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News Anchor

Nexstar Media · Peoria, IL · $55,000–$65,000 a year · Full time

Posted Jul 22, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Our anchors are working journalists. Tell me about a story you found and reported yourself while also anchoring.

What they are checking: Whether they gather news every day rather than only reading what others write for them.

How do you stay friendly and energetic at 5 a.m. while still sounding authoritative?

What they are checking: Managing on-air persona and tone for viewers who are just waking up.

Tell me about a time you worked with a producer who saw a story differently than you. How did you settle it?

What they are checking: Collaboration with producers and managers on editorial choices without ego getting in the way.

How do you prepare for a show when you've been out reporting the day before?

What they are checking: Time management for an anchor who must report and produce as well as present.

What would you do

Breaking news hits during the morning show and the prompter is useless. Walk me through how you carry the next ten minutes.

What they are checking: Composure and urgency during breaking news, which the posting singles out as a daily expectation.

How would you lead by example in a morning newsroom where people start at 2 a.m.?

What they are checking: Leadership and coaching of other staff, which the posting calls a must for this co-anchor.

How would you get to know central Illinois and the Peoria community quickly?

What they are checking: Community connection and willingness to volunteer, which the posting expects of its anchors.

Your co-anchor makes an on-air error about a fact. How do you handle it live?

What they are checking: Accuracy and teamwork on air, correcting the record without embarrassing a colleague.

What's a morning story you'd pitch for Peoria this week, and why?

What they are checking: News judgment and knowledge of what matters to local morning viewers.

About the work

What would you post on social media during a morning show to drive people to the web and the broadcast?

What they are checking: Understanding of social engagement and web traffic, which the station explicitly wants to grow.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Nexstar Media from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Nexstar Media.

The News Anchor serves as the primary presenter of news stories and other content for all platforms in a manner that is clear, engaging and meaningful to news consumers. • Presents news stories and other content for all platforms. • Ensures that all news content meets company standards for journalistic integrity and production quality. • Writes and delivers news stories in a clear and concise manner. • Produces newscasts and communicates clear direction with team members. • Assists in writing, copy editing, researching and coordinating news programming and other content. • Acts as a field reporter as assigned. • Conducts interviews with news personnel and others. • Responds to breaking news and other urgent newsrooms situations as required. • Participates in promotional activities including public appearances. • Performs special projects and other duties as assigned. • Edits video clips as assigned. • Writes content for the website and other eMedia platforms. • Interacts with viewers/users on social media sites. Requirements & Skills : • Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience. • Fluency in English. • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written with the ability to ad lib when required. • Minimum five years’ experience in news reporting or anchoring. (More or less depending on market size.) • Superior on-air presence. • Excellent news judgment with an expansive knowledge of local and national current events, history, newsmakers and issues. • Experience guiding, directing and motivating others. • Ability to identify the developmental needs of others and to coach, mentor or otherwise help others to improve their knowledge or skills. • Proficiency with computers, telephones, copiers, scanners, fax machines and other office equipment. • Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. • Ability to effectively listen to fully understand problems and communicate with a team to shape a solution. • Valid driver’s license with a good driving record. • Flexibility to work any shift. Pay Range: $55,000-$65,000 salary plan Benefits: Our comprehensive benefits package includes, but not limited to, medical (with multiple plan options), dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, a 401(k) with company matching contributions, life insurance, Paid Parental Leave and more. SCAM ALERT: Please be aware candidates may be at risk of being targeted by scammers seeking personal data or money. Recruiters with Nexstar Media Group and its local stations will only contact you through official job boards, LinkedIn, or email with Nexstar.tv domain or official station email addresses (example:@wreg.com). Be cautious of any outreach claiming to be from Nexstar or its recruiters via any other messaging platforms or personal email addresses. We will not contact you using a @gmail email address. If you are unsure about the authenticity of a job inquiry or offer, email us at corporaterecruiters@nexstar.tv

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