First Jobs: The “ABC”‘s of Reporting 101

BiB Contributor | Anonymous News Director

A line from the famous Alec Baldwin role in “Glengarry, Glen, Ross” came to mind as I began to write this week’s post. Baldwin’s character angrily chastised workers for not selling enough real estate. He used the “ABC” acronym, which stands for “Always Be Closing.”

There is a hidden message in this scene for all aspiring reporters. For reporter-types, ABC should stand for “Always Be Curious.” Nothing irritates a News Director more than to receive a phone call from a cub reporter who can’t find a story when he or she was sent to the scene of a huge story from the week.

Just because an active scene no longer exists does not mean there is no story. The best reporters return to the scene and find the follow up.  Direction given in the editorial meetings only serves as a guide.  The reporter and photographer are the eyes and ears of the story. Good crews can always find the angle that no one else thinks about. Good reporters can always make a good idea better. The key is curiosity.

Always Be Curious.

Tags: always be curious, breaking, broadcasting, First Jobs