If you’ve been an on-air personality on the TV news circuit for a little bit but haven’t quite made a name for yourself, you may need a better TV news talent agent.
Then again, it could be that you haven’t quite found your footing in the industry and are wondering where you could be stronger.
Whatever the case, success is most easily found when pairing amazing TV news talent with a great agent.
Do You Possess the Qualities of Amazing TV News Talent ?
If you’ve worked a job or two but don’t seem to be going anywhere, you may be missing something.
First and foremost, the key to landing more work and moving up in the industry starts with serious leadership skills. Especially if you’re jockeying for a prestigious position such as lead anchor. And always bring your authentic self. You can bet that the modern viewing public can easily spot if you’re being fake. And if you’re seen as insincere, you will not go far. Never underestimate the importance of highlighting your integrity and humanity. Any robot can report the news. Just ask AI.
In addition, if you want to advance as a broadcaster, you need to be able to get to the bottom of a story. And this requires solid investigative skills and the ability to know the right questions to ask to get the answers and relevant information. You should have excellent communication skills (which include navigating social media) and be able to handle pressure with aplomb.
Also, keep a strong focus on source development. Regardless of how long you’ve been in your current community, or in the industry as a whole, a committed broadcast journalist is always ready to give his or her contact information to community leaders such as city council members, the police, government officials, etc.
Finally, any broadcast journalist who claims that they eat, drink, sleep, and breathe news isn’t passionate so much as neurotic. And this will come across. So it’s important to have other aspects of your life that are equally important (if not more so). Maintain balance in your life to maintain balance in your career.
What Makes For an Exceptional TV News Talent Agent?
Just as there are factors that make for amazing talent, a great agent has specific qualities as well.
Being a TV news talent agent is multifaceted.
You definitely 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 these.)
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.
Furthermore, when a TV news talent agent recognizes true potential, he or she should be willing to coach such individuals to help them find the best job for the most money. Having an agent who does this will likely get you at least 15-20% more than you would get on your own.
Also, you want an agent who regularly attends industry events and conferences; someone familiar with the top network, large broadcasters, 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.
Do You Need a Better TV News Talent Agent?
Maybe you’re already a superstar news personality. Or perhaps you’re relatively new to the industry but have what it takes to become a superstar.
Whatever the case, if you’re not where you want to be, it could be that you’re not taking advantage of pairing amazing TV news talent with a great agent.
Don’t hesitate to contact Mort Meisner. With a highly experienced agent on your side, you’ll have so many more advantages you just don’t have with a subpar agent or on your own. Your career awaits.
