since you have the drive, passion, inspiration, confidence and a great speaking voice, these gifts should not be set aside. You can do it.
If you are in what we in the U.S. refer to as high school, become involved with any news, journalism or broadcast activities such as school news on video, radio, writing articles for the school paper. As well, start your own news show for now. Use your phone or a digital camera and register for a You Tube Channel at which you can upload your videos of you relaying local news or anything like an interview show or anything you can create.
The next step would be college. This is where the term "anchor" will take on a new meaning because what you would major in is not anchoring. You can major in Communications, Film and Television, or Journalism. You will learn all the skills to be an on and off air talent for this industry. Keep in mind that anchoring means that you read copy written by the station's copywriter or from a press company. The field has a lot more opportunity than only anchoring. You will see this through the major you pick and it will result in having the skill to be an anchor or any other niche around news or journalism after you graduate.
You can contact your television stations now and ask about volunteer work. The television stations in your area are Gugudde Television, BBS Terefayina, and LTV-Lighthouse TV/TBN Uganda. Also contact Uganda Broadcasting Corporation. I suggest volunteer work because not everyone offers internships, but internships may be available to you while you are in college.
There aren't any visible online courses for broadcasting geared towards African students, however, One Africa Television’s LearnOnOne platform and the Academy of Radio and Television Broadcasting’s online Radio & Media Training Program may be well worth a try. Do not give up. Again, your parents may have one idea when they hear the word "anchor", but may feel a different way if you express it as journalist, broadcaster, or media specialist. You stated that they said it was depressing, but any career can have sad features to it. As professionals people understand that their careers have variations in the content of their work and although there sometimes may be sad moments in the content, the important thing is the communication that enlightens and informs. I definitely believe that you should pursue the career you love and not let anything create a barrier to your talents and ambition.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best while you explore and gain experience for a most exciting career !
ONE AFRICA - FOR LEARNING, SUBMIT TV CONTENT, SUBMIT NEWS TIPS AND PARTICIPATE IN COMPETITIONS https://www.oneafrica.com.na/
ACADEMY OF RADIO AND TELEVISION BROADCASTING https://arbradio.com/programs/online-radio-media-training-program/
I am happy to know that you are considering exploring broadcasting and I encourage you to explore it further. It is a dynamic, exciting, always interesting and fulfilling career for those I know that are in the field. I say go for it. I do have some advice for you about it. And it's all good !
First, I would like to mention that you will hear a lot of opinions about your career goals and that's just what they are - opinions. We don't always have an outpouring of support for some of our plans, and that is perfectly okay. Since you have the drive, passion, inspiration, confidence and a great speaking voice, these gifts should not be set aside. You can do it.
If you are in what we in the U.S. refer to as high school, become involved with any news, journalism or broadcast activities such as school news on video, radio, writing articles for the school paper. As well, start your own news show for now. Use your phone or a digital camera and register for a You Tube Channel at which you can upload your videos of you relaying local news or anything like an interview show or anything you can create.
The next step would be college. This is where the term "anchor" will take on a new meaning because what you would major in is not anchoring. You can major in Communications, Film and Television, or Journalism. You will learn all the skills to be an on and off air talent for this industry. Keep in mind that anchoring means that you read copy written by the station's copywriter or from a press company. The field has a lot more opportunity than only anchoring. You will see this through the major you pick and it will result in having the skill to be an anchor or any other niche around news or journalism after you graduate.
You can contact your television stations now and ask about volunteer work. The television stations in your area are Gugudde Television, BBS Terefayina, and LTV-Lighthouse TV/TBN Uganda. Also contact Uganda Broadcasting Corporation. I suggest volunteer work because not everyone offers internships, but internships may be available to you while you are in college.
There aren't any visible online courses for broadcasting geared towards African students, however, One Africa Television’s LearnOnOne platform and the Academy of Radio and Television Broadcasting’s online Radio & Media Training Program may be well worth a try. Do not give up. Again, your parents may have one idea when they hear the word "anchor", but may feel a different way if you express it as journalist, broadcaster, or media specialist. You stated that they said it was depressing, but any career can have sad features to it. As professionals people understand that their careers have variations in the content of their work and although there sometimes may be sad moments in the content, the important thing is the communication that enlightens and informs. I definitely believe that you should pursue the career you love and not let anything create a barrier to your talents and ambition.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best while you explore and gain experience for a most exciting career !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Sabrina Eder
Partner Enablement
2
Answers
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Updated
Sabrina’s Answer
Hello!
