TV Q&A: Do reporters get paid more when they fill in at the anchor desk?

Q: As the summer local news anchor vacancies continue, I note an increasing trend of street reporters taking a turn at the anchor desk at all three stations. — Bob, via emailRob: TV reporters are often so eager to anchor, some might consider paying the station for the opportunity. So, no, there is generally no differential in pay when a reporter subs for an anchor at the desk. Most on-air talent make whatever their most recent contract says they make, whether they’re reporting live from the scene or filling in at the anchor desk. — Earl, via emailRob: Even when stations started using TelePrompTers several decades ago, anchors usually had a paper script on the anchor desk as backup in case the prompter failed.