A question for a News Director

[bubbles]

When a News Director looks at all those tapes for a position that needs to be filled, does he or she only look at the candidate's tape or does his work history and resume play a big role too? In other words, over a period of time,I would think every reporter or anchor tape looks about like any other. Especially if you look at 200 hundred tapes applying for the same job. Also, does looking at a candidate's references play a factor in the hiring process? I would think connections from the past would either help or curse the candidate's hiring. Any logical answers?

[nd-guy]

Your work history certainly plays a part, but if you're applying for an "on air" position, the tape is 70% of the process. A good tape will certainly give you a strong chance of having your resume more closely scrutinized. References may not come into play until the list of finalists is down to two or three.

For on-air roles, an ND looks primarily at the tape--how the job candidates "sounds" is critically important. It's not just looks. Based on how good the applicant's tape is, you make it into one of two piles of tapes--"forget it" or "you made the first cut."
Few NDs find just the right person in their first round of looking at tapes. They narrow the list to some "likely suspects." Those suspects are usually not notified at this point.

Those who make the first cut have their resume, cover letter and such looked at quite closely. You then review the tapes/finalists again. Whittle them down to about 4-5 finalists. Get opinions from some other staffers (GM, EP, etc) and begin contacting the applicants. Only at this point do the references come into play. You might also call to verify awards, graduation, employment, etc. to be sure the applicant didn't lie on the resume.

Oh yeah. Don't be surprised if an ND contacts your competition. I frequently call the TV shop across town from where you work to find out how good they think you are. If they want you out of town, I figure I made a good choice. So how you're evaluated by people NOT on your reference list also counts.

It's not logic. It's a process of elimination.

[Former ND]

I agree with the previous post. But I would first start by looking at the paper resume.
This way I could quickly eliminate some candidates without taking the extra time looking at their tapes. (sorry). Some people will say I may have overlooked a secret gem. But there comes a time in your career when 2 years experience, or an internship, etc. doesn't cut it. I also looked to see how natural they looked. Did they look comfortable on air, and their voice is important. When I got down to the "keepers", I would not look at the tape, but look away and just listen. Lets face it. Often times we are radio with pictures, competing against getting ready in the morning, feeding the kids, etc. Anyway, hope my rambling helps.

[nd-guy]

Hey Former ND:

I have always done the same as you--concentrate on "voice" before I ever look at the tape. I pop the tape in and listen (as I glance over the resume) before I ever LOOK at the screen. Big tip to those who assemble resume tapes: concentrate on voice. The viewer is annoyed big time when you have an irritating, nasally or odd voice.

Secondarily, I try to watch tapes at home, instead of at the office. Two reasons: First, I think it gives me a feel for the job candidate; the same perspective a viewer would see them (from a living room not a ND office). Secondly, I really don't want staff watching me review tapes, so I take them home. Even when the door is closed, you can tell what's happening in the ND office.

Hope this helps job seekers understand the process a ND goes through to select a "winner."

PS--The process is quite different and very involved when you go to hire a prime anchor.

[Another ND]

In addition to all of the above responses, consider the following:

Often times the ND will narrow the field first because he/she is looking for a certain kind of person.

i.e. A white woman, An Afircan-American man, etc. It shouldn't happen this way, and is illegal, but it happens.

So resume and tape quality might only come into play after the ND narrows it down to what she/he is looking for.

[yikes]

While I think it's good that all of the news directors who posted on this thread were honest, I also find it completely discouraging that NONE of them said they look for strong storytelling or writing skills. I understand the importance of good presence and good delivery - but my God, shouldn't it ultimately be about the actual REPORTING skills of a REPORTER candidate? No wonder flashy, inexperienced lookers are moving up so quickly... it's a sad commentary on the future of this business. Thank goodness for markets like Denver & Minneapolis, where storytelling is still king (in most cases.)

[Producer2003]

Yikes, that is a great point. Make no mistake about it...GOOD LOOKS are just about all that News Directors are interested in. And if they can get a minority candidate out of it, all the better! Case in point: I sent in an award-winning story on my resume tape for a reporter job, great-writing, etc. It was the first story on the tape. When I later asked the News Director about that first story, all he said was, "have you thought about changing your hair?" He didn't even mention the story. That was all I needed to know about him. I doubt he even watched 20 seconds of it.

Your worst fears about how long News Directors look at your tape are TRUE. They usually only watch the first few seconds or so (have been told this by several of them).

News Directors, I know your job is difficult. You have tons of chores on your plate. But please, try waiting out a resume tape for longer than 5 seconds. You might just find something great about that applicant a couple of minutes into it!!!

