Key Difference – Host vs Anchor
Host and anchor are two terms that are often used in broadcasting. Although these two terms are often used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference between host and anchor in terms of meaning and usage. The term host refers to a presenter of a television or radio program. Anchor also refers to a newsreader, but this usage is limited to American English. This is the key difference between host and anchor.
Who is a Host
The noun host refers to a person who receives or entertains other people as guests. For example, if you organize a party at your home, then you are the host of the party. Host can also refer to a place, organization or person that holds an event to which others are invited as guests.
In the field of mass communication and broadcasting, host refers to a presenter of a television or radio program. Programs like, celebrity interviews, talk shows, political discussions, etc. have hosts.
Let’s see how this word is used in sentences.
She acted as the host for the party.
Their company once played host to the SAARC games.
Shane Anderson is the host of the tonight show.
The hosts warmly welcomed the guests at the entrance.
Hosts usually have many guests to attend to it, so guests should not be offended if the hosts don’t spend a lot of time with them.
The word host can also be used as a verb. The verb host also refers to acting as a host for a party or a television/radio program.
Who is an Anchor
The noun anchor refers to a heavy object attached to a cable or chain and used to moor a ship to the sea bottom. But anchor is sometimes also used to refer to a person. When it is used to describe a person, it can have two meanings:
– A person who provides stability or confidence in an otherwise uncertain situation
– An anchorman or anchorwoman
It is this second meaning that is relevant to the difference between host and anchor since many people tend to use these two words interchangeably.
An anchorman or anchorwoman, also known as anchor, is a person announces or presents a TV or radio program. It is also important to know that the term anchor is synonymous to presenter, newsreader or announcer of a show in American English. This meaning is not very common in British English. The American Heritage dictionary defines anchor as “a man who narrates or coordinates a newscast in which several correspondents give reports”.
Let’s now look at some example sentences of this word.
He worked as a news anchor for BBC for fifteen years.
Anchors, reporters, and producers were invited to the event.
He is the anchor that provides us support and stability in times of need.
What is the difference between Host and Anchor?
Definition:
Host: Host is a presenter of a television or radio program.
Anchor: Anchor is a person who presents and coordinates a live television or radio program involving other contributors.
Usage:
Host: This term is commonly used to refer to TV presenters.
Anchor: This term is mainly used in American English.
Alternative Meanings:
Host: Host refers to a person who receives or entertains other people as guests
Anchor: Anchor can refer to a person who provides stability or confidence in an otherwise uncertain situation
Image Courtesy:
“Kenneth and Gloria Copeland hosting Believer’s Voice of Victory – 2011” By Kenneth Copeland Ministries (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
“US Navy 090623-N-6220J-007 Rear Adm. Michael J. Browne, deputy chief engineer of Naval Sea Systems Command, is interviewed by KWQC-TV news anchor David Nelson during Quad Cities Navy Week” By U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Steve Johnson – -released by the United States Navy with the ID 090623-N-6220J-007 (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia