Television anchors have launched the dream of many kids over the years. How many times have kids, after seeing an interview on television, wondered out loud, ''I want to grow up and ask people questions on TV.''? All they see is the glamour; the make up, the beautiful clothes and jewelry.

Ah, if it were only that simple. Television stations require more than just an idealized dream from its candidates. A journalism and/or communications degree is usually required with an emphasis in broadcasting to get employment. And despite its glamorous image, anchoring for a television station is sometimes stressful and can require long hours, especially when there are breaking news stories. Further, many anchors have 'paid their dues' for several years before actually landing in front of a camera on an evening news broadcast or any other regularly scheduled program. Many are never promoted into these positions because they lack an "on air presence". This realization is often enough to send many into other careers. Indeed, television anchoring jobs are a competitive business.

Anchors participate in charity drives for their stations, PSAs and other activities designed to bring awareness to their communities. They enjoy recognition in these same communities; which can sometimes be overwhelming for those looking to keep their personal lives personal. Still, those entering these fields know well the sacrifices and are willing to accept them. Smaller stations sometime require their anchors to multi-task and often find themselves in the production rooms and reporting news across several areas, including health, sports and weather.

Job requirements include the ability to remain on call twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. Further, anchors must be computer literate, including editing equipment and other technological advances in this field. Unfortunately, appearances count. As unfair and discriminatory as it might sound, television stations choose their anchors based on physical appearances. They must be likeable to their audiences, must speak clearly and properly and be willing to conform to what's sometimes referred to as "industry standards".

There are downsides to anchoring. The demand is expected to decline and a large number of announcers work only part time. In fact, over the next ten years, this field is expected to decline by almost 8% and future jobs will most likely be offered as part time positions. There is demand for freelancers, however. By selling their services to television stations and even some networks, these announcers can essentially create their own niche within this market. The advent of the internet propels these opportunities. Those with experience in broadcasting often fare better in the freelance arena than they do in the competitive and sometimes lower-paying traditional employer-employee role.

Income expectations vary, based on location as well as the size of the stations. On average announcers can earn around $65,000 annually. Those who are hired by networks earn considerably more, sometimes as much as $90,000 as part of an initial offer. It's important to realize that many, even those working for national or global networks sometimes work part time. It's not reserved for smaller stations. Some of the most well known and respected announcers across the country have spent years building the trust among the public and have paid dues along the way in terms of compromise and sacrifice. With the ever-changing environment in television, including merges among some of the biggest networks and companies, reaching the successful levels that others have becomes even more difficult.

Although it's not easy, journalists who choose television anchoring as their career path and who are able to build a following agree they're following their dreams and say they're willing to put forth the effort required to maintain their positioning.

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