Much of the News Today is Produced Outside of the Newsroom Using Latest Technology
During the day-long "Face Time With the Pros" seminar, professional journalists spoke to students about writing the perfect resume and cover letter, and getting the technical expertise needed to land their first jobs. The technical expertise is important because much of the news today is being reported and produced by journalists out in the field, not in the newsroom, according to the professionals. At a session on mobile storytelling, WUSA's Scott Broom described how news is produced in the digital world.
In addition to having technical skills, reporters also need to know how to ask questions to tell a compelling story, Broom says. He offered some tips on how reporters can get the most from their interviews.
Bethany Swain, photojournalist and former CNN reporter, provided some tips for producing a video story. To get your stories noticed, she advises using tripods; shooting sequences of wide, medium, and tight shots; paying attention to sound; having a clear focus, and finding what is compelling. In the end, "Don't blame the tools," she warns.
Experience, Professional Tone Key to Landing a Job
One big question on students' minds was how to land that first job, starting with the cover letter and resume. Mark Kraham, news director for WHAG, said the resumes and cover letters should be written in a professional tone, and get quickly to the point. Marge Ruttenberg, assistant news director at WTTG, said experience counts the most when considering an applicant.
Expect Stiff Competition
According to Stan Heist, news talent manager at Sinclair Broadcast Group, the broadcast industry is growing, particularly for producers, and many newsrooms are expanding. But students need to be realistic too about the market, because the field is getting increasingly competitive, he says.
Tolleah Price of CBS News sums up the overall message from the seminar: Create your own opportunities.
No comments:
Post a Comment