Q: I want to switch from print to broadcast journalism. I have the interest of two local TV stations: The news director at one station told me to call him back in a few weeks because he wants to meet with me after the holidays, and the other station's human resources staff member said my "resume is in the mix," and that the news director has it. After I sent an e-mail follow-up, the news director e-mailed me and said they're still in the process but that he "appreciates my interest."
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The thing is, I am excited that two stations are interested (seemingly) in my work, but because I don't have a tape (coming from print to broadcast, why would I?) it's a disadvantage to me. I have a colleague who has a studio who is going to help me make a tape so that if I get the opportunity to meet with the TV station news directors, I will have something to show them. Or, perhaps I can just send it out before I meet with them, to prove that I have the skills to do the job.
My questions are:
If the news director and HR representative actually spoke with me, that means they do have some interest, correct? Do you have any tips on what can I do to prepare for an audition/demo tape?
Is there anything I should do to prepare in terms of wardrobe or hair? Do TV stations encourage reporters to make the changes they want to see a certain style/image? I have a professional, conservative style and would consider myself to be an attractive 32-year-old woman.
Obviously, they see from my clips and resume that I can write. The news director for one station said that "I have the writing part down, and that's the hard part," and that he could teach anyone to work in front of the camera, but wants to meet with me.
I understand this is a tough market to break into, but with my background of journalism plus my motivation and passion to be in broadcast reporting, I know I could do this.
Any input or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much!
Amanda
(Today's answer comes from Angie Lau, investigative consumer reporter at WEWS Newschannel 5 in Cleveland.)
A: You have some serious interest from TV brass, but how to get that job?
Here are some thoughts:
"Style is in the eye of the news director" as they say in the news biz. But it pays to have some. Make sure your suit fits perfectly. And that means modern, tailored, and cut close to the body. Remember,
TV is a two-dimensional medium, so stay away from ruffles or weird collars. If you haven't updated your hair in a while, now may be a good time. Nothing too fashion forward, just flattering and clean lines.
I'm assuming that this is for an on-air position. And so your ability to communicate in front of the camera will either get you the job, or give a news director pause. My advice is to shoot yourself on your own home camera. Watching yourself with a critical eye is how many of us in the TV industry learn how to improve our on-camera skills. Don't try to "act" or "sound" like a TV anchor or reporter -- it comes across exactly how you imagine. The key here is to be natural. Don't be afraid to smile. Have the confidence to be yourself in front of the camera. Obviously you haven't done this on a professional level, so it's OK that you won't be "perfect" (whatever that means to you), but it will show a news director that you've got potential.
If you do decide you want to put a tape together -- demo reels are usually about 10 minutes long, about 30-45 seconds of montage live hits, followed by three strong broadcast stories. I'm not sure I would advise doing this because it may work against you. It will only expose your lack of TV experience in a pool of other candidates who likely all come from the broadcast world. And in contacting you, the news director is considering more your solid journalism than TV skills. If he says "he can teach anyone to do TV," focus on your strengths rather than expose your lack of TV experience. Since you were very clear to the HR people about your print background, I don't think anyone expects to see a tape from you.
But you're right to assume they may want to get you into the station for an audition. How can you prepare? It is natural to be nervous -- but make sure you control your nerves. It's all in your head: Do whatever you need to do to calm yourself, give yourself confidence, and relax. The camera is your friend. Imagine if the camera were your parent, or best friend, or someone in your life that you want to share this next news item with -- that's the tone, the body language, the facial expressions with which you'll want to read your audition scripts.
Early in my broadcast career, the newsroom curmudgeon (who turned out to be a great mentor), gave me this advice: When it comes to inflection and tone, practice by turning your print articles into broadcast writing (writing for the ear, as you know, is very different). Then practice aloud. Underline the words you'll need to emphasize.
Also, watch the TV journalists you think are really good. In fact, record a couple of newscasts (especially the ones from your prospective employers). Then watch with a critical eye. You'll find some trade secrets there just by observing.
And finally, as vocal awareness coach Arthur Joseph so eloquently puts it, "Don't forget to breathe!"
Coming Monday: She likes narratives; her newspaper likes laundry lists. She worries that the newspaper narrative is dying.
