Great Things About Working in Radio

April 16, 2026 by

When people in the broadcast industry hear the name Mort Meisner, they immediately think ‘TV news talent agent. Of course they do. After all, he’s a veteran in the business with a serious pedigree.

For over 30 years, he’s been pivotal in successfully placing some of the biggest and brightest talent in broadcast television.

So it may come as a surprise that Mort also represents radio personalities in the Detroit area. And if you ask him, there are great things about working in radio too.

Some Great Things About Working in Radio

Sure, it may not be as glamorous as being on TV. But not everybody wants that. And radio personalities enjoy many benefits too. Folks on the radio revel in the following:

  1. Focusing on Creativity and Independence

Those who work in radio utilize their creativity to research and brainstorm ideas about the content they want to use on their shows. Yeah, there’s always going to be specific things DJs are expected to discuss during their shows, such as promotions, contests the station is running, and weather. That just goes with the territory.

But beyond that, they get to determine the tone and content of a lot of the hours they’re on air. And those who work as a solo DJ are provided a tremendous amount of independence. Many of the radio personalities Mort represents find that working in radio can be a relaxing and even peaceful environment. Particularly when compared with the high-energy yet often stressful world (especially these days) of TV news.

  1. Working in an Exciting Industry

That said, there’s still excitement to be found in the radio broadcasting industry. For those working at music stations, they get to be a part of experiencing new music and supporting artists while actively promoting them through contests and social media. Meanwhile, talk radio show hosts have the chance to meet important figures and celebrities through interviews. In both cases, radio personalities get to be part of a bigger community, putting music and information out into the world. And that’s pretty cool.

  1. Mobility

Anybody in the broadcasting arts can expect some degree of relocation. And for most drawn to these jobs, that’s a plus. It’s not unusual for TV anchors to move from one city to the next as contracts are renegotiated. In fact, 95% of those who graduate from radio broadcast programs at schools and universities can expect to move elsewhere for work.

This is an incentive for nomadic types who love to make a move. They see it as an opportunity to start over, meet new people, and learn a different way of life. And then when one gig is up, there’s the possibility of picking up again and exploring another new city or town.

  1. Making People Smile!

Think about the last time you were in your car or the shower (or wherever) and you heard a DJ say something that made you smile or even laugh? Maybe s/he talked about one of your favorite songs or musicians. Or perhaps they shared an anecdote that changed your perspective for the day.

Radio personalities share a real connection with their listeners. And this is something that radio personalities cite as a benefit of their job. Plus, they get to share some of that joy when a caller shares a story with them or is excited about winning a contest or promotion at the station. So it’s a win-win.

Considering a Radio Career in the Detroit Area?

Interested in seeing for yourself the great things about working in radio? If your focus is on the Detroit market, then the first thing you need to do is contact Mort Meisner.

With an impressive roster of broadcast personalities, he’s the ultimate authority on TV news and radio talent. So don’t hesitate to reach out.

The Detroit area has a lot to offer!

Filed Under: Blog

Can You Navigate the Changing Face of the Broadcasting Industry?

March 20, 2026 by

Like many industries, the broadcasting industry is wrestling with how to modernize and be profitable in the digital age.

If you’re in the market for a TV news job, you should know that one of the results of these changes is the way the industry recruits strong candidates.

Without an experienced TV news talent agent, are you able to succeed in the changing face of the broadcasting industry?

Not All Changes Are Bad

One positive aspect of the shift is that there is more consolidation. Thus, recruiting is more centralized. Previously, it was news directors who bore the brunt of recruiting. But with the push for a more digital imprint, managers no longer have the time for this aspect of the job. Thus, there are recruiters who will start reaching out to you.

For the many companies that have set up targeted screening to weed out candidates who aren’t serious about journalism, this is a plus. They’ve also added ethics tests and targeted writing tests to further thin out the herd. So if you’re serious about wanting to pursue a job in TV news broadcasting, all of this works to your advantage.

