Is it possible to go for TV news after 40 for the first time?

[Olsternewbie]

I'm 40 and I want to go into TV news. After college I worked in sales and business. I love theatre and film. I have a great eye for photography, and can frame up shots. I also am an agressive go getter with stories.
Is there any ND anywhere who wouldn't just say no to my advanced age for a first job? How would I start. I have a BA in English Lit a minor in Theatre and a Masters in Education. Does anyone have any idea how I could get started. Also, could I get an internship with a local station for the summer as an eye to getting experience?
Any info will be appreciated.

[Gil]

You might find someone who will give you a shot, but it will be difficult. You are competing with a lot of young people who are freshly-trained and willing to go anywhere for a job.

Be prepared to starve if you do get an opportunity. Small market reporters earn slave wages or worse. No matter how good you are, the money won't be good until you have at least a few years under your belt and have moved to a middle or upper level market.

Even then, it may not be very good. The law of supply and demand means most people who go into television news reporting will never be able to live on what they earn.

There are two fundamental rules that I think everyone should keep in mind: 1. Work for a good company. If you don't, no matter how good you are, you may fail. 2. Work for someone you respect. If you don't, eventually you will not respect yourself.

[In The Know]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Olsternewbie:
I'm 40 and I want to go into TV news. After college I worked in sales and business. I love theatre and film. I have a great eye for photography, and can frame up shots. I also am an agressive go getter with stories.
Is there any ND anywhere who wouldn't just say no to my advanced age for a first job? How would I start. I have a BA in English Lit a minor in Theatre and a Masters in Education. Does anyone have any idea how I could get started. Also, could I get an internship with a local station for the summer as an eye to getting experience?
Any info will be appreciated.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ever hear of the term "over qualified"? With your academic background you'd probably give most ND's an inferiority complex. But, hell, if that's what you want give it a shot.

[Sarah]

It's remotely possible, but you will probably have to "intern" at a station and get the hang of things. I decided to get into TV when I was 27.. five years ago. I took a job writing stories for the internet at a top-25 market station, made a tape, and six months later, got my first on-air job in market 165.

And at your age, you have to be pretty damn good-looking.

[Oldsternewbie]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Sarah:

And at your age, you have to be pretty damn good-looking. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

So because I'm older I'll have to look better than the 25 year olds?
??????

[infobabe]

I am going to give you the very honest realities of what you are facing. This comes from someone with nearly 10 years in the biz. You are facing an uphill battle, to say the least. I'm not saying that it can't be done. But it is extremely difficult. And, unless you are independently wealthy or have a lot of money saved, it is most likely going to be afinancial hardship for you.

Here's the lowdown. Most starting reporters make about 20k working in podunk town. Don't think that because you have an fabulous education and good life experience you can get hired into a top 20 market making good money. It doesn't work that way. ND's don't care what you did before you got into the biz. You start at the bottom no matter what your age.

Could you get an intership? Maybe. Maybe not. Few, if any, interships pay. Because labor laws say you can't work totally for free, most stations require that interns earn college credit. That means at most places you have to be enrolled in college to intern there.

You need a good resume tape to get your first job. You need to be able to tell a compelling, well thought out story, prove you are a damn good writer, and show that you can make it through a live shot without stumbling and bumbling. It takes more to succeed in this business than theater experience. 90% of this business is writing and storytelling. And there's a whole different set of rules when you write for TV. Can you explain a complex issue in 90 seconds?

Then there is your age. Again, I'm not saying that it can't be done. But, yes, this is a visual business. The fact, no matter how unfair it is, is that most ND's want young, attractive people. So, yes, you better look good for your age.

All of that said...if you are truely set on entering this rollercoaster world, here's your best way in: Find a paying, off camera job. One of local stations probably has a job for an entry level assitant producer, weekend tape editor, or assignment desk assistant. Once you get into a station, observe, ask questions and soak up knowledge like a sponge. Learn the business from the inside. Ride along with the photogs when they go out alone on stories. Have them help you shoot standups. Learn how to write for TV. Find a mentor. Eventually, you will learn how to put a tape together and you could even work your way onto the air.
Hope this helps. I'm not trying to discourage. I'm just being honest.

