Buzz
Becoming a TV reporter or news anchor is an exhilarating and fast-paced journey. However, if you're solely attracted by the glitz and glamour, it's time to reassess your motives. This profession demands not only hard work, stringent deadlines, and the ability to communicate with challenging individuals, but you might also find yourself enduring six hours in 20-degree weather, waiting for a hostage situation to unfold. If you believe you possess the courage, endurance, and commitment to excel as a TV reporter or news anchor, then follow these steps.
Steps
Possessing the Necessary Skills
Master the art of eloquence. Your voice is your most powerful tool in this domain. Focus on projection, clarity, and intonation. These attributes will enhance your ability to deliver your narrative compellingly. Assertiveness in your speech instills credibility with your audience. Practice reading newspapers and magazines aloud. Listen attentively to the top journalists in the industry and endeavor to emulate their style.
- You must speak audibly and at a pace that allows comprehension while ensuring coverage of all pertinent information within the allotted time.
Present well on camera. You don't need Hollywood looks or runway model allure. However, you must be visually appealing and possess that special magnetism that captivates viewers. It's a blend of charm, confidence, and that elusive quality that draws people in, even if you're reporting on a mundane event like a local bake sale.
- However, attractiveness alone doesn't guarantee success on camera. It's essential to exude energy and engagement.
Excel in interpersonal skills. Effective communication is paramount in the realm of TV reporting and news anchoring. You must adeptly converse with individuals from all walks of life, often in live, on-site, and on-camera settings. Whether as a reporter or anchor, you'll need to engage with interviewees to elicit candid responses and foster comfort and trust.
- Many reporters and anchors also assume responsibilities in writing and investigating stories, requiring interactions with diverse sources for information acquisition.
Maintain impartiality. Remaining unbiased is challenging yet imperative. To uphold integrity as a TV reporter or news anchor, you must set aside personal biases. Your reporting should strive for objectivity, refraining from revealing personal beliefs to deliver the unbiased news audiences seek.
- Personal biases can hinder rapport-building and compromise the integrity of your reporting.
Exhibit strong writing proficiency. While eloquence is essential, adept writing skills are equally vital. Whether delivering scripted content or composing your stories, proficient writing enhances communication and professionalism. Strong writing skills facilitate story development and convey professionalism in your communication.
Possess exceptional endurance. If you're accustomed to needing rest after a few hours of work, the demanding nature of a TV reporter or news anchor may not suit you. The role often entails long shifts, early mornings, and enduring extreme weather conditions for extended periods while awaiting breaking news. Adaptability and resilience are key qualities, as the job may require sudden schedule changes and prolonged hours of work.
- Flexibility is essential, making this career unsuitable for those seeking predictable 9-5 workdays.
Building Experience
Attain a bachelor's degree. Most TV stations mandate a college degree, preferably in broadcast journalism. Degrees in English or Communications are also advantageous. Institutions like Brigham Young University, University of Missouri Columbia, Northwestern University, Syracuse University, and Arizona State University host top-notch broadcast journalism programs.
- Diversify your education with liberal arts courses like political science or art history to broaden your knowledge base and enhance your versatility as a reporter or anchor.
Gain relevant experience during your undergraduate years. Beyond obtaining your bachelor's degree, active involvement in extracurriculars is crucial. Joining the school newspaper allows you to hone your writing, investigative, and storytelling skills. If available, participate in your college's TV station, aiming to advance to roles such as anchor or reporter.
- If your college lacks a TV station, consider opportunities at local radio stations to develop interview and communication skills.
Pursue internships. Seek internships during breaks or post-graduation to gain insight into newsroom operations. While tasks may initially be menial, such experiences foster networking and bolster your resume, strengthening your candidacy for future roles.
- Internships significantly enhance your resume, adding substance to an impressive portfolio.
Contemplate a master's degree in journalism. While not mandatory, a journalism master's degree can offer a competitive edge. Programs like Columbia University's, typically lasting one to two years, provide invaluable insights and networking opportunities that may facilitate career advancement.
- Graduate studies can cultivate a deeper understanding of journalism and establish connections pivotal for future job prospects.
Master TV scriptwriting. While some aspects are covered in school, TV scriptwriting diverges significantly from academic writing. You must adapt your writing to complement visual elements, known as writing to video. Keep your language straightforward and avoid legal jargon and clichés. You only have one chance to captivate viewers.
- Although news anchors often read from notes or teleprompters, reporters typically craft their own content for field reports.
Securing Employment
Develop a demo reel. This reel showcases your reporting or anchoring skills. It typically starts with a slate – a brief display of your name and contact details. Following the slate is a montage featuring engaging live shots and samples of your work. Conclude with three standout stories.
- Producing your first demo reel in school is the most cost-effective option.
