TV News: Don’t Be A One-Trick-Pony
BiB Contributor | George Howell
The media world is changing rapidly. There are new apps coming out every day, new ways to share video and information online, and it’s up to broadcast journalists to keep ahead of the curve. That’s why, now more than ever, it’s especially important to be a jack of all trades. Being a journalist means more than just vetting facts, writing, and standing in front of a camera. Success in the digital age requires wearing many hats.
Be Ready To Do It All
A person who signed up to be a photographer, for instance, may also be called on to voice, edit, and present stories on-air as a one man band. Producers, who are generally behind the scenes, now have the ability to build public personas to engage with the audience via twitter, facebook, or by blogging. Reporters who’ve grown accustomed to working with photographers may find it necessary to pick up a camera to shoot their own video. In today’s multi-platform newsrooms, you’ve got to be ready to jump in where you fit in, to get the job done.
In a pinch before a liveshot Christmas Eve, I ended up driving the live truck while photographer Dana Mosley edited a segment in the passenger seat. We had twenty minutes to drive from a fire station (where we picked up a quick interview) to another location where we were expected to be live at 5. When we arrived, Dana kept editing in the truck, and I grabbed his camera to shoot the last few shots necessary for the finished product. Five minutes to before the liveshot, I pulled cable from the truck to the camera – Dana made his final few edits, tuned in the shot, and transmitted the story back to the station. With little time to spare, we were set up for live television as scheduled.
It took teamwork to pull it off, and teamwork happens daily. In this industry, you must be flexible.
Be More Than “Just A Journalist”
Do you speak a foreign language? Are you just as interested in another field as you are interested in journalism? If you have the opportunity to graduate with a double major (or more), you really should consider doing it. Journalism degrees are great, because students learn the standards, practices, and ethical expectations involved in journalism. Adding a second field of expertise to your resume can only give you an added edge, especially in newsrooms that focus on science, weather, business, technology, and health related reporting, to name a few. Your interest and knowledge of the field you are covering will only make your reporting better.
A Fall Back
The more you know, the better off you will be should you ever decide to do something other than broadcast news. Some people get burnt out and move on to new careers. Some are fired. Some move in and out of broadcasting. It’s not uncommon to find broadcast professionals who, after long careers, feel that don’t have options, or know how to do anything else. If your expertise and interests are diverse, you will be better prepared for whatever twists and turns life throws your way.
Good Luck!
