Journalism 101: How to Become a TV Reporter in the Digital Age

You’d think becoming a reporter in the digital age is nearly impossible, but actually now is a great time to break into the industry.

Nowadays you don’t have to wait for the 5 o’clock news broadcast, you can find out the latest news and weather updates with just the click of a mouse. And with the internet dominating the news industry, aspiring TV journalists are left wondering if TV journalism is dying.

I was certainly one of those people. Eight years ago I was hired as a weather anchor for a national gig. This was the job that was supposed to catapult my career to the next level. But less than six months later, I was let go along with my colleagues.

We were in the midst of a bad economy. TV jobs and print publications were downsizing and journalists were being dropped from their jobs.

With the growing popularity of the internet, the way we get our news is changing. That said, social media dominates in terms of how we get our news. So, whenever an aspiring TV journalist asks me for advice on how to break into the biz, I share these tips:

1. Become an intern. Not only does it allow you to network, you can also shadow reporters and learn the ropes.

2. Before you can even apply for a any on-air job, put together a demo reel with samples of your work. I put together my first demo during my internship. Some high schools and college programs offer the option of compiling a reel as well. With the rise in technology, you can do it all on your smartphone. There are also a ton of editing software as well.

1. Be open to different platforms. While getting a TV gig is possible, there are also some outlets looking to hire journalists for the web. With more people turning to the internet for news updates, you’d be surprised at how many online hits you’d get. When I worked at NBC, I was shocked at how many people recognized me from the site.

2. Be flexible. One of the first things I’ve learned about this business is that there are no good hours and you may have to relocate. I remember my first on-air job. My hours were 9pm – 6am with Tuesdays and Wednesdays off. But the fact that I landed something in NY, and didn’t have to move away to make peanuts trumped that schedule tenfold.

3. Speaking of making peanuts, don’t expect to land that first job and become filthy rich. Some jobs don’t pay much to start.

4. Get active on social media. I recently attended  baby shower and ran into someone who told me she got hired as an editor for ESPN from Linkedin. People can check Kennected software if they need advice on the same!  Someone saw her profile and scooped her up. That’s the power of social media. Start professional Twitter and Facebook accounts, follow people in your industry, and connect with them. Networking is key!

5. Work smart. You can do this by having a plan. When you narrow focus your goals, you’ll find that it’s so much easier to stay on track.

6. Get a side hustle. Let’s face it; getting an on-air job ain’t easy. Once you do land a job, there’s no guarantee that you’ll have another one lined up when your contract expires.

7. Stay above the fray. I look back at when I started this business 10 years ago and see how much things have changed. It’s important to learn all the nuances of the industry to get ahead of the competition.

8. Learn your craft. That may involve taking classes or attending workshops. Being a reporter involves critical thinking and storytelling. As a weather anchor, taking classes on ways to way forecast has been instrumental.

9. Join an organization. One of the first things I signed up for was NABJ. I’m also a member of NWA. Being a part of groups will allow networking opportunities and allow you to rub shoulders with experts and station heads.

10. Dare to be different. Don’t try to be like everyone else. Find something that sets you a part from the rest and run with it.

I hope you find these tips helpful. Remember, if you plan on pursuing a career in journalism, be aware that this business is constantly changing. The way we get our news may change, but there will always be a place for journalists. It’s a tough field to get into. But if you love it, put in the work, and have patience, you’ll get there.

Are you a  journalist? What steps have you taken to break into the news biz?