Most broadcast reporters, anchors, meteorologists, and sports reporters have a plan for where they want to be at a certain point in their careers. Especially those who are relatively young and/or new to the industry.
But, as they say, life is what happens while we’re busy planning.
As any experienced TV news talent agent will remind their clients – young and not-so-young – things don’t always go as planned. What’s more, the best-laid plan doesn’t always garner the best result. That’s why you need a TV news talent agent as your guide.
Are You Getting What You Need from Your Agent?
Whether you’re an aspiring broadcast meteorologist 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’ve 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.
Yes, experience matters. Ultimately, 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.
But your agent should also be doing more than just placing you. He or she should be offering you guidance every step of the way.
Why You Need a TV News Talent Agent As Your Guide
Moving forward in your career should never be only about making more money. A good agent will ask you to consider whether your next career move is the best choice for you on many different levels.
For instance, have you come far enough in your career development? An aspiring reporter or meteorologist needs to have stellar writing skills, tracking skills, and live skills. In addition, an up-and-coming reporter needs to hone their source development skills. If these aren’t at the level where they should be, it may not be wise to take that higher-paying position just yet. Your TV news agent should be able to consult you on this.
On the flip side, is the job that’s being offered in the market that you want not paying enough given your level of experience? Your agent should be aware of this and encourage you to strongly consider whether it’s in your best interest to take it when you’re worth so much more. Taking a low-paying job in a place where you won’t thrive (even if it is a bigger market) is not the recipe for success.
What Does Good Guidance Look Like?
Many motivating factors determine a TV news reporter’s or meteorologist’s plan.
For example, perhaps a broadcast sports reporter spent three years developing their skills in a mid-70s market, then took a job in a mid-30s market for two years to further fine-tune their abilities. Their ultimate goal is to get into a mid-teens market and back to their hometown.
But when that opportunity presents itself, an agent should always encourage the talent to think about whether they’re really ready to make the jump to the big time or is more seasoning in order? After all, if they don’t succeed in that market, how might it affect their long-term career?
Even if you ARE a seasoned vet in the TV news talent world, an experienced agent should always be a sounding board for you. Maybe you’re doing very well in a market like Dallas, but your goal is to get to New York. Do you take the first job that’s offered there and hope you can move up? Or do you hold out for your first or second choice position? You should be able to consult with your agent about what he or she thinks is the best decision.
Is Your Agent Truly Interested in Your Success?
If you’re interested in moving forward in your career as a whole person and not just the sum of your parts, then you understand why you need a TV news talent agent as your guide.
So if you’re ready to use Mort as the ultimate sounding board, contact him today. Having a caring agent with experience and a wide scope can make a huge difference.
