The line between Anchors and Actors seems to be blurring. Today, Anchors try to act bringing in all the possible melodrama in their prime time debates. Sometimes they are angry, sometimes emotional. But they hardly look closer to reality. The way they break news itself seems to be abysmal.
Actors meanwhile are connecting with their fans, also their potential viewers, on their own. Thanks to the new age marvel called social media. Not just film promotions but a glimpse of their fitness regime, their travel journals, latest project or a funny video message has become the norm.
I had decided to become a Television Anchor by the time I was in my late teens. Though, I had absolutely no idea what the job would be like. I had a photogenic face, good voice and decent knowledge of current affairs.
After my graduation in English Literature, I pursued a diploma in TV Journalism. With no contacts in Media and a lot of confidence in myself, I knocked every media house’s door but couldn’t land a job for me. After five years as a Copy Editor with a news agency and a web portal, I did become an Anchor.
Today, many of my old colleagues have their own YouTube channels. They write blogs, some have even launched their own websites. They are a star in their own might with the number of followers increasing by the day. The advent of social media has certainly changed the meaning of communication.
When it comes to Actors, they are no more dependent on entertainment magazines or TV Channels for marketing themselves. Today, they may not have to call for a press conference for any clarification. A-140-character statement on Twitter is suffice. Though, many recent controversies that began by a tweet ended up with a press conference.
A new era of brand building for Actors has begun which has, in some way, reduced the importance of Electronic Media. Also, because Media-shy Actors find it easy to communicate with their fans through pictures and videos on Instagram. Rather than sitting in front of a fierce journalist and answering questions which eventually go beyond the film concerned. This might not hold true for everyone but Anchors, several times, take the film promotion to a different level. These days, Actors prefer to appear on Reality and Comedy shows for promotion rather than give an exclusive TV interview.
A perfect way, however, would be a round-the-clock promotion on all mediums. Actors today choose their own medium to communicate. Some Actors still find it difficult to handle social media since everything here is LIVE, even the reactions, which can sometimes be very rude.