[Former ND]

I assumed when I previously posted... that good story telling, and writing were understood.
First off, find what you are looking for in round one, then get more picky. By the final round, we hope to find the "total" package. A great journalist who can write, tell a story, team player, works well under pressure, ethical, etc. If they look and sound nice, then more power to them. That's not to say an unattractive person can not land a great job. I would name people. But thats not nice. A paper resume listing awards, accomplishments, and your reputation in the business along with your tape can go a long ways. One more point. It's a small business. A phone call from the right (or wrong) person can make you or break you. Network, and don't burn bridges! I hate to say it, but you have a better chance of getting in the door if a trusted friend in the business calls the ND. Not saying you will get the job, but it doesn't hurt.

Good Luck!!!

[ex. producer]

Is it just me...or are there a slew of news directors with nothing better to do than read medialine? At least the information is valid, these people know what they are talking about. I just conducted a search and can tell you that of the 79 tapes I recieved, half of them were gone because of their uncomfortable presence on camera. Loosen up, or the viewer will be squirming right along with you.

[nd-guy]

Man you guys are harsh! So let me be just as harsh.

Of course, the ND looks for good writing skills! But you have to agree that 60-70% of TV news reporting/anchoring is "performance/communication skills." I certainly want people with the ability to chase, write and tell great stories. But if they cannot communicate it well when they step in front of the camera--I'll look elsewhere for someone who can.

Let's hope the cream (best journalists) will rise to the top in this industry. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. (Andrea Thompson)

PS Producer-2003: an award-winning story doesn't mean jack if your ability to communicate it is not acceptable to the audience or person doing the hiring....even if it is someone superficial enough to care about your hair. The audience may be thinking the same thing--"Gee what's up with her hair?" And yes, we sometimes watch only 20-seconds of it.

Now here's the harsh part. Hate to say it--but I'll be truthful. If you are the world's greatest writer and a fine reporter but have a "radio face" or poor voice, you will go to the back of the line. I want the total package--good writer, good reportorial and production skills, looks and a decent voice.

[susan]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by nd-guy:
Hey Former ND:

I have always done the same as you--concentrate on "voice" before I ever look at the tape. I pop the tape in and listen (as I glance over the resume) before I ever LOOK at the screen. Big tip to those who assemble resume tapes: concentrate on voice. The viewer is annoyed big time when you have an irritating, nasally or odd voice.

Secondarily, I try to watch tapes at home, instead of at the office. Two reasons: First, I think it gives me a feel for the job candidate; the same perspective a viewer would see them (from a living room not a ND office). Secondly, I really don't want staff watching me review tapes, so I take them home. Even when the door is closed, you can tell what's happening in the ND office.

Hope this helps job seekers understand the process a ND goes through to select a "winner."

PS--The process is quite different and very involved when you go to hire a prime anchor.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


nd-guy, I have a question. I hate to get to far off the original post here, but I'm a reporter/anchor with 9 years experience.... I'm hoping my next jump will be a main anchor.

How is the process quite different and very involved when hiring a prime anchor? I would be interested in hearing some thoughts on that if you don't mind.

[reporter chick]

Okay let's be honest ND's-- I hear a lot about great looks, great voice, great writing skills. I am told I have the first and the last, but the middle needs work (I agree, and I'm working on it!)

But... why is it okay for someone born with a great set of pipes to skyrocket up 150 markets based on his voice, while someone with great looks is derided for making the same jump based on looks? Let's say for argument's sake, writing, work ethic, and all other things are equal....

[WX45]

I'm not the person that started this thread, but as a soon to be graduate and frequent browser of ML, this is one of the best threads I've seen here in a long time. I would like to think those news directors who've taken the time post some very useful information.

I have a question, however. Is the process for a meteorologist position much the same? Also, will not having a communications degree hurt my chances of finding a job doing weather? I have taken a course in news writing, but it seems to be geared towards writing for newspapers.

[WX45]

Two corrections to my post above: "think" should be "thank" and "seems" should be "seemed."

[Toasted]

I worked for an ND once who would take a tape by someone he liked, rewind it to the head, play it in for the first thirty seconds, eject it and send it back to the applicant without any explanation.
He would let them cook for a week then call and say that the person he really wanted was unaviailiabe so "my disappointment turns out to be your opportunity".
He would then hit them with a low ball salary offer.
There is justice in the universe. The guy made it into a top ten market where he was fired big time and in public for being such a jerk.
He's out of the biz and has been for a while, no great loss.
My last two ND's have been decent, honest people so it's not all as bad as some posters would like you to think.