[HEAVY SNOW WARNING]

2 'Infobabe'

I agree with much of what you said but I think being an older man is MUCH easier than being an older gal entering in this crazy biz at 40 years old. (I am assuming 'Olsternewbie' is a male)

Younger looking is in but more so for women.( Hire those young ones cheap!!) This is 'one' reason you see a lot of these younger gals moving up rather quickly.


Yes, the 'OLDER distinguished looking man image' is still in and probably will stay that way because its still 'perceived' as more credible than a younger looking male.(look around in several mid to higher markets you usually see a younger gal(sometimes much younger) with an older male anchor).( I don't really agree with that but thats how it 'usually' works)

The money, well thats another issue which is going to continue to probably get worse. Maybe soon we will only see teenagers deliver the news because the pay scale will drop for all 2 near poverty. How does that sound?? http://web1.carmel.net/ubb/medialine/NonCGI/frown.gif


Good luck 2 you 'Olsternewbie' with whatever happens! http://web1.carmel.net/ubb/medialine/NonCGI/smile.gif

[Olsternewbie]

Why on earth did you think I'm a guy?

[medialinefan]

I am over 40. Give it a shot. I got into TV when I was just over 40 and I've been doing it for about 7 years. There are some 20somethings out there that resent having an older presence around, trust me, I work with some of them. There are quite a few stations with older anchors and reporters. I wouldn't say it's the majority, but an impressive showing, and growing according to ND's I know and others I talk to. A lot of them want to eliminate the headache of a lot of immature people and bring experience and maturity to the newsroom. If you are 40ish and looking for work, I think it depends on the ND hiring and taking into account your experience, talent and perhaps looks. Those are the people you want to work for. If you are lucky, you will get a boss who is in control of the newsroom and keeping the young ones under control. If you don't, all the talent, looks and experience won't matter because the kids will resent you for all of the above and for taking up a spot.
Good luck and don't give up.

[HEAVY SNOW WARNING]

Hey Olsternewbie:

I took a wild guess because you didn't specify a gender in your original post. So I went 50/50 and picked wrong.

Cheers!

[47 and loving it]

Go for it. Give it your best shot. Don't let the children on this site extinguish the fire you have for the job. No matter what anybody says, this job is not just based on your looks. There are plenty, and I mean plenty, of news directors who hire people for the job they do...not because of the way they look. That said, there are a few who just hire lookers, no matter how incompetent they are. Be prepared for low pay and be prepared for dealing with moronic children who love being "ON TV" not working "IN TV."
There's a huge difference. I'm a reporter, started in my very late thirties, I'll never be mistaken for a model, but news directors loved my writing, loved my style, and that's why I"m working today. I'm making in the low 60's. Not bad. Not great, but certainly not bad. Bottom line. If this is the job your dreaming about...DON'T LET ANYBODY STOP YOU.

[Rawhead Rex]

I thought people got smarter as they grew in age and wisdom.

[NewsGuySouth]

I started at age 32. I'm now in my "anchor prime" so to speak and very happy doing it.

[medialinefan]

Rawhead Rex:
You're too young to understand. Come back when you grow up. Better yet, don't.

[sindilouhoo]

Hey! I'm 39 and starting out. I look younger than that, but with my age is an element of trust. I've already got a job and they never asked my age and I am also a potential anchor because of my age. I say get an internship and prove you can do it just like you would anything else. These people who say you're too old aren't old enough to say that to you! Go for it! And good luck!

[Dr. News]

How are you at whining and complaining and moaning? And most importantly, can you balance a Whataburger with cheese and a medium Coke and an order of rings in your lap and simultaneously break about 8 traffic laws in a marked news unit?

[Methusalah]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Olsternewbie:
Why on earth did you think I'm a guy? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Because if you're a woman and over forty, your exiration date has probably passed. It may not be fair, but it's true.
Take a look at your local news today. How many over-40 females do you see? Not too many.

But aside from that, there's another problem. Stations like to promote their older on-air peope by bragging about the "years of experience" their on-air people have...and they don't mean life experience.

And the above posters are right, you won't make squat.

But here's an idea. If you're hooked in to your market's cultural nerve center (theatre, symphony, etc.), you might try pitching that experience to the ND. You could offer to do a weekly pkg. on the arts in your city. A good ND is always looking for new ideas, and this may be worth a shot!
Plus, it will form contacts with people who are usually worth having.

[!]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by medialinefan:
Rawhead Rex:
You're too young to understand. Come back when you grow up. Better yet, don't.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