Los Angeles Reporter's Clinic

Stay informed.  There's little else sadder than a reporter who's general knowledge of the world around them is poor.  If you don't know who the Speaker of the House, Senate Majority Leader, your congressperson, etc is, then you're way behind.  But don't think it's just limited to those examples.  General knowledge is extremely important because you'll more than likely start as a general assignment reporter.  You should have some knowledge about anything that's making news.  Whether it's the latest rap song from Lil Wayne to new voting laws in Alabama, stay up to date on news and newsmakers.  it will be a powerful tool during the job interview. 

Find good stories!  News directors like to hear stories that are controversial.  Anything that has to do with racism, anti-semitism, abortion, protests, etc.   are good.  They will get the news director's attention.  They certainly get the viewers attention.  You can find sources at NAACP, Jewish Defense League, Anti-Defamation League, Gay Rights advocates.   Try to get these types of stories on your tape.

Make sure your best work appears first.  The story should have live reports (if you have them).  If not, stories with the most exciting and interesting video should be your first story.  News directors are always intrigued by attention grabbing video.

When you send your DVD to the News Director, try to use bright color dvd sleeves.  Make it easy for the nd to find your reel on their cluttered desks.

Tape Tip #1

Make sure your disk/tape is clean and without scratches or broken pieces.  When a news director sees a disk in poor shape, it says a lot about you... mainly, that you don't care.

Basically, the primary tool to break into and advance in the TV news business is your resume tape.  It shows the news director, who generally hires reporteers/anchors, what you look and sound like.  It shows you write, report and connect on camera.

If you have a tape that captures a new director's attention, you're off to a very good start.  if it doesn't capture their attention, you're going to have a hard time getting in.   That means when you make your tape, make sure you make it INTERESTING.  

In college, they tell you the important thing is to simply get your reel complete.  True, but if you expect to get a job, it has to be a great and interesting reel.  Your stories should have controversy, exciting video and attention grabbing sound bites.  So the next time you go to cover a story for your reel, make sure it has all of those ingredients.  You'll be off to a great start.

Hello Reporters and future Reportes.  Welcome to the new LARC blog.  I'm going to be posting different tips, news, success stories and more on this new blog.  Please feel free to submit a tip, message or news of your journey into television news broadcasting.  

Check back in everyday for the latest in the news business.  You never know what help you could find here.  Every source you can find to help you advance your career... use it.  So, have fun!