Placing talent at the right place, at the right time.
Fast Facts
Name: Jake Bartecki
Market: N/A
Current Station: News Channel Nebraska
Current Title: Sports Reporter/Anchor/MMJ
Preferred Title: Sports Reporter/Anchor/MMJ
Experience: 8 Years
Agent Name: Steve Koles
Agent Phone: (248) 545-2222
Agency: Mort Meisner Associates
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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!
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:
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…
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.
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.
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.
Fast Facts
Name: Taylor Leverett
Market: #49
Current Station: N/A
Current Title: Reporter/Anchor
Preferred Title: Reporter/Anchor
Experience: 6+ Years
Agent Name: Steve Koles
Agent Phone: (248) 545-2222
Agency: Mort Meisner Associates
Fast Facts
Name: Nick Bradshaw
Market: #5
Current Station: N/A
Current Title: Reporter/MMJ
Preferred Title: Reporter/MMJ
Experience: 10+ Years
Agent Name: Steve Koles
Agent Phone: (248) 545-2222
Agency: Mort Meisner Associates
Fast Facts
Name: Melissa Wright
Market: #72
Current Station: KMTV
Current Title: Anchor/Reporter
Preferred Title: Anchor/Reporter
Experience: 5 Years
Agent Name: Steve Koles
Agent Phone: (248) 545-2222
Agency: Mort Meisner Associates
As a broadcast TV news anchor, reporter, or meteorologist, you likely know the benefits of having an agent.
For example, having someone with connections in the industry is crucial for getting your foot in the door. And with a good agent, you’ll find out about available jobs before it’s public information. These are just a couple of perks.
But one of the lesser-known benefits is the role of crisis management for TV news talent agents. And if you don’t have an agent that excels in this area, you could be putting yourself at risk.
Working in any capacity as a broadcaster means you’re in the public eye. That means there’s always the chance you’ll be involved in a scandal or other negative incident that could besmirch your reputation.
A powerful TV news talent agent knows how to contain potential damage and provide strategic guidance to their clients. They leverage their network to coordinate communication that will protect the client’s reputation, image, and career.
Here’s how it generally works:
Once an agent signs a client, they immediately work toward identifying any possible vulnerabilities. From this, they can craft a plan for a variety of crisis scenarios before they potentially happen.
In addition, a skilled agent is monitoring all forms of media to determine the public’s perception of their client. They’re attuned to any negativity or issues that could become a crisis.
Another role for a TV news talent agent is to help prepare clients for interviews and public appearances. They train them to project confidence and deliver a consistent message to help prevent situations that could trigger a crisis.
In the event of an actual crisis, a TV news talent agent serves to field media inquiries while coordinating with PR experts to control the narrative by creating a clear and concise message. They may also coordinate with legal counsel, as needed.
Working with an agent who has established relationships with media outlets and other broadcasters is crucial for managing important media interactions. In times of crisis, they guide the client on best practices in presenting public statements. They also coordinate press statements and interviews to accurately represent the client.
The ultimate objective of a TV news talent agent is to protect their client’s professional reputation. They work diligently to mitigate damage to existing contracts and opportunities, with an eye on minimizing any potential long-term career damage.
Once the crisis is contained, a TV news talent agent sets out to implement strategies that will restore the client’s reputation through public relations, showcasing corrective actions, and creating well-crafted statements. An agent may also suggest that the client pivot to choose projects that reflect a positive narrative. These would all be components of a long-term plan to regain trust and demonstrate a commitment to change on the part of the client.
Are you confident that your current agent is well-versed in crisis management for TV news talent agents?
You can be sure Mort Meisner is. With over 30 years of experience as an TV news talent agent, there’s not a crisis that he can’t successfully manage.
So contact him today. And get the absolute most from your TV news talent agent.
Fast Facts
Name: Katie McCall
Market: #1
Current Station: N/A
Current Title: Freelance Anchor
Preferred Title: Anchor/Reporter
Experience: 10+ years
Agent Name: Mort Meisner
Agent Phone: (248) 545-2222
Agency: Mort Meisner Associates
For TV news broadcast talent, two of the most important things you can possess are a good attitude and a great TV news agent. Long-time TV news talent agent Mort Meisner knows this better than most.
Having an experienced agent who’s well-connected and who believes in you holds tremendous weight in the often unstable world of broadcast television.
But when a great agent is paired with true ability and a positive attitude on the part of the talent, the possibilities are truly endless. Brandon Roux is an example of this.
If you lived in and watched the news in the Detroit area any time between 2010-2023, you most certainly saw Brandon Roux on your TV screen. Joining the NBC-affiliate WDIV weather team in Detroit, Brandon quickly won over an audience with his warmth, kindness, and engaging persona.
Upon arriving at WDIV, Brandon was far from a newbie broadcast meteorologist. His talent had previously landed him at WBNS in Columbus, Ohio, at WFTC in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at KTNV in Las Vegas, Nevada, and at KIVI in Boise, Idaho. “I’ve worked in every time zone and every climate from the Las Vegas desert to the frozen tundra of the Twin Cities,” he told WDIV.
With this vast experience, he was able to deliver accurate and engaging weather forecasts for the Detroit area utilizing new media platforms and technologies. He produced high-quality video content and possesses skills in video production, video editing, and meteorological data analysis.
But one of the aspects viewers loved most about Brandon was his passion for educating and informing the public about weather phenomena and climate change. He made complex scientific concepts accessible and appealing to diverse audiences.
Brandon is highly educated with degrees in Journalism and Atmospheric Science from Iona University and Mississippi State University. And during his time as a broadcast meteorologist, he secured various prestigious accolades, ranging from the 2009 Associated Press Award for Outstanding Weather Operation and Best Weather Continuing Coverage to the Seal of Approval from the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association.
When Brandon left WDIV after 13 successful years in 2023, viewers were disappointed but wished him well on his next venture. Whatever that was. There didn’t seem to be any information about where he was heading.
Unfortunately, Brandon didn’t know either. He got caught up in a buyout with many others at WDIV, which ultimately left him scrambling for work. So he turned to his agent, Mort Meisner, to get the ball rolling.
Mort used his skills and talent to generate interest around Brandon, who’s considered major market talent. But try as he might, nobody – not even the small or medium markets – was responding. This is just the way it goes sometimes in the TV news business.
Being in limbo may have discouraged someone with lesser talent to leave the industry. Not Brandon. He never lost faith in himself or in Mort’s ability to find him the right spot. While Mort continued to use his vast connections, Brandon demonstrated a great attitude. He stuck with his commitment to continue learning and improving, seeking to collaborate with other professionals and experts in the field of weather and media.
Eighteen months later (which included a short stint as a substitute teacher), Brandon recently announced that he accepted a job as a broadcast meteorologist at CBS-owned and -operated station WBBM in Chicago.
As a Chicago native, it’s a joyous homecoming.
The story of Brandon Roux demonstrates the value of having a good attitude and a great TV news talent agent on the road to success. At the end of the day, Brandon was hired into one of the top TV news markets in the world. But it took patience, perseverance, and faith to get there.
As Mort says, “The bottom line is this. If you stay the course and keep at it, and if you believe in yourself and your agent believes in you, it usually winds up being more a matter of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’.”
Interested in how Mort can make his connections work for you? Contact him today. His success is about your success.