[nd-guy]

WX-45:

The degree is not as important as the ability to produce a strong weathercast and communicate a good weather presentation to the audience. I want weather staff who: #1 understand the science and graphics and #2 can walk-and-talk a good weather presentation. That means being a good communicator and having strong presentation skills. It's not either/or.

Most stations seek a bona-fide "meteorologist" these days under the belief that the title will attract viewers and ratings...make the station look more "sciency."

The process to select a met/weather person is much the same as for an anchor. Let me see you at the map/key, let me see you in the chit-chat with the anchors, show me you know your stuff and can deliver the goods in an interesting way to my audience. You narrow it down to 3 likely suspects, interview them and pick one. Verification of references, degrees, certifications, seals and such is part of the process too.

One last thing: some weather people, especially weekend weather staff, is being asked to do reporting on weekdays. Don't be surprised if a station offers you a job as a weekend met but wants some weekday reporting out of you. THAT portion may mean you need some "communications degree" or such.

[GorillaGrad]

I'm a recent graduate with a year and a half experience producing a morning show in the 140s. I don't have a tape or any writing samples. Is that stopping NDs from even calling me?

[toonces the driving photo]

Yo Gorilla Grad
Did you ever take any classes from the late Richard Frey or was he before your time?

[Rep Looking]

I hate to say it, but you have a better chance of getting in the door if a trusted friend in the business calls the ND. Not saying you will get the job, but it doesn't hurt.

Hey Former ND- Thanks for the advice. A question: is a call from someone the ND does not know personally a good idea? If an accomplished person in the idustry who I've worked with calls, or if I have my references call the ND before he/she calls them, is that a good idea?

[Looking for talent]

One point that hasn't been made here yet is that you must put your very best stuff right at the start of the tape. Don't work your way up to the best because chances are the ND watching your tape will never get that far unless you're absolute dynamite. In the theater they say the auditioning actor has 17 seconds to make their best impression. 17 seconds! A director can decide in that amount of time whether you have "it" or you don't. The same can be said for this business.

[Not so Vain]

So who are the ND's who hire based primarily on looks? How can I get them my tape? I've been in the business for about 3 years - reporting, fill-in anchoring and hard core producing (news, not porn, hehe). The one thing I keep hearing is how much I look like an anchor, or how good looking I am. Not being vain or anything, Its just what they say. I have strong writing skills, and I know I need to work on delivery, but Im not a stumbling fool. I've been out of work since September and have tried everything. Can anyone offer suggestions? Thanks

[Lizzy]

The real question you need to answer is why are you out of work? Were you fired? Did you quit, and why? Those anwers could be the key to why you're not finding a job. Pretty faces are a dime a dozen...and I'm sure an ND would rather deal with someone who's deemed "not a problem" fair or not.

[bubbles]

Thanks to all the management and everyone responding to my original post! I have one more question for the board. Does an experienced weekend anchor/reporter in a larger market size have a better chance in being hired for a prime time slot by going backwards in market size or does it really matter? In other words, you have two final candidates from your search, a reporter/anchor from a station in Nashville, TN., the other, a reporter/anchor from a station in Des Moines, Iowa. Your station sets in Market size 50, you like both candidates equally. Who do you pick? The candidate that comes to you from a larger market that brings instant experience with them or the candidate climbing the ranks with not as much experience. When and where does the $ and low ball factor come into play? Thanks again for your answers.

[WX45]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by nd-guy:
WX-45:

The degree is not as important as the ability to produce a strong weathercast and communicate a good weather presentation to the audience. I want weather staff who: #1 understand the science and graphics and #2 can walk-and-talk a good weather presentation. That means being a good communicator and having strong presentation skills. It's not either/or.

Most stations seek a bona-fide "meteorologist" these days under the belief that the title will attract viewers and ratings...make the station look more "sciency."

The process to select a met/weather person is much the same as for an anchor. Let me see you at the map/key, let me see you in the chit-chat with the anchors, show me you know your stuff and can deliver the goods in an interesting way to my audience. You narrow it down to 3 likely suspects, interview them and pick one. Verification of references, degrees, certifications, seals and such is part of the process too.

One last thing: some weather people, especially weekend weather staff, is being asked to do reporting on weekdays. Don't be surprised if a station offers you a job as a weekend met but wants some weekday reporting out of you. THAT portion may mean you need some "communications degree" or such. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


Thanks for the answer! I appreciate it.

