anchor

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anchor

Post by Archived Topic » Thu Feb 18, 1999 12:00 am

I want to know the origin of the word "anchor" as used to describe a Television news announcer. The first TV newsroom I worked in used the short form "anncr:" to refer to the announcer in scripts. I wondered if the term "anchor" came from an attempt at pronouncing the short form "anncr" as a word unto itself. I'm sure most people believe the word anchor is used to describe the rock-steady person who "anchors" or stabilizes the newscast, but that description would better describe the newscast's producer. In reality, at most TV stations, all the "anchor" does is read a newscast which has been prepared through the hard work of many other people.
Submitted by Steve Bone (Halifax - Canada)
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anchor

Post by Jonathon Green » Thu Feb 18, 1999 8:00 am

It is merely a figurate use of the word anchor, meaning someone who holds a program in place.
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