The best job security a reporter can have comes down to one word. Sources. Time and time again I hear about the “untouchable” reporter in a newsroom who can’t ad lib, can’t write, can’t dress, can’t get along with people, yet cannot be fired. The reason, sources. The reporter has so many contacts and so many ways to get relevant information on a dime, that they away with murder day-to-day. Now, if you are the person with the great sources, hear this: I am NOT suggesting that you act like a jerk in the newsroom. Even the most “untouchable” person can go too far and pay a hefty price. But […]
Feb 222015
Job Hunting Bill Of Rights
Job Interviewing, Picking A Shop
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Feb 052015
Job hunting journalists need to know that they have the right to ask for information during interviews to determine whether the station/job is right for them. I say this because lately I am hearing about some rather interesting station and company policies that are counter to this concept. So here’s a bill of rights job candidates should keep on hand. If these things do not happen during the interview process, walk away. Job Hunting Bill Of Rights: You have the right to be flown/brought in for an interview You have the right to reimbursement for cab fares/lodging/gas during the interview You have the right to entertain many job opportunities You […]
Story Sources: Beware of the Badge?
Know Your Newsroom, Reporting
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Jan 222015
Let’s be honest—if you’re a TV reporter, you probably end up assigned to more crime stories than you can count over the course of a year! A murder here, a robbery there, another missing person, oh and don’t forget the occasional 12-hour standoff. Reporters cover a lot of crime and because of that, they get to know the police public information officers pretty well. PIOs are an important link between the crime scene and your TV viewers. After all, they usually know many more details about the incident than you do as a reporter. They talk with the detectives on-scene, they’re briefed by the brass, and it’s their job to […]
Why You Should Always Have Extra Stories In Your Rundown
Honing Skills, Producing, Survival Kit
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Jan 072015
One of the most challenging parts of producing is making your meter points. Some stations even penalize if you go over or under time by as little as 15 to 20 seconds, per block. Even if your station is not that picky, you have to make time at the end of your newscast. The problem is, between chat, reporters turning in packages late or providing the wrong TRT and adding live shots and breaking news, it can be hard to time. That’s why you need escape routes for each meter point/news block. So here’s a secret veteran producers know, that helps make sure they hit those key times, every time, […]
How To Pick Stories To Tease
Survival Kit, Tease Writing
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Dec 072014
The teases section on this website continues to be the most visited section outside of the cliche list! As I looked back through the articles, I realized a very important element has not been addressed. That element: How do you pick which stories to tease in the first place? So let’s get into that, because the answer is not always obvious. Newbie journalists usually go for the packages in the rundown. If a newscast always has world news at 10 after or health at 20, a lot of newbie journalists tease something from those segments. Some will think to go for great video as well. Picking from these combinations is […]
