The terms '' anchor '' and '' anchorman '' are derived from the usage common in relay racing , specifically the anchor leg , where the position is typically given to the fastest or most experienced competitor on a team . In 1948 , " anchor man " was used in the game show " Who Said That ? " to refer to John Cameron Swayze , who was a permanent panel member of the show , in what may be the first usage of this term on television . The '' anchor '' term then became commonly used by 1952 to describe the most prominent member of a panel of reporters or experts . The term " anchorman " also was used to describe Walter Cronkite 's role at the Democratic and Republican National Conventions , where he coordinated switches between news points and reporters
Republican National Conventions
1952 Republican National Convention
News presenter