Whether you’re an aspiring sports reporter or a seasoned anchor, you should be getting the most from your TV news talent agent. But how do you know if that’s happening?
If you’re brand new to having an agent, you may not even be aware of what job duties your agent should be performing.
And if you’re been working with the same agent for a very long time, you may have fallen into an established rut where you’ve lowered your expectations. This is a mistake.
What Does the Most from Your TV News Agent Look Like?
Being a TV news talent agent is multifaceted.
Yes, you want an agent with experience in the newsroom so they understand the world you’re navigating. Ideally, an agent with direct experience as a major market news director, assistant news director, investigative producer, managing editor, and/or assignment editor is a great place to start.
(Bonus points for someone who has ALL of the above!)
Not only does this give your agent an edge as far as experience, but it also means that they will have connections that others won’t. And this is crucial.
How Often Does Your Agent Network?
Does your agent regularly attend industry events and conferences? How familiar are they with the top network, large broadcast, and even local executives?
An agent who’s making the extra effort to put themselves out there is going to be more in the know about what decision-makers want when they set out to hire talent.
This means that they should be attending as many conferences and events as possible. Not just the ones that make them look good or are specific to them. For example, if you’re Black and your agent is not, he or she should be attending major events such as the National Association of Black Journalists conference on your behalf – regardless of his or her race.
But connections are just the beginning.
The Job Doesn’t End with the Placement
The single most important aspect of a good agent is not one who merely gets you the best placement in the market you desire. Sure. That’s a big deal and we don’t mean to diminish it. But once you land the job you want (or the one that’s going to help you get that one), how engaged is your agent?
Does your agent regularly ask you to send your work so that they can critique it and make you a more well-rounded reporter, anchor, or meteorologist? If not, they should be.
And if your agent isn’t regularly following up with your employer and asking how you can do better and how they can help you with that, then you’re definitely not getting the most from your TV news talent agent.
A dedicated and serious TV news talent agent is interested in nurturing your continued growth as a reporter/anchor/meteorologist. That means that they stay connected and help you to grow faster in your job or, in cases where you might be faltering, even SAVE your job.
There are plenty of agents that don’t put in this extra work. They’ll even tell you it’s above and beyond their pay grade. And maybe it is. But don’t you still deserve it? (The answer is yes, yes you do.)
And you can have it.
Don’t Settle for Less
If you want to see what getting the most from your TV news talent agent looks like, then contact us today.
You need someone who cares about you before the search, during the search, and after the search to help you stay successful and foster growth as you advance.
As one of our prized clients, you’ll get exactly that.