The Tricky Aspect of the Changing Face of the Broadcasting Industry

Although centralizing recruiting has made it possible to find great talent, it also presents new challenges in the following three ways:

1. Bombing the Recruiting Interview

The truth is, you’re going HAVE to go through interviews with talent acquisition in most broadcasting groups. Those that don’t have full-time recruiters will outsource headhunter-type agencies. And they don’t always have a news background. You may find yourself asking about the day-to-day responsibilities and support systems that they won’t be able to easily answer in the interview process.

While asking some of those questions, there’s a chance you’ll be misread and end up with an unfavorable review by the recruiter. Or it may just be that you’re having a bad day and regard the recruiter interview as something you just have to get through. This will come across. Whatever the case, blowing this interview can close a lot of doors.

2. Getting Ghosted

While (mostly) not intentional, many TV news job candidates have to deal with ghosting. That’s because there’s confusion over whose responsibility it is to keep up with the candidate. They’re typically good about letting you know if you don’t make the first cut.

But if you make it as a finalist but aren’t chosen, they may not let you know because of getting lost in the shuffle. And if you reach out too often and try to get answers, this can sully your reputation. Especially when you have no idea whether you contact the recruiter, the news director, or some other entity.

3. Less Flexibility Over Pay

The centralization that has come from the shift to digital has, unfortunately, given news managers less flexibility over what they can offer in terms of pay. And it often takes companies a long time to recognize that the wages they’re offering are not sustainable for candidates.

Because of this, you’ll find media experts crawling all over LinkedIn and claiming they can represent you for free or for a tiny fee each month to place you. These experts are hired by broadcasting companies to find candidates who will accept payment within the pay range allowed by the companies.

While these groups may help you find openings, if you sign up, you’ll want to counter this by telling them that you don’t want to fill in an estimated salary expectation. If it’s a condition upon being listed, insist you will only accept higher-end wages. Whatever they recommend you ask for, add a little more. 

Let An Experienced TV News Talent Agent Guide You

The changing face of the broadcasting industry has made it more challenging to find the right position for TV news anchors, reporters, and meteorologists.

So if you’re finding the territory more difficult to navigate than it once was, contact Mort Meisner today.

With over three decades of experience and countless connections with those in the industry, he will guide you to the perfect position.

Filed Under: Blog

TV News Talent Agent Mort Meisner Thanks Bruce Springsteen, Again

March 4, 2026 by

Many of us remember the first time we saw a musical act that transformed us. For TV news talent agent Mort Meisner, it was Bruce Springsteen.

In fact, Mort would hold the record in Michigan for attending the most Springsteen concerts, were it not for 97.1 The Ticket radio personality Mike Stone.

But that’s okay. It’s not a competition. They both share a fierce passion for both Springsteen’s music, as well as for the musician and everything he represents. In fact, Mort is such a diehard fan that he committed two chapters to ‘The Boss’ in his memoir, Enough to Be Dangerous.

You Never Forget Your First Time

Mort had never heard of Bruce Springsteen that fateful night he went to see him in September of 1975 at the age of 22. He recalls that he felt more like a young teenager, sitting front and center and waiting to see this “Bruce Springsteen guy” come on stage. He had no idea what to expect.

Before I knew it, there he was, playing Incident on 57th Street. He went through his array of songs—none of which I’d heard—including Born to Run. I was blown away.

For Mort, and presumably the rest of the audience, Born to Run was an anthem for escape and hope. And it resonated deeply during a time of economic hardship and social upheaval. Springsteen was a true storyteller. And he was a rising voice for the working class.

Mort was a rock and roll promoter in Detroit at the time and knew immediately he had to book Springsteen at the Michigan Palace. So he went to talk to Springsteen’s manager. Two weeks later, Springsteen was on stage there. Thus began Mort’s journey toward becoming a Bruce Springsteen groupie.

Following the Boss

Mort’s friend Nelson was equally taken by Springsteen. So the two of them set out to travel around the country to see him perform. On one occasion, they went to Asbury Park, New Jersey, in hopes of catching Springsteen slumming at the famous Stone Pony. It took some finagling. After a visit to sax man extraordinaire Clarence Clemons’ home and several more attempts at the Stone Pony, they finally scored.

