Finely coiffed and meticulously dressed news reporters appear poised and polished. Their jobs seem important, well paying and easy. Perhaps that is why thousands of would be journalists graduate journalism schools every year eager to start careers in journalism. Here is the reality they face.
How Hard Are Careers in Journalism?
For every entry level reporter job there are hundreds of applicants. Every news director's office has stacks of unwatched resume tapes. Mark Glaser of PBS.org Mediashift says "you can’t help but notice the seemingly constant stream of layoffs and buyouts at news organizations." There are more unemployed journalists vying for fewer jobs.
Entry Level Jobs in News
Entry level reporters fantasize about getting TV news jobs in exciting locations like Los Angeles, San Francisco or Miami. Some aspire to the big time of New York, Chicago or network news. The reality is that most television news reporter jobs are in small television markets. These are places you never heard of and few people want to live. Careers in journalism that end up in great markets require years toiling in the small ones.
What Kind of Hours Do Entry Level Reporters Work?
Broadcast news is not a 9 to 5 job. Forget working a 40 hour week. Most television news reporter jobs are salaried so it costs stations the same to work a reporter 80 hours as it does 40. The US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics says "their work demands long hours, irregular schedules, and some travel." Reporters are also expected to work holidays.
How Much Do Entry Level Reporters Make?
It is easy to point to the network anchor making millions of dollars a year and assume that TV news jobs pay well. A 2007 RTNDA survey finds that average television news reporter jobs pay $35,600 a year. The average anchor $72,400. Keep in mind that average reporters and anchors have careers in journalism that span years. Entry level reporters can make as little as $10,000!
Cons of Television News Careers and Fame
It may seem cool to be recognized as a big shot in the television news business. The reality is that fame can be really annoying. Viewers tend to assume they can intrude on reporters lives because they see them on TV. Some will tell reporters that they look heavier, shorter or less attractive in person. It can also be dangerous. In 1995 reporter Jodi Huisentruit was abducted on her way to work at KIMT-TV, in Mason City, Iowa. She was never seen again.
Any Job Security in the Television News Business?
Nope. TV news jobs usually come with contracts but they tend to protect the stations more than the reporter. Contracts contain all sorts of clauses that allow stations to get rid of them on a whim. One of the most important tips for entry level reporters to learn is that everyone eventually loses their job so they should prepare for it. The only defense against being fired is to find another job first.
Is The Television News Business Really Saving the World?
Many pursue careers in journalism because they believe they are serving a public good. The truth is most TV news stories are filler. The television news business covers a lot of weather, meetings and festivals. Occasionally someone breaks a meaningful investigative story, but newscasts need to be filled with other stuff too.
Author Sunil S.
How Hard Are Careers in Journalism?
For every entry level reporter job there are hundreds of applicants. Every news director's office has stacks of unwatched resume tapes. Mark Glaser of PBS.org Mediashift says "you can’t help but notice the seemingly constant stream of layoffs and buyouts at news organizations." There are more unemployed journalists vying for fewer jobs.
Entry Level Jobs in News
Entry level reporters fantasize about getting TV news jobs in exciting locations like Los Angeles, San Francisco or Miami. Some aspire to the big time of New York, Chicago or network news. The reality is that most television news reporter jobs are in small television markets. These are places you never heard of and few people want to live. Careers in journalism that end up in great markets require years toiling in the small ones.
What Kind of Hours Do Entry Level Reporters Work?
Broadcast news is not a 9 to 5 job. Forget working a 40 hour week. Most television news reporter jobs are salaried so it costs stations the same to work a reporter 80 hours as it does 40. The US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics says "their work demands long hours, irregular schedules, and some travel." Reporters are also expected to work holidays.
How Much Do Entry Level Reporters Make?
It is easy to point to the network anchor making millions of dollars a year and assume that TV news jobs pay well. A 2007 RTNDA survey finds that average television news reporter jobs pay $35,600 a year. The average anchor $72,400. Keep in mind that average reporters and anchors have careers in journalism that span years. Entry level reporters can make as little as $10,000!
Cons of Television News Careers and Fame
It may seem cool to be recognized as a big shot in the television news business. The reality is that fame can be really annoying. Viewers tend to assume they can intrude on reporters lives because they see them on TV. Some will tell reporters that they look heavier, shorter or less attractive in person. It can also be dangerous. In 1995 reporter Jodi Huisentruit was abducted on her way to work at KIMT-TV, in Mason City, Iowa. She was never seen again.
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Any Job Security in the Television News Business?
Nope. TV news jobs usually come with contracts but they tend to protect the stations more than the reporter. Contracts contain all sorts of clauses that allow stations to get rid of them on a whim. One of the most important tips for entry level reporters to learn is that everyone eventually loses their job so they should prepare for it. The only defense against being fired is to find another job first.
Is The Television News Business Really Saving the World?
Many pursue careers in journalism because they believe they are serving a public good. The truth is most TV news stories are filler. The television news business covers a lot of weather, meetings and festivals. Occasionally someone breaks a meaningful investigative story, but newscasts need to be filled with other stuff too.
Author Sunil S.
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