TV News Anchors Share Their Insider Secrets: An Exclusive Look Behind the Scenes
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Television news anchors are the face of the broadcast, presenting the day’s news with poise and professionalism. However, what viewers see on screen is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the life of a news anchor. In a recent exclusive, PEOPLE delved into the hidden world of TV news anchors, uncovering their quirky habits, off-camera rituals, and behind-the-scenes secrets that keep them going through long hours and demanding schedules.
CNN’s Kasie Hunt, Fox’s Brian Kilmeade, and NBC’s Hallie Jackson are among the anchors who opened up about their unique routines and backstage tricks. From surprising beverage choices to unusual pre-show rituals, here’s a glimpse into the lesser-known lives of these prominent news personalities.
One aspect that anchors revealed is their drink preferences during broadcasts. While it may seem like a mug on the desk would hold coffee, NBC News’ Hallie Jackson opts for hot chocolate as her go-to beverage to stay refreshed during late shows. Similarly, NewsNation’s Ashleigh Banfield enjoys her signature low-calorie A&W Diet Root Beer on set. Even something as simple as water gets a twist, with veteran journalist Elizabeth Vargas adding lemon to hers for a soothing effect.
Behind the scenes, commercial breaks are a flurry of activity for anchors. Fox News’ Brian Kilmeade, known for his six-hour morning shifts, makes quick stops at the smoothie bar and even indulges in some soccer ball dribbling during breaks. Other anchors like CNN’s Kate Bouldan and FOX & Friends’ Ainsley Earhardt have their own unique rituals, from ginger shots to warming up in a puffer jacket between segments.
The attire of news anchors may appear polished and professional on screen, but there’s often more to it than meets the eye. Some anchors, like ABC’s David Muir and NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo, opt for comfort under the desk, with Muir sporting jeans and Cuomo sometimes staying in shorts and sneakers. On the other hand, personalities like CBS’ Major Garrett and NewsNation’s Leland Vittert infuse their style with personal touches like colourful socks and cowboy boots.
Self-care is paramount for anchors, especially during long hours on set. MSNBC’s Symone Sanders Townsend and CNN’s Victor Blackwell prioritise skincare routines to stay fresh on screen, with Townsend even fitting in a full routine between shows. In terms of snacks, anchors like Fox News’ Bill Hemmer and CNN’s Kasie Hunt have their own unique choices to keep them energised, from bananas to chocolate chip cookies.
Getting ready for the camera is no easy feat, with anchors like NewsNation’s Ashleigh Banfield streamlining their makeup routine for efficiency. Anchor duos like Fox News’ Bill Hemmer and Dana Perino have their own hidden codes and systems in place to ensure smooth broadcasts, showcasing the teamwork and coordination behind the scenes.
As viewers, it’s easy to forget the human side of news anchors amidst the polished broadcasts. But behind every news segment is a team of dedicated professionals with their own quirks, habits, and rituals that keep them going. By offering a peek into their off-camera lives, these anchors bring a touch of relatability to their on-screen personas, showing that even in the fast-paced world of TV news, there’s always room for a bit of individuality and authenticity.