Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Anchor Roles – 2025

Are you interviewing for an anchor position? Look no further! This guide provides a comprehensive list of questions and answers that will help you demonstrate your communication skills, ability to work under pressure, and knowledge of current events and popular culture. Whether you’re interviewing for a news anchor, sports anchor, or entertainment anchor, these questions cover all important aspects of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your experience as an anchor.
  A: I have been working as an anchor for 5 years, with experience in both news and entertainment broadcasting. I have hosted live shows, conducted interviews, and reported on breaking news events.
• 2. How do you prepare for a live broadcast?
  A: I always make sure to research and fact check my script, review any notes or statistics provided, and practice my delivery. I also like to go over potential interview questions and have alternative talking points ready in case of technical difficulties or unexpected changes.
• 3. How do you handle mistakes during a live broadcast?
  A: I understand that mistakes can happen, and in those situations, I remain calm, acknowledge the error, and quickly move on. It's important to stay composed and continue with the broadcast without drawing attention to the mistake.
• 4. How do you maintain composure under pressure or when facing unexpected challenges?
  A: I have learned to stay focused on the task at hand, take deep breaths, and think clearly to find a solution. I have also worked on my time management skills to ensure I have enough time to handle unexpected challenges without feeling rushed or flustered.
• 5. How do you stay informed about current events and popular culture?
  A: I make it a priority to read multiple news sources, watch a variety of news programs, and follow reputable journalists and publications on social media. I also make time to attend events and engage with various communities to stay updated on current events and trends.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. Can you walk us through your experience using teleprompters and studio equipment?
  A: I am well-versed in using teleprompters and other studio equipment, as I have been using them for my broadcasts for the past 5 years. I am comfortable adjusting the speed of the teleprompter and operating other equipment such as microphones, lighting, and cameras.
• 7. How do you handle ad-libbing or improvising during a live broadcast?
  A: I am a quick thinker and have experience ad-libbing when necessary. I always make sure to stay on topic and within the guidelines of the broadcast while also injecting my own personality and style. I believe it's important to be able to think on your feet and adapt to unexpected changes.
• 8. How do you engage with guests during an interview?
  A: I approach interviews with respect and curiosity, and I do my research beforehand to ask informed and engaging questions. I listen actively and am open to going off-script if the conversation takes an interesting turn. I also make sure to involve my guests and give them enough time to share their thoughts and insights.
• 9. How do you handle conflicting opinions or controversial topics during a broadcast?
  A: I believe it's crucial to remain impartial and unbiased while presenting conflicting opinions or discussing controversial topics. I stay respectful and professional, giving each side an equal chance to share their perspective. I also make sure to fact check and present accurate information.
• 10. How do you ensure you connect with and engage your audience during a broadcast?
  A: I keep my audience in mind while planning and executing a broadcast. I use storytelling techniques, incorporate visual aids, and strive to make my segments informative and entertaining. I also engage with my audience through social media and address any questions or feedback they may have during or after the broadcast.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Tell us about a time when you had to manage a difficult on-air situation.
  A: During a live broadcast, we experienced technical difficulties and had to switch to a different camera angle. I remained calm, communicated the situation to the audience, and guided the team on how to proceed. We were able to smoothly resume the broadcast without causing any disruptions.
• 12. How do you handle criticism or negative feedback?
  A: I believe criticism is an opportunity for growth, so I take it constructively and try to understand the perspective of the person giving the feedback. I also reflect on my performance and take necessary steps to improve.
• 13. Tell us about a time when you had to improvise due to unforeseen circumstances during a live broadcast.
  A: During a live interview, our guest didn't show up, and I had to quickly change the segment to a solo discussion. I used my knowledge and skills to keep the conversation engaging and informative while also addressing the absence of the guest.
• 14. How have you handled a situation where you made a mistake on-air?
  A: There was a small factual error in my script during a live broadcast, and I quickly addressed it by saying, "Correction: it should be 50,000 instead of 25,000." I then continued with the broadcast without drawing further attention to the mistake. After the broadcast, I made sure to clarify the information on social media and apologize for the error.
• 15. Tell us about a time when you had to work with a challenging team member.
  A: I have had disagreements with team members in the past, but I always approach the situation with respect and open communication. In one instance, I was able to resolve the conflict by having a one-on-one conversation with the team member to understand their perspective and find a middle ground that worked for both of us.

Situational Questions:

• 16. You have been assigned to cover a breaking news story, but your equipment isn't functioning. What do you do?
  A: I would first try to troubleshoot the issue and resolve it quickly. If the issue persists, I would quickly inform my team and contact technical support for assistance. If the issue can't be resolved in time, I would find an alternative location or method to report on the story.
• 17. You have to report on a sensitive topic. How do you handle the emotional impact of the story while still delivering it professionally?
  A: I believe it's important to acknowledge and respect the sensitivity of the topic while remaining objective and professional. I would practice empathy and be mindful of my language and tone while reporting. If needed, I would take a break and gather myself before continuing with the broadcast.
• 18. You have an interview scheduled with a difficult guest. How do you handle the situation?
  A: I would research the guest beforehand and come up with alternative questions in case the conversation becomes difficult. I would also ensure a mutual understanding of the guidelines and boundaries for the interview. During the interview, I would remain respectful and focused on delivering a informative and engaging segment.
• 19. You are covering a live event and have to make an on-the-spot decision to include or exclude certain information. How do you handle it?
  A: I would consider the credibility and relevance of the information before making a decision. If it adds value to the story and doesn't compromise any ethical standards, I would include it. Otherwise, I would leave it out and address it in a more appropriate and detailed manner in a later segment.
• 20. You have been assigned to cover a story that goes against your personal beliefs. How do you handle it?
  A: As a professional, I understand the importance of remaining objective and unbiased, even if the topic goes against my personal beliefs. I would focus on reporting the facts and presenting all sides of the story as accurately as possible. If I feel my personal beliefs may impact my reporting, I would handle the coverage by seeking guidance from my superiors and consulting with the relevant experts.