[nd-guy]

Hey bubbs:

Not an easy one to answer. Talent, skill, ability being equal, many NDs would say take the smaller-market anchor because you could probably settle with them for less $$ than the larger-market anchor.

However, sometimes a big market weekend anchor looking to go "prime time" will indeed step down a few markets to take the #1 job. Perhaps they were "blocked" at the prime-jobs at their station or other large markets. If they jump down to my market, that can be an instant success for my newscast. I might have to pay more though.

Very tough choice. Money would be a factor in the decision. But which anchor is "right" for my station, my newscast, my market is a much larger factor.

[Not So Vain]

Good points Lizzy.
Im out of work now because I stupidly went to work for a start up station down south who ruined the lives of several people, bringing them in and firing them within a month or 2. Within 7 months of starting up, they have fired everyone, including the main anchor, and have only a sports director left. I couldn't even get resume tape material out of it because they had no way of doing air checks.

[wxdud]

This is a great thread with awesome information in it. Thanks to all!!
Any other suggestions nd's???
Pet peeves? Or how about what NOT to do...

[nd-guy]

For Newbies:

Your grades are not critically important when I look at your resume. Don't "sell" me on your 3.75 GPA. It doesn't prove to me that you know how to write, how to produce, how to report or how to chase a news story. An intership and "real" experience counts much more than your intense grades.

Grades are important to mom and dad. Grades can become important if I notice a "gap" in your college years or six years to to get a bachelor's degree. It tells me something happened--perhaps with your grades, academic probation, etc. Then, my gut tells me to quiz you about your ability to attend class (show up for work).

[bubbles]

nd-guy thanks for your answers. I do wonder if it would make any difference in the eyes of the newspaper writers, the public and the stations status when a new prime time guy comes to the your station from a huge market. I would think it really depends upon the funds available in your budget and if you as a ND are going to have to get some ratings points in a hurry for your station to keep your job. I know it is probably a tough decision. However, you would have to wonder if say you hired the #1 anchor away from across town. Would it really make a difference with your ratings? In more times than not, I think it really doesn't. Agree?

[4.0]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by nd-guy:
For Newbies:

Your grades are not critically important when I look at your resume. Don't "sell" me on your 3.75 GPA. It doesn't prove to me that you know how to write, how to produce, how to report or how to chase a news story. An intership and "real" experience counts much more than your intense grades.

Grades are important to mom and dad. Grades can become important if I notice a "gap" in your college years or six years to to get a bachelor's degree. It tells me something happened--perhaps with your grades, academic probation, etc. Then, my gut tells me to quiz you about your ability to attend class (show up for work). <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I beg to differ...I think a stellar academic record in addition to working my butt off as a reporter during school should be part of the package I'm trying to sell (i.e., myself).

[bubbles]

4.0? I think they could careless about your grades, what journalism school you go to and how many years you go there. When I was in college, I spent my time at as many television stations and radio stations as I could as an intern. I think the internships were the things that gave me my first break. I'm not sure if that still holds true this day and age or not. I would think it would.

[Listen up newbie!]

I'd listen to nd-guy,, especially if he *is* an nd. Judging from the context of the posts, you're a student or recent grad, and he's a news director. And you DON'T want to listen to what he says???? Good luck finding a job!

[!]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 4.0:
I beg to differ...I think a stellar academic record in addition to working my butt off as a reporter during school should be part of the package I'm trying to sell (i.e., myself).

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You can differ all you like. However, people who have been doing this for a while are telling you...grades are NOT an important factor in hiring.

Period.

You aren't going to change that, so just deal with it and work on doing the things that count in getting a job as explained above.

[producer girl]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by nd-guy:
For Newbies:

Your grades are not critically important when I look at your resume. Don't "sell" me on your 3.75 GPA. It doesn't prove to me that you know how to write, how to produce, how to report or how to chase a news story. An intership and "real" experience counts much more than your intense grades.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

We used to have a saying in j-school: "Straight-A students make bad reporters."

News Directors like it if you're smart.. but you have to be smart about the right things. Like what to do in breaking news situations, and how to understand the inside politics of a city government story, yet bring it to the viewer in real terms.

[Mr G]

an example:

I skipped a lot of classes, didn't get good grades.

I spent my time working at a local station really learning about the business, and in turn, my school work suffered.

I never got the best grades in my writing or tv reporting class. that's because while they were spending a week putting together their perfect pak, i would slap mine together.

Now guess who's the only one with a job?