Springsteen treated them like royalty. He was genuinely interested in their stories and curious about why they’d come all that way. Then he proceeded to play there for an hour and a half in what was almost a private concert.

Listening to him perform, I felt profoundly different. I can’t really explain it. I thought, this guy is like Bob Dylan. But different. More upbeat. More spiritual, maybe? The way I interpreted his songs resonated with something deep inside me. He ran sentences and words together which I didn’t understand, but I did not need to understand. He seemed to be able to articulate the collective aspirations of his entire audience. And yet, he got ME. Individually.

It became another life-changing night for Mort.

Still Loving Bruce Springsteen

In his memoir, Mort recounts a childhood riddled with violence and abuse. He lived his young adult years hard and fast, eventually succumbing to drug use in an attempt to outrun the demons that haunted him. But there was always one thing he knew could bring him back to center.

Over the years, from then until now, I’ve seen Bruce Springsteen 143 times. Even when I had tragedies and losses in my family, I always took solace in listening to Bruce. He was, and IS, always there as a salve or balm to bring me relief.

His abiding faith in Bruce Springsteen remains to this day. And why not? In these tumultuous times, Springsteen continues to use his platform to advocate for social justice and economic equality. He’s always been the first to participate in benefit concerts, support labor unions, and speak against economic disparities. And his commitment to these causes is evident in his music and public appearances, where he often highlights the need for systemic change. Most recently, he released his song “Streets of Minneapolis” as a response to fatal shootings by federal ICE agents in Minnesota,  describing their tactics as “Gestapo tactics” and calling for accountability.

Even after fifty years in the music business, Bruce Springsteen’s music continues to inspire discussions of economic inequality, social justice, and political responsibility at a time when they’re needed more than ever.

Mort Thanks Bruce Springsteen for His Courage

Mort Meisner felt in only appropriate that his give another callout to Bruce Springsteen. Along with the social justice angle, Springsteen’s sheer willingness to explore new themes and sounds maintains his relevance and influence as a pivotal figure in rock music history.

As someone with deep working-class roots and a passion for social justice, Mort is beyond grateful.

Filed Under: Blog

What Are Fireable Offenses for Broadcast TV?

February 12, 2026 by

As one of the top TV news talent agents in the country for over three decades, Mort Meisner is an authority on what’s considered fireable offenses for broadcast TV.

He’s had to help a handful of clients over the years who have (inadvertently or otherwise) committed some of these offenses and were seeking guidance in starting anew. It hasn’t been easy.

As far as what is considered a fireable offense, there are two different categories. The first falls under breaches of employer/network policies and professional ethics. The second involves violations of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations – which have gotten a little more difficult to parse out in the past year.

Employer and Ethical Fireable Offenses for Broadcast TV

Since this first category is a more clear-cut, we’ll start here.

Any TV news talent – be it a reporter, anchor, meteorologist, or sports reporter – is subject to internal network or station policies. Failure to comply can lead to termination. The following offenses can be fair game for firing:

  1. Slander/Libel

Steering clear of slander and libel is Broadcast Journalism 101. Or it should be. Making malicious false statements for the sake of causing economic harm or tarnishing an individual’s or company’s reputation can mean major lawsuits for the station. And you can bet this is something they’re not going to tolerate.

  1. Breaching a Conduct Clause

Some on-air TV news talent have contract clauses that cover their behavior outside of work. These include big actions like public scandals and arrests. But they also cover what may appear as lesser offenses such as inappropriate comments on social media. For younger talent who have grown up on the internet, they’re not always aware of this pitfall.

  1. Poor Performance

Sometimes, newer or greener talent is under the impression that just because they have a contract, they can’t be fired. There are, of course, nuances to this. But consistent low ratings, frequent on-air mistakes, lack of productivity, and/or insubordination are all grounds for termination. This is especially true for non-union “at-will” talent.

  1. Misconduct in the Workplace

We hope it goes without saying (but are saying it anyhow), appalling behavior in the workplace is a fireable offense. Among the zero-tolerance offenses on this list are violence, sexual harassment, and time theft.