If you have interest and a passion for becoming a news anchor, it may be a good idea to go and speak to those individuals who have lived this experience and are currently sitting in this position. What do they like about their job? What don't they like about it? Also, if you do decide to become a news anchor and are successful, you may eventually feel like you want a change and there are many careers and opportunities that are related to this career path that may also be fulfilling for you.
I think it's also important to know that the career path you choose is completely up to you - you may come to a point where you want to pivot and change to do something completely different and that's okay too!
Believe in yourself. Take risks!
If you have interest and a passion for becoming a news anchor, it may be a good idea to go and speak to those individuals who have lived this experience and are currently sitting in this position. What do they like about their job? What don't they like about it? Also, if you do decide to become a news anchor and are successful, you may eventually feel like you want a change and there are many careers and opportunities that are related to this career path that may also be fulfilling for you.
I think it's also important to know that the career path you choose is completely up to you - you may come to a point where you want to pivot and change to do something completely different and that's okay too!
Believe in yourself. Take risks!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Auta!
Should You Continue with Your Passion for News Anchoring?
It’s completely understandable to feel conflicted when faced with opposition from loved ones regarding your career aspirations. Here are some points to consider in making your decision:
Passion and Talent: If you have a genuine passion for news anchoring, coupled with positive feedback on your voice and confidence, it indicates that you have a natural talent for this field. Pursuing a career aligned with your passion can lead to greater job satisfaction and fulfillment.
Career Prospects: News anchoring can be a rewarding career path, offering opportunities to inform and engage with the public on important issues. It can also provide a platform for personal growth, skill development, and networking within the media industry.
Parental Concerns: While it’s important to consider your parents’ concerns, ultimately, the decision about your career path should be based on your own interests and goals. It’s essential to have open and honest conversations with your parents about your aspirations and address their worries by sharing your plans for managing potential challenges in the field.
Job Realities: It’s true that news anchoring can be demanding, requiring resilience in the face of challenging stories and long hours. However, many professionals in this field find fulfillment in their work by focusing on the impact they can make through journalism.
Exploration and Preparation: Before making a final decision, consider gaining more exposure to the world of news anchoring through internships, workshops, or informational interviews with professionals in the field. This can help you better understand the realities of the job and solidify your commitment to pursuing this career path.
In conclusion, if news anchoring is truly your passion and aligns with your strengths, it may be worth pursuing despite initial doubts from others. Remember that it’s essential to follow your own aspirations while also being prepared for the challenges that come with any career choice.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
BBC Careers: The BBC Careers website provides insights into various roles within journalism, including news anchoring. It offers valuable information on job requirements, skills needed, and tips for aspiring journalists.
Forbes: Forbes is a reputable source for career advice and insights into different industries. Their articles on media careers and personal success stories can provide inspiration and guidance for individuals considering a career in news anchoring.
Pew Research Center: The Pew Research Center conducts studies on journalism trends and public attitudes towards news media. Their research reports can offer valuable insights into the evolving landscape of news reporting and its impact on society.
God Bless You!
JC.
Should You Continue with Your Passion for News Anchoring?
It’s completely understandable to feel conflicted when faced with opposition from loved ones regarding your career aspirations. Here are some points to consider in making your decision:
Passion and Talent: If you have a genuine passion for news anchoring, coupled with positive feedback on your voice and confidence, it indicates that you have a natural talent for this field. Pursuing a career aligned with your passion can lead to greater job satisfaction and fulfillment.
Career Prospects: News anchoring can be a rewarding career path, offering opportunities to inform and engage with the public on important issues. It can also provide a platform for personal growth, skill development, and networking within the media industry.
Parental Concerns: While it’s important to consider your parents’ concerns, ultimately, the decision about your career path should be based on your own interests and goals. It’s essential to have open and honest conversations with your parents about your aspirations and address their worries by sharing your plans for managing potential challenges in the field.
Job Realities: It’s true that news anchoring can be demanding, requiring resilience in the face of challenging stories and long hours. However, many professionals in this field find fulfillment in their work by focusing on the impact they can make through journalism.
Exploration and Preparation: Before making a final decision, consider gaining more exposure to the world of news anchoring through internships, workshops, or informational interviews with professionals in the field. This can help you better understand the realities of the job and solidify your commitment to pursuing this career path.
In conclusion, if news anchoring is truly your passion and aligns with your strengths, it may be worth pursuing despite initial doubts from others. Remember that it’s essential to follow your own aspirations while also being prepared for the challenges that come with any career choice.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
BBC Careers: The BBC Careers website provides insights into various roles within journalism, including news anchoring. It offers valuable information on job requirements, skills needed, and tips for aspiring journalists.
