Weekend Anchor/Multimedia Journalist
Posted Sep 8, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026
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
Tell me about a story you enterprised on your own. How did you find it?
What they are checking: Whether they find original stories from their own sources instead of waiting for press releases.
Describe a live shot or stand-up you did that you were proud of. What made it work?
What they are checking: Whether they think creatively about showing a story on camera, not just standing in front of a building.
This role requires working every weekend. How does that fit your life long term?
What they are checking: Whether they truly accept the schedule, since weekend anchors who burn out leave quickly.
How do you connect with viewers on air so they trust you?
What they are checking: Whether they understand anchoring as building a relationship with the audience, not just reading copy.
Tell me about a time a manager pushed back on your story angle. What happened?
What they are checking: Whether they can take editorial direction and still argue well for a story they believe in.
What would you do
How would you build a network of sources in Champaign and central Illinois?
What they are checking: Whether they have a real plan to get tips first, which the posting ties to staying ahead of competitors.
You are filling in on a weekday main newscast with little notice. How do you get ready?
What they are checking: Whether they can step into a primary anchor chair confidently, since this role is first in line for fill-ins.
A source tells you something big on the record, but no one else will confirm it. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they verify before airing, which protects the station from a costly mistake.
Something goes wrong while you are anchoring live, like a story that does not roll. How do you handle it?
What they are checking: Whether they stay composed and fill naturally so viewers barely notice the problem.
About the work
Walk me through how you would produce and anchor a Saturday newscast with a small weekend crew.
What they are checking: Whether they can handle both producing and anchoring when weekend staff is thin.
How do you write a story differently for TV, the website and social media?
What they are checking: Whether they can adapt one story to each platform, which this role produces for daily.
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.
Practice this out loudThe full job description
As published by Nexstar Media.