  1. Violating Journalistic Ethics

A well-educated and versed broadcast journalist knows that using more than one VERIFIABLE source is crucial for any story with a serious allegation. Additionally, conveniently leaving out key facts or engaging in political activities that compromise impartiality, and therefore the news organization’s credibility, can also lead to firing.

FCC Regulations Non-Compliance That Can Lead to Termination

The FCC, at the date of the post, at least, cannot directly fire individuals. But they can fine stations or revoke their license for certain violations. And this, in turn, translates to fireable offenses for both on-air talent and management.

Now, it’s important to note that here in 2026, we’re living in a time where the line between truth and reality is tremendously blurred. And there’s a wealth of mis-, dis-, and malinformation out there obscuring the facts.

So with that disclaimer in mind, we’ll look at what the key FCC has, in the past, considered violations that could lead to fireable offenses:

  1. Broadcasting False Information

No broadcaster should air false information about a crime or catastrophe if s/he knows the information is false and it could cause substantial public harm, such as diverting emergency services.

  1. Intentionally Distorting the News

The FCC claims it does not intervene in journalistic judgment and has considered intentionally slanting or rigging the news as a “heinous act against the public interest.” Documented evidence from someone with direct personal knowledge can prompt an FCC investigation.

  1. Broadcasting Obscene Content

Now that we got one and two out of the way, we land on the violation of broadcasting obscene content. But what is considered obscene? Well, to be ruled obscene, content must meet a three-pronged test. First, it appeals to an average person’s prurient interest. Second, it depicts sexual conduct in a patently offensive way. And finally, it lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. Again, making these judgments has become something of a grey area.

  1. Broadcasting Indecent or Profane Content

Indecent content that depicts sexual or patently offensive activities is considered indecent. Profanity is defined as content that’s grossly offensive enough to be considered a public nuisance. Indecent and profane content is prohibited on broadcast TV between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

  1. Contest Violations

Finally, stations are required to accurately disclose the material terms of any contest they run and conduct it as announced. Misleading or rigged contests can lead to FCC fines. This one seems pretty straightforward. Go figure.

Are You a Broadcast Journalist Seeking Guidance?

The world of broadcasting is a tricky one right now. Especially where federal oversight is involved. Even so, what are considered fireable offenses in broadcast TV, as they pertain to ethical workplace practices, have not changed much.

So if you’re a broadcast journalist who insists on doing what’s right and working with only a highly ethical and upstanding TV news talent agent, then contact Mort Meisner today.

Mort will provide effective guidance and advice while doing everything in his power to keep your career on the right path.

Filed Under: Blog

Striking Authenticity As a Broadcast Journalist

January 22, 2026 by

Ask avid viewers of the news and most will tell you they want authenticity in their reporters and anchors. Authenticity is not only refreshing, it’s magnetic.

Audiences don’t tend to remember polished performances as much as those with conviction, honesty, and clarity. They want their news delivered by someone who can stay true to their own voice.

So how can you achieve authenticity as a broadcast journalist where you balance your genuine self with your core journalistic ethics? We’ll take a look.

What Creates Authenticity?

In the simplest of terms, creating authenticity starts with being trustworthy. You want to be credible while posing tough questions with empathy. Stick with the facts and allow them to guide your narrative. As you consider the following, remember that actions speak louder than words.

  1. Establishing and Building Trust

One of the best ways to build trust is by being accountable. Especially these days. You’ll want to think about how you can develop sincere reporting that is unique to you and that will draw an audience. Always respond to questions with fairness and clarity.

In other words, when you establish yourself as trustworthy, you become a go-to source for your audience.

  1. Being Yourself

Experienced TV news talent agents will frequently encourage you to be yourself. What does this mean?

Speak clearly and with confidence. And don’t try to develop a certain affect by changing your accent or your voice. You want to stay relatable and make it easy for the audience to understand the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of a story. Finally, maintain eye contact with the camera.

In essence, don’t squelch your natural self but let it come through in your presentation.

  1. Emphasizing Accuracy and Integrity

Your credibility depends on your being accurate and acting with integrity. Transparency is rule #1 here. Verify the facts of your reporting by using first-hand and multiple sources that can corroborate. Demonstrate your core values by staying fair and respectful. And own up to any mistakes you make.

