Main Responsibilities of a TV News Anchor at ABC7 News KGOTV
Kristen, an ABC7 News anchor, explains responsibilities extend beyond simply reading from a teleprompter, emphasizing the importance of adding context, ensuring factual accuracy, and presenting stories with "confidence and clarity and with comfort." Maintaining poise is also crucial, especially when breaking news arises mid-broadcast, requiring to draw upon knowledge and empathy to inform viewers effectively.
News Anchoring, Editorial Judgement, Contextual Analysis, Public Speaking, Emotional Intelligence
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. Anchoring involves not just reading the news but providing context and helping people understand why events are happening.
2. A key responsibility is ensuring factual accuracy and balanced perspectives by editing copy, checking for political biases in cited organizations, and adding relevant information.
3. During the show, presenting stories with confidence, clarity, and empathy is crucial, especially when covering tragic events or sensitive topics like market instability.
Transcript
What are your main responsibilities within your role?
Right now, I anchor three daily newscasts. Anchoring means being the person sitting behind the desk in the studio. I read the day's major stories, which are a combination of national, state, and local news.
When anchoring, it's more than just reading the words on the teleprompter. It's about adding context and helping people understand not just the facts, but why they are happening. This requires editing and proofreading before the show, as I don't write every story.
We have writers, but I review all the copy I'm supposed to read. I check for factual accuracy and context. I ensure all perspectives are included and that the story isn't one-sided.
I also consider if sources cited, like new studies or data, are from organizations with political biases or particular funding. These details are crucial for providing context.
In addition to reading, I write some of my own stories and reporter introductions. This is the preparation that happens before the show.
During the newscast, my role is to present stories with confidence, clarity, and comfort. News can be difficult, whether it's a tragedy like the fires in Los Angeles or Northern California, or a disaster.
Even when markets are tumbling and people feel insecure, I need to present the stories in a way that connects with the audience. They should feel like someone who understands them and their experiences is speaking to them.
My responsibilities involve presenting myself with facts, poise, clarity, and empathy each day. I must maintain these qualities even during chaotic moments.
The news is constantly changing. Even during a newscast, we might receive breaking news, like a major freeway shooting, and have to start reporting on it with live pictures, even with limited information.
This breaking news could impact someone's commute or their day, so maintaining poise and composure is essential. I have to draw upon my knowledge and experiences to share the information people need.
Those are my key responsibilities.