First Jobs: Getting a Job

BiB Contributor | Anonymous News Director

I recently talked to someone who moved into a certain market with her husband (I’m keeping names and places out of it to protect anonymity); she broke into broadcasting simply by being persistent.

This reporter did everything she was taught to do, but zeroed in one station. She made initial contact with the News Director, who was impressed enough with her work to grant her an interview. The reporter was passed over for the job. Three months later, she was passed over again. Dismayed, she took a public relations position but never gave up hope.

One day, as she was watching pre-election coverage, she had an epiphany. She called the News Director and asked if she could come into answer phones – no strings attached. The News Director laughed and said “We’ll use all the volunteers we can get. Just don’t bother me about a job right now.” The reporter kept her word. She came in, answered phones, and didn’t press the News Director for a job. Weeks later, the reporter received a phone call. The News Director offered the reporter a job as an Associate Producer. He counseled her to craft stories on her own time; he agreed to take a look at them and air them if he deemed them up to standard.

She jumped at the opportunity and didn’t flinch at the fact she was taking a $12,000 pay cut. This reporter worked in that market for 10 years and worked for approximately four News Directors. She won numerous awards during her tenure.

I’m not recommending that everyone should start hounding News Directors for volunteer opportunities. I’m just sharing this story to illustrate the value of persistence and creativity. Master these arts without being pushy and you will get what you desire out of life.