  1. Insisting on Objectivity

Be aware of your biases and attempt to mitigate them. Ask the hard questions with tact and empathy and avoid being confrontational. Always present multiple sides to reveal the truth.

Achieving Authenticity As a Broadcast Journalist

In a nutshell, establishing and maintaining authenticity as a broadcast journalist starts with knowing what you stand for and how to express it in an ethical way. It means you’re engaged with the audience’s concerns and that you’re fully present in interviews and live segments. You embrace your imperfections while upholding accuracy and transparency.

And last, but certainly not least, you strive to speak the truth. You research and prepare so you can better understand your community and build credibility within it. After all, solid facts allow you to deliver stories with confidence and make a real connection.

Get Help from a Top TV News Talent Agent

If you’re struggling with how to establish authenticity as a broadcast journalist, you’d be wise to seek advice from a TV news talent agent who’s helped countless others to find their voices.

Mort Meisner is that agent.

So contact Mort today. He’ll advise you on best practices to demonstrate your true self and experience real connection with your audience.

Filed Under: Blog

Where AI Is a Threat to Broadcast Journalism

January 8, 2026 by

Let’s admit it. AI has become the elephant in the room. Everyone is talking about it and many people fear it. TV news reporters, anchors, and meteorologists are not immune to this apprehension.

Almost everyone harbors some concern that AI will eventually render their jobs obsolete. As such, nationally renowned TV news talent agent Mort Meisner is often asked by his clients if they should be nervous about the effect of AI on broadcast journalism.

While Mort can’t see into the future, he is the first to acknowledge to his clients that AI is a threat to broadcast journalism. Just maybe not in the ways they’re thinking.

The Silver Lining of AI in Broadcast Journalism

Here’s the thing.

AI is not an altogether evil entity coming after everybody’s job. Major and minor news organizations are taking advantage of AI’s ability to do things like transcribe interviews, analyze datasets, and summarize large documents so reporters have more time to manage complex and creative work.

Its adeptness at quickly processing information allows it to help uncover stories that are otherwise hidden within huge volumes of data, which could be easily overlooked. In addition, it can produce graphics and pore over audience analytics, which, in turn, enables journalists to experiment with new formats and reach more diverse audiences.

Sounds pretty good, right?

Yet, AI Is a Threat to Broadcast Journalism

There’s no doubt that AI is a threat to broadcast journalism. First off, all of the above-listed benefits of AI translate to efficiency gains that could result in fewer jobs and increased pressure to produce content more quickly. This can compromise the accuracy of such content. Particularly if news organizations don’t recognize this pitfall.

Plus, AI-generated misinformation and fabricated audio/video using a person’s likeness (i.e. deepfakes) make it challenging for people to know what’s real and build trust. This undermines the credibility of broadcast news, where trust is essential. What’s more, it uses predictive statistics to create content. The end result? Generic and unoriginal storytelling that lacks the empathy and critical thinking provided by human journalists.

Finally, AI models are trained on overwhelming amounts of existing news content. This content is often scraped without permission or compensation, which threatens the financial viability of news organizations. This is especially difficult for local broadcasters who don’t have enough resources to attempt negotiations with behemoth tech giants.

What It All Means

What most experts believe at this point is that AI is not a significant threat to human-led journalism. Just check out the first AI-generated anchorperson in China and see how steely and robotic he is.

AI does, however, pose a threat to news organizations that are blind to its impact and fail to adapt in a responsible way. So it’s important that news organizations focus on developing ethical guidelines for using AI as a powerful tool that works in tandem with and even accentuates the human elements of integrity, accountability, and reporting.

In other words, organizations that commit to doing what it takes to ensure that AI supports journalism rather than exploiting it are going to be far more trustworthy. They’re going to be the ones to watch, and the most reputable with whom to work as TV news talent.

Are You Nervous About the Future of AI?

If you’re a TV news reporter, anchor, sports reporter, or meteorologist, it’s normal to be concerned that AI is a threat to broadcast journalism.

But by working with a highly experienced TV news agent like Mort Meisner, you can be certain you’ll always be steered in the right direction and toward an organization that will be right for you.