Forbes: Forbes is a reputable source for career advice and insights into different industries. Their articles on media careers and personal success stories can provide inspiration and guidance for individuals considering a career in news anchoring.
Pew Research Center: The Pew Research Center conducts studies on journalism trends and public attitudes towards news media. Their research reports can offer valuable insights into the evolving landscape of news reporting and its impact on society.
God Bless You!
JC.
Anika S
Software Engineer Intern
100
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Anika’s Answer
Hi Auta,
I understand this must be a difficult situation for you. Pursuing a career as a news anchor is a significant decision that involves weighing your passion against practical considerations. Here's an honest and professional perspective to help you navigate this situation and just give a few things to consider:
Pros of Being a News Anchor
Passion and Enjoyment: If you genuinely enjoy talking to people, staying informed, and presenting news, this career can be very fulfilling.
Communication Skills: A career in news anchoring can further enhance your communication, public speaking, and interviewing skills.
Visibility and Influence: News anchors often become respected public figures with the ability to influence public opinion and inform the community.
Dynamic Environment: The news industry is fast-paced and constantly changing, which can be exciting and engaging.
Cons of Being a News Anchor
Stress and Pressure: The job can be stressful, with tight deadlines, the need to cover difficult stories, and the pressure to perform well on camera.
Irregular Hours: News anchors often work irregular hours, including early mornings, late nights, and weekends, which can impact work-life balance.
Job Security: The media industry can be volatile, with changes in ownership, management, and market dynamics affecting job security.
Emotional Toll: Covering tragic or distressing news can be emotionally challenging and potentially lead to burnout.
At the end of the day, this is a decision to take some time to think about and ultimately, do what you feel is right for you.
I understand this must be a difficult situation for you. Pursuing a career as a news anchor is a significant decision that involves weighing your passion against practical considerations. Here's an honest and professional perspective to help you navigate this situation and just give a few things to consider:
Pros of Being a News Anchor
Passion and Enjoyment: If you genuinely enjoy talking to people, staying informed, and presenting news, this career can be very fulfilling.
Communication Skills: A career in news anchoring can further enhance your communication, public speaking, and interviewing skills.
Visibility and Influence: News anchors often become respected public figures with the ability to influence public opinion and inform the community.
Dynamic Environment: The news industry is fast-paced and constantly changing, which can be exciting and engaging.
Cons of Being a News Anchor
Stress and Pressure: The job can be stressful, with tight deadlines, the need to cover difficult stories, and the pressure to perform well on camera.
Irregular Hours: News anchors often work irregular hours, including early mornings, late nights, and weekends, which can impact work-life balance.
Job Security: The media industry can be volatile, with changes in ownership, management, and market dynamics affecting job security.
Emotional Toll: Covering tragic or distressing news can be emotionally challenging and potentially lead to burnout.
At the end of the day, this is a decision to take some time to think about and ultimately, do what you feel is right for you.
Chosen Osarodion Iyen
Maintenance
74
Answers
Benin City, Edo, Nigeria
Updated
Chosen Osarodion’s Answer
It's great that you have a clear passion for becoming a news anchor, and it's valuable that you've received positive feedback on your voice and confidence. Here are a few points to consider:
1. **Passion and Interest**: If you genuinely enjoy the idea of being a news anchor and have a passion for it, that’s a strong indicator that this could be a fulfilling career for you. Passion often drives success and job satisfaction.
2. **Understanding the Role**: While news anchoring can indeed involve reporting on challenging or depressing news, it also offers opportunities to inform the public, share important stories, and connect with a wide audience. You could explore different facets of journalism that might be more uplifting or aligned with your interests, such as entertainment, lifestyle, or feature reporting.
3. **Professional Development**: Consider taking steps to explore this career further. You could join a school or community news program, intern at a local news station, or pursue relevant education. This will give you firsthand experience and help you decide if this path is truly right for you.
4. **Communication with Parents**: Have an open and honest conversation with your parents about your passion and career goals. Share your research and the steps you’re taking to explore the field. Understanding their concerns and addressing them might help in gaining their support.
5. **Backup Plans**: While pursuing your passion, it's also wise to have a backup plan. Consider what other careers you might be interested in or how skills gained from journalism can transfer to other fields.
6. **Professional Advice**: Seek advice from professionals in the field. Connecting with news anchors or journalists for informational interviews can provide you with insights into the industry, including the challenges and rewards.