[nd-guy]

I'll take street-smarts and common sense over book-and-classroom smarts nearly every time. I am constantly amazed at the lack of common sense and inability to be an independent thinker among some job applicants. "But I took all the required courses and got good grades Mr. News Director, please gimme a job (whine)."

Journalism is not a science. The things we cover and write about are not learned from a textbook or in a lecture hall. The straight "A" in journ school doesn't tell me you know how to build a news story, how to get someone to go on-camera or how to get me higher ratings through your creative approach to reporting and producing and newscast.

Show me "people skills" and creative thinking (I hate that "out of the box" phrase).

[NewsRep]

News directors, let's get real for a minute. I've been in this biz for ten years now and I have to say each year that goes by, I get more discouraged by decisions I see being made by management. My background is strong, good writing skills, decent enough looks, very good voice, and awards to back my reporting skills up. But I have to say, many of the news directors I run into just don't get it. They're under the mistaken impression the audience cares all about how we look and sound, and nothing about what we're actually telling them. Every day viewers come up to me and tell me they appreciate my stories because they're original, they don't blow things out of proportion, they're accurate, and fair. I'm not saying the other things aren't important. Now, maybe people pay attention to my content because there's nothing about me that will overly distract them. (ie, bad voice or hair) But I think too many news directors have looked at things from inside the business for so long, they can't possibly relate to the every day viewer. Forget the focus groups. A reasonably intelligent person realizes that no matter how much time or money is put into that research, it just can't be accurate. Although it may be a convenient way to cover your ass if things don't work out. Now that more people are turning back to television news because of September 11th, we have a great opportunity to win some of the viewers back we've lost over the last few years. News directors, please take a long, hard look at what every day people think is important, not what you think is. There's a reason "60 Minutes" is still one of the most watched programs in the country. And it isn't because of how the correspondents look.

[yikes]

NewsRep:

Thank you for one of the most intelligent posts I've seen on this board. Let's just hope (however fruitless it may be) that your advice to the news directors out there is heeded!

[Interesting]

Most of you don't agree that a good academic record is crucial to finding a job in journalism. But just starting out in this business, I've noticed that there are so many people who are unhappy with their jobs. Fine, I'll heed their warnings. But, I'll also go after a reporting job because that's what I really want to do. But if things don't work out, I can always go to Harvard Law. My grades are what give me an out. How many of you have a plan B as well?

[nd-guy]

I'm not suggesting you NOT try to get good grades in college. You certainly should try your best and get the best grades you can. Having a journalism "backup" career is a thoughtful idea.

I'm saying don't try to "sell" your high GPA as a way to land a job in broadcasting. That technique doesn't work with most NDs, who care more about skills and performance than academic ranking.

[NewsRep]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by yikes:
NewsRep:

Thank you for one of the most intelligent posts I've seen on this board. Let's just hope (however fruitless it may be) that your advice to the news directors out there is heeded! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks... I know, I'm probably preaching to the choir. (I noticed n-d guy hasn't responded to MY posting.) But if this causes just one news director out there to think twice before he/she makes another superficial decision, I'll have accomplished what I set out to do. And who knows? It may be someone who is just getting into the business now, and will end up in management later! We can only hope.

[NewsRep]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Interesting:
Most of you don't agree that a good academic record is crucial to finding a job in journalism. But just starting out in this business, I've noticed that there are so many people who are unhappy with their jobs. Fine, I'll heed their warnings. But, I'll also go after a reporting job because that's what I really want to do. But if things don't work out, I can always go to Harvard Law. My grades are what give me an out. How many of you have a plan B as well?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Unfortunately, a good academic record is not what news directors look for when they're hiring. Now, I know there are plenty of people who will disagree with my next opinion, but I happen to think graduating from a good journalism school gives you an edge in many markets... especially when you're starting out. (A good journalism school will require you to take around 75 percent of your classes outside the J-school, so you learn a little about a lot of areas.) Many of the job listings today even say they would prefer someone with a degree in journalism.

But the degree alone won't get you that job. I went to what's considered a top five program and there were plenty of students there who should have never considered journalism. And most of them didn't get jobs in the business. (Those who did have fueled the few horror stories you'll hear from critics of my school!) But you must have some of the qualities the news directors have talked about on this thread.

However, if you have an outstanding GPA, or if you were at the top of your class, definitely include that on your resume! If a news director doesn't like it for some reason, you probably don't want to work for him/her. Unfortunately, sometimes news types are just plain jealous of academic achievements. That's their problem, not yours.

And it's always a good idea to have a plan B, no matter what you do for a living.

Good luck and don't get too discouraged. It's still a great biz!