So contact Mort today. And start making a real name for yourself in the industry.

Filed Under: Blog

How TV News Jobs Are Filled by Agents

December 16, 2025 by

If you’re a TV news anchor, reporter, or meteorologist, then you know how competitive and even cutthroat the world of broadcast news can be.

And while you may have landed your entry-level job in TV news through traditional applications or networking on your own, if you’re looking to advance your career, having an agent is crucial.

Most TV news jobs are filled by agents. This is especially the case for on-air talent. An experienced TV news talent agent is a valuable intermediary between news organizations and journalists seeking jobs with them.

The Process By Which TV News Jobs Are Filled by Agents

So what makes a TV news talent agent so indispensable? Well, agents can use their vast industry connections and leverage their expertise to help you achieve job placement BEFORE the positions are even advertised.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Acquiring Talent

In their search for solid talent (both new and seasoned), agents attend industry events to make connections and provide referrals. They also regularly monitor social media and digital portfolios to get a sense of whether you have the on-camera presence, writing skills, and overall ‘brand’ to make it in a specific role or position.

  1. Developing and Coaching

Acquiring talent is just the beginning. An experienced TV news talent agent who’s worked in the industry is able to see both your strengths and weaknesses. As such, they’re able to provide career guidance that includes feedback on your work, writing ability, and presentation skills. They may also suggest updating your demo reel and refining your personal branding to make you stand out more. And this isn’t for new talent only. An agent can spot when seasoned talent may need to refresh their personal brand.

  1. Identifying the Right Job

As mentioned above, one of the greatest assets a TV news talent agent has is his or her connections with news directors, general managers, and station group executives. When it comes to filling jobs, these are the decision makers. And they give agents insider access to potential job openings weeks or even months before they are publicly announced.

In return, an agent is able to streamline the recruitment process by providing news organizations with a curated list of their clients who meet the criteria and will best fit the job. So you’re far more likely to land a position where you will thrive.

  1. Placing the Talent

If a news organization expresses interest in you, it’s the agent who handles the negotiation of the terms of employment, including your salary, benefits, contract length, and relocation assistance. Because a skilled TV news talent agent is intimate with this terrain, he or she is typically able to navigate it better than a journalist flying solo. The result? Better compensation and terms for you.

  1. Staying Connected

While placement may seem like the endgame, it should not be. A truly good agent will continue to work with you. He or she will regularly follow up on your progress, offer advice, help resolve conflicts, and be vigilant in staying connected with you. If you have an agent who isn’t doing this, it’s time to find another.

Ready to See How a TV News Talent Agent Can Boost Your Career?

If you’re relatively new to the TV news industry and are feeling stuck, take advantage of the fact that so many TV news jobs are filled by agents.

Or if you already have an agent and they aren’t providing all of the above services, you may not be getting the best results.

Whatever the case, if you’re looking for the consummate TV news agent who’s been in the industry for over three decades, contact Mort Meisner today. And see what he can do to boost your career.

Filed Under: Blog

Give Yourself the Gift of a TV News Talent Agent

November 25, 2025 by

Are you a meteorologist or reporter who’s relatively new to the business and struggling to get work? Or perhaps you’re a sports reporter or TV anchor who’s looking for a fresh change for the upcoming new year?

With the holiday season upon us, while you’re conjuring up the best gifts for family and friends, consider giving yourself the gift of a TV news talent agent to help advance your career.

Not sure where to begin? Consider the following quintessential list of questions to ask once you start the vetting process.

  1. What Is Your Ratio of Male/Female/Minorities Talent?

Okay. Maybe this sounds a little too ‘woke’ for your taste. But it’s not about that. You want your agent’s representation roster to be well-balanced. Be wary of an agent whose portfolio is too homogenous. Even if the pictures look like you. Regardless of your own race or gender identity, you want an agent who knows how to represent everyone. This will enable him or her to place you where you’ll be in the most demand.

In addition, if you’re a woman or a minority, ask your potential agent if he or she attends conferences that represent you. For example, a white TV news talent agent who has no qualms about attending the National Association of Black Journalists convention is going to have more insights and connections than one who avoids such gatherings.