Ultimately, the decision is yours, and it’s important to pursue what will make you happy and fulfilled in the long run. Balancing your passion with practical considerations will help you make an informed decision.
1. **Passion and Interest**: If you genuinely enjoy the idea of being a news anchor and have a passion for it, that’s a strong indicator that this could be a fulfilling career for you. Passion often drives success and job satisfaction.
2. **Understanding the Role**: While news anchoring can indeed involve reporting on challenging or depressing news, it also offers opportunities to inform the public, share important stories, and connect with a wide audience. You could explore different facets of journalism that might be more uplifting or aligned with your interests, such as entertainment, lifestyle, or feature reporting.
3. **Professional Development**: Consider taking steps to explore this career further. You could join a school or community news program, intern at a local news station, or pursue relevant education. This will give you firsthand experience and help you decide if this path is truly right for you.
4. **Communication with Parents**: Have an open and honest conversation with your parents about your passion and career goals. Share your research and the steps you’re taking to explore the field. Understanding their concerns and addressing them might help in gaining their support.
5. **Backup Plans**: While pursuing your passion, it's also wise to have a backup plan. Consider what other careers you might be interested in or how skills gained from journalism can transfer to other fields.
6. **Professional Advice**: Seek advice from professionals in the field. Connecting with news anchors or journalists for informational interviews can provide you with insights into the industry, including the challenges and rewards.
Ultimately, the decision is yours, and it’s important to pursue what will make you happy and fulfilled in the long run. Balancing your passion with practical considerations will help you make an informed decision.
Chosen Osarodion Iyen
Maintenance
74
Answers
Benin City, Edo, Nigeria
Updated
Chosen Osarodion’s Answer
It's great that you have a clear passion for becoming a news anchor, and it's valuable that you've received positive feedback on your voice and confidence. Here are a few points to consider:
1. **Passion and Interest**: If you genuinely enjoy the idea of being a news anchor and have a passion for it, that’s a strong indicator that this could be a fulfilling career for you. Passion often drives success and job satisfaction.
2. **Understanding the Role**: While news anchoring can indeed involve reporting on challenging or depressing news, it also offers opportunities to inform the public, share important stories, and connect with a wide audience. You could explore different facets of journalism that might be more uplifting or aligned with your interests, such as entertainment, lifestyle, or feature reporting.
3. **Professional Development**: Consider taking steps to explore this career further. You could join a school or community news program, intern at a local news station, or pursue relevant education. This will give you firsthand experience and help you decide if this path is truly right for you.
4. **Communication with Parents**: Have an open and honest conversation with your parents about your passion and career goals. Share your research and the steps you’re taking to explore the field. Understanding their concerns and addressing them might help in gaining their support.
5. **Backup Plans**: While pursuing your passion, it's also wise to have a backup plan. Consider what other careers you might be interested in or how skills gained from journalism can transfer to other fields.
6. **Professional Advice**: Seek advice from professionals in the field. Connecting with news anchors or journalists for informational interviews can provide you with insights into the industry, including the challenges and rewards.
Ultimately, the decision is yours, and it’s important to pursue what will make you happy and fulfilled in the long run. Balancing your passion with practical considerations will help you make an informed decision.
1. **Passion and Interest**: If you genuinely enjoy the idea of being a news anchor and have a passion for it, that’s a strong indicator that this could be a fulfilling career for you. Passion often drives success and job satisfaction.
2. **Understanding the Role**: While news anchoring can indeed involve reporting on challenging or depressing news, it also offers opportunities to inform the public, share important stories, and connect with a wide audience. You could explore different facets of journalism that might be more uplifting or aligned with your interests, such as entertainment, lifestyle, or feature reporting.
3. **Professional Development**: Consider taking steps to explore this career further. You could join a school or community news program, intern at a local news station, or pursue relevant education. This will give you firsthand experience and help you decide if this path is truly right for you.
4. **Communication with Parents**: Have an open and honest conversation with your parents about your passion and career goals. Share your research and the steps you’re taking to explore the field. Understanding their concerns and addressing them might help in gaining their support.
5. **Backup Plans**: While pursuing your passion, it's also wise to have a backup plan. Consider what other careers you might be interested in or how skills gained from journalism can transfer to other fields.
6. **Professional Advice**: Seek advice from professionals in the field. Connecting with news anchors or journalists for informational interviews can provide you with insights into the industry, including the challenges and rewards.
Ultimately, the decision is yours, and it’s important to pursue what will make you happy and fulfilled in the long run. Balancing your passion with practical considerations will help you make an informed decision.