Anchoring the News


梁育慈

What comes into your eyes first when you』re watching the news?  The anchor persons naturally, for they are the ones who bring us update information immediately.  Interestingly, the media has changed a lot in recent years, and what constitutes a successful anchor had changed as well.  

Most members of the elder generation can still remember the broadcasting style of anchors in their days.  The anchors were well-trained to read the news clearly and without much dramatization.  In order to conduct a psychological warfare against Communist China』s broadcasting across the strait, the styles of anchors at that time remain indistinct for they were working mostly for the nation』s cause.  Besides, the mass media were still in an experimental stage to develop their influence on the audience.  That also explains why the anchors seemed cautious.

    Anchors in the present time, in contrast, not only have developed their professional sophistication but also have learned to set up their own unique styles. Broadcasting news is important, and so is the person who is reading the news.  In fact, when people glance through the newspapers, they can find much news about anchors in the entertainment section, which means anchors have become celebrities to some degrees.  They are more casual and colorful in what they wear; their voices and facial expressions have also undergone dramatic coloring.  After all, they not only read the news but also represent the TV station.  The fierce competition in ratings only adds to the need to 「perform」 the news so as to hold the audience』s interest.

    These improvements are fascinating, for anchors are adding more variety to news so it』s not that boring.  Nevertheless, they should be careful not to add too many personal emotions while dealing with news.  We need the news, but not necessarily the judgment. That』s how a perfect media person should react.  

<Go Back>