It’s inevitable that you will work most holidays. That doesn’t change with years in, for most journalists either. So here are some secrets to making the most of the holiday shift.
Last year, Matthew Nordin wrote a great survival guide to getting through having to work the holidays. This article will look at ways to make the day easier once you are “at the office.”
- Set up a potluck
- Look for fun trivia
- Be flexible
First things first, everyone should get to celebrate in some way. Set up a potluck. Have everyone bring something in and enjoy a meal together. Do this even if the station provides a meal. Just switch it to appetizers or desserts. Be sure and have the food ready, first thing at the start of the shift so field crews can eat and go. Often the food from the station arrives after field crews have left, so they miss out. The potluck at least gets them some food. This is a great time to enjoy your coworkers a little, when things are not so crazy. It also gives you a little something to look forward to. After all, we newsies love good food.
Look for fun trivia to sprinkle in all those vo’s about the local parades and celebrations. There are often cool stories about a strange happening one year, or how much food is being dished out. It is neat to throw those tidbits in as talking points throughout the newscast. It also fills time, when you have a big news hole and little to say.
Be flexible. Breaking news can happen, so if you are asked to stay an hour late turning a pkg on the accident in the middle of the reindeer parade, don’t grumble. Also, if possible, talk to management as a group about staggering shifts, so everyone can get some family time. As long as the newsroom has some hands on deck all day, there should not be an issue. Producers, don’t demand a ton of live shots. Try and let as many people as possible head home when their pkgs are in. If you’re concerned about reporter presence in the newscast, have them shoot look-live standups. If you are the one stuck staying for breaking news, remember, next year you will have a better shot of being the first in and first out, IF YOU DON’T COMPLAIN. The producer and assignment desk don’t get the luxury of leaving early. They don’t feel sorry for you, and shouldn’t have to. If you gripe, you can bet your odds of drawing the short straw again next year, will go way up.
Those of us that have worked MANY holidays, (so many you lose track) realize there is a camaraderie that’s built around “sucking it up” together. I have fond memories of working holidays as well. And then when your comp day comes around, you get to relax and do whatever you want. A sweet freedom, many who only get set holidays off can never understand. So, smile, stay positive and make the most of it!