Submit job applications. Include your demo reel and a comprehensive resume detailing relevant experience and education, such as volunteer or part-time work in the field. Highlight major news stories covered and your roles in presenting them. Also, emphasize technical proficiency, as most stations rely on digital communication devices or systems.
- Apply widely, customizing your resume for each job description.
Be open to relocation for opportunities. Your first job may not be conveniently close. Competition is fierce, so be flexible when accepting your initial position. While San Diego may be your ideal location, be prepared to accept offers from less glamorous areas like Biloxi, Mississippi. Apply broadly and be willing to step out of your comfort zone.
- As you gain experience, you'll have more flexibility in choosing your work location.
Anderson Cooper, Journalist & Political Correspondent
Embrace the thrill of live reporting from the field. 'I've always cherished reporting live from the field the most. There's a certain allure to live TV and being present as events unfold that has forever captivated me. Bearing witness to these events as they occur holds immense value to me.'
Begin your journey at a local television station in a smaller market. While many dream of landing the anchor spot on NBC Nightly News, the reality is that only a fraction of TV news professionals will reach the top-tier markets. Starting your career in a small local market allows you to gain comprehensive experience across all aspects of the industry. You'll likely wear multiple hats, from reporting and producing to anchoring and operating equipment.
- Moreover, small markets provide room for error, as audiences are generally more forgiving compared to major cities like New York.
Expect modest compensation in the early stages. Entry-level reporter positions in small markets typically offer salaries ranging from $15,000 to $18,000 annually. Surprised? Contrary to popular belief, most TV personalities aren't swimming in cash. The field of television news suffers from oversupply, resulting in less competitive pay.
- Starting at a small market station means accepting small market wages. It's the nature of the industry. If financial gain is a priority, TV news may not be the right career path for you!
- Anchors in the top 25 markets earn approximately $130,000 per year, but these positions are highly prestigious.
Transition to larger stations. After gaining 3-5 years of experience at a small station and achieving some success, consider advancing your career by applying to larger or medium-sized stations. Cast a wide net during your job search, leveraging your valuable experience to position yourself as an exceptional candidate.
- However, don't expect more flexibility or autonomy at bigger stations. Prestigious positions often entail more demanding responsibilities.
Achieving Success in Your Field
Discover your specialization. While starting out, you'll likely work in whatever field is available. However, as you progress, you'll have more influence over the type of reporting you do. You might specialize in featured news, consumer news, health news, or other areas based on your preferences and personality. For instance, if you have a light-hearted demeanor, you might enjoy covering quirky human interest stories; if you're more serious, you might gravitate towards intense topics like homicide.
- To avoid being emotionally affected by the news you cover, consider focusing on consumer, medical, or features news. While they may be less thrilling, they can also be less emotionally taxing.
Forget about holidays with family. Expect to work through most holidays, as time off during these periods is rare in the TV news industry. Established anchors may get holidays off, leaving you to cover the shifts. Moving between markets frequently to advance your career can also mean sacrificing seniority and holiday time. Kiss Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Fourth of July, and Labor Day goodbye.
- Vacation time is also restricted during 'sweeps' months when stations monitor viewership: February, May, July, and November.
Prepare for an unpredictable schedule. Be ready for shifts in the morning, evening, split shifts, and weekends. New reporters often have little control over their hours, and overtime without compensation is common. Flexibility is key, as your schedule may change at a moment's notice.
- Expect not only a demanding schedule but also frequent changes, requiring you to be available and adaptable.
Progress in your profession. Advancing in TV news doesn't always mean moving to larger stations. You can gain more responsibilities and enhance your reputation by 'network hopping,' transitioning between stations. Alternatively, consider diversifying into talk shows, syndicated columns, writing, public relations, editing, or academia. However, moving beyond traditional TV reporting can take a decade or more.
- Remember, there are various paths to career growth beyond the standard TV reporter or news anchor route.
Maintain professionalism. In the field of reporting or anchoring, mistakes can have lasting consequences. Avoid becoming known for on-air blunders or public outbursts, as they can tarnish your reputation irreparably. Once your image is tainted, redemption may be difficult to achieve.
- If you're prone to public outbursts, address this behavior before appearing on camera.
Stay determined. Persistence is a crucial trait for any reporter or anchor. It's not only essential for securing your initial job but also for advancing in your career and striving for your dream position. Whether you're conducting investigations or following leads, persistence is key to overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
Example CV
Example News Anchor CVPointers
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Joining a professional organization for broadcast journalists, such as the National Association of Broadcasters, Radio Television News Directors Association, National Association of Asian Journalists, National Association of Black Journalists, or the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, can provide valuable networking opportunities and resources.
Considerations
- Working in TV news demands resilience and a tolerance for pressure. If stress and deadlines aren't your forte, explore other career paths. Additionally, if you're sensitive to criticism, this field may not be the most suitable choice for you.
- TV news operates within a tight-knit community where reputations circulate swiftly. Networking and maintaining professionalism are paramount in this interconnected industry.