  1. What Kind of Connections Do You Have?

As in so many industries, what you know is just as important as whom you know. So there are two areas of connectedness you’ll want to investigate. The first is to know what kind of relationships the agent has with news directors, vice presidents, and general managers. In other words, how connected they are with the decision-makers. When these folks trust an agent, they’re going to be very transparent about their specific needs.

Second, what kind of connections does the agent have in the specific region where you’re seeking placement? Once again, an agent with relationships in your specific market is going to give you a distinct advantage.

  1. How Many Of Your Clients Are Currently Seeking Work?

Sure, one of the main questions you’ll want to ask is, “How many clients do you represent?” That’s natural. But the more important question is how many of an agent’s clients are looking at any given time. Stick with an agent who can tell you flat out that it’s never more than 15%. This indicates that he or she is going to go the extra mile to be very specific and pointed in his/her searches for the perfect placement.

  1. Where Have You Made Placements in the Past Year?

Any agent who is unwilling to provide you with a list of markets and stations where he/she has made placements over the last year is an agent you can cross off your list of considerations. Consider only agents with an extensive list of placements because he or she is going to have important connections and clout in a wide variety of cities and markets.

Keep in mind that placements historically tend to happen in clusters. So an agent with farther reach is going to have the inside scoop as to what’s coming up and where. This is especially key when the market is not as active. A savvy agent will be playing it smart by thinking ahead.

  1. Do You Represent Many Others with My Specific Job?

While you’re checking out the agent’s roster, take note of how many of them are doing your specific job. If you notice, for example, that he or she isn’t repping others in your area, you might be inclined to think that’ll give you an advantage. After all, you won’t have to deal with much in the way of competition.

The reality is different, though. Because decision-makers at stations are going to seek out agents who they know represent a good volume of people working in multiple capacities. So in the end, that’ll put you at a disadvantage.

Give Yourself the Gift of a TV News Talent Agent This Holiday!

The gift of a TV news talent agent is a gift that definitely keeps giving. Especially if you properly vet one.

By asking the above questions to your potential TV news talent agent, you’re already a step ahead of the game.

And if you’re ready to try them out on one of the most experienced and well-connected TV news talent agents in the country, contact Mort Meisner today. He’ll help you get your dream placement.

Filed Under: Blog

Why TV News Talent Needs to Acquire New Skills

November 22, 2025 by

Did you know that social media now surpasses television as the top news source for Americans? Where folks once got their information from trustworthy figures such as Walter Cronkite and Barbara Walters, these days it’s whoever is making the most noise on TikTok, Instagram, or podcasts.

That’s just the way it is.

As such, TV news talent needs to acquire new skills to adapt to this shift from streaming to digital media. This isn’t to say, however, that the skills needed to be a successful television broadcaster don’t still apply. Many of them are evergreen.

TV News Talent Needs to Acquire New Skills

With the news industry so fragmented, the traditional path to becoming a news anchor, reporter, meteorologist, or sports reporter is not what it once was. That means that aspiring TV news talent has to have a willingness to meet the expectations created by the digital age.

They are as follows:

  1. Building a Personal Brand

Once upon a time, traditional media outlets held a monopoly on distribution. This is no longer the case. As such, experienced TV news talent agents stress now more than ever the importance of cultivating an online following for their clients. In some cases, a client’s personal brand may directly compete with the brand of their employer. This can be either empowering or a source of friction that TV news talent must learn to navigate.

  1. Proficiency in Multiple Platforms

Gone are the days of producing content for a single broadcast (i.e. ‘the evening news’). TV news talent must now be able to produce content for television, as well as for short-form videos that will be used for digital articles and posted on social platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

  1. Agility in Reporting

“Breaking news” is immediate on social media. It arrives there long before traditional outlets can even dispatch a team. As such, TV news reporters must be able to react and produce content in response to breaking news with an agility and urgency previously not required.

  1. Interacting with the Audience in Real-Time

Like it or not, digital platforms allow for real-time and direct interaction with the audience. That means that talent is now expected to engage with readers and viewers through comments. This allows for a more personalized experience that simply couldn’t exist with the traditional broadcast model.

