A Day In The Life Of A TV News Anchor At ABC7 News KGO-TV
A news anchor's day at ABC7 News KGO-TV is a whirlwind of constant news consumption across platforms, proactively contacting guests and producers while driving, and preparing for multiple shows, which involves updating stories, creating interview questions, and collaborating on graphics, but "showtime is always so much fun because [the anchor] really do[es] love the live aspect, the performance aspect, [and] the pressure". The career is a job of constant multitasking, even during commercial breaks for additional research on "10 balls in the air", and ends with exhaustion and satisfaction.
News Production, Live Broadcasting, Journalism, Communication Skills, Multitasking
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Kristen Sze
TV News Anchor
ABC7 News KGO-TV
UC Berkeley
Political Science, American Studies
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Communication and Marketing
Immigrant
Video Highlights
1. Constant news consumption from multiple platforms is crucial to guide the newscast content.
2. Multitasking is essential, especially using voice-to-text while commuting, alongside camera readiness with hair and makeup for TV's visual medium.
3. Showtime is about blocking out personal worries, bringing energy to connect with the viewer, and thriving in the dynamic, accurate, and fast-paced live environment while juggling multiple tasks.
Transcript
What does a day in the life of a news anchor look like?
My day as a news anchor begins with consuming the news. The second I get up, I'm having my coffee and getting news from multiple platforms and outlets to ensure a well-rounded look at what's happening today. This guides what will be in my newscast.
While driving to work, I make phone calls to my contacts. For example, if I know a segment will be about the stock market, I'll contact someone who can serve as a guest to provide facts and context. I might ask how people should be investing their money or if they should pull out now.
I also call my producer to discuss our big stories, what our reporters are working on, and potential guests. All of this happens while I'm driving, so I use voice-to-text features to multitask.
Once I arrive, I have to get camera-ready because it's television. My hair and makeup need to be done carefully, as the lights can be very strong and wash out my appearance. I typically wear more makeup than usual for TV.
Before the show, I spend at least an hour reading and updating stories, adding context as needed. Then it's showtime. On set with my co-anchor, I block out distractions and focus on the moment. When the red light is on, I have fun and bring my energy, even if I have personal worries. My focus is on the viewer.
After the show, I meet with the producer for the next broadcast. I do three shows a day. We discuss what we want in the upcoming show, such as adding something about the market closing.
I then prepare for my interviews. For one of my shows, I conduct a live interview that typically lasts seven minutes. I research the topic myself and develop the questions for the guest.
With my producer, we discuss graphics, like how the market has trended this year or the demographics of a particular university we're discussing. This is a very collaborative process.
Showtime is always fun because I love the live and performance aspects. The pressure of being dynamic, accurate, and being the first to report something is a thrill.
Sometimes during a show, during a commercial break or when a reporter is on, I might do additional research online if breaking news occurs. I try to find out what I can and add it to the show.
It's like juggling ten balls or ten pins at once. You need to be a person who is good at multitasking and thrives on it, which I believe I am.
After my third show, I go home exhausted but generally feeling satisfied.