The Value of Traditional Skills

All of that said, the skills required for more traditional TV broadcasting still hold significant value. Even in the current landscape.

Credibility and fact-checking continue to be at the top of the list for building a reputation of trust. And given the vast amount of misinformation out there, attention to the truth is a hot commodity.

Another crucial skill that every TV news talent agent looks for when acquiring a new client is the ability to be a great storyteller. Despite the quick and often superficial nature of digital content, there’s still a huge need for the comprehensive and in-depth analysis offered by traditional broadcasting when conveying a story.

Finally, given that many of the legacy news organizations are open to hybrid models that blend traditional broadcasting with digital content, talent who can adapt to both of these approaches will be of far more value than those who only specialize in one.

Forward Your Career with a Highly Experienced TV News Talent Agent

Now that you understand how TV news talent needs to acquire new skills to stay on top, you may be wondering where to turn to fine-tune some of those skills.

Mort Meisner knows the importance of well-rounded talent and goes the extra mile to ensure that you’re the best anchor/reporter/meteorologist/sports reporter you can be.

So contact him today. And get ready to soar in your broadcasting career!

Filed Under: Blog

Are You Settling for Less with Your TV News Talent Agent?

November 14, 2025 by

Whether you’re an aspiring anchor, a mid-career meteorologist, or a seasoned sports reporter, you should be getting the exposure you need to stay relevant. So here’s the big question:

Are you settling for less with your TV news talent agent?

If you’ve been working with the same agent for a long time, perhaps you’ve fallen into a rut. Or if you’re relatively new to having an agent, you may not even be aware of what job duties your agent should be performing. So to ensure you’re getting the best agent possible, ask yourself the following:

Does Your Agent Have the ‘Right’ Experience?

Sure, there are plenty of agents out there that will try to dazzle you with their laundry list of experiences and achievements.

But are they the right sort of experiences and achievements? Of course, you want an agent with experience in the newsroom so they understand the world you’re navigating. But you also want an agent with direct experience as a major market news director, assistant news director, investigative producer, managing editor, and/or assignment editor.

Bonus points for someone who has ALL of these, because he or she will not only have an edge in experience, but it also means that they will have connections that others won’t. And this is crucial.

Speaking of connections…

How Often Does Your Agent Network?

Does your agent regularly attend industry events and conferences? If the answer is ‘not often,’ then you can bet they aren’t making crucial connections with top network, large broadcast, and even local executives.

Don’t settle for a TV news talent agent who’s not going the extra mile to put themselves out there. Those who do are going to be more in the know about what decision-makers want when they set out to hire talent.

What’s more, they should be attending as many conferences and events as possible. Not just the ones where they want to ‘be seen’. 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 Convention on your behalf – regardless of his or her race.

Does Your Agent Disappear After You’ve Been Placed?

This is a big one.

A truly good TV news talent agent is not one who merely gets you the best placement in the market you desire. Yeah, obviously that’s important! But once you land the job you want (or the one that’s going to help you get that one), he or she should continue to be engaged with you.

This means that he or she is interested in nurturing your continued growth as a reporter/anchor/meteorologist. They stay connected and help you to grow faster in your job or, in cases where you might be faltering, even SAVE your job.

They regularly ask you to send your work so that they can critique it and make you a more well-rounded reporter, anchor, or meteorologist. Finally, they regularly follow up with your employer to inquire as to how you can do better and how they can help you with that.

There are plenty of agents that don’t put in this extra work. Your current agent may be one of them. They may even tell you it’s above and beyond their pay grade. And perhaps it is. But, frankly, you deserve more.

Are You Settling for Less With Your TV News Talent Agent?

If you suspect that the answer to the question, are you settling for less with your TV news talent agent is YES, then Mort Meisner wants to talk to you.

A highly connected agent with over 30 years of experience, Mort’s clients know they’re cared for before, during, and after the search. His priority is their continued growth and success.

So if you want to see what getting the most from your TV news talent agent looks like, then contact Mort Meisner today. And stop settling for less.

Filed Under: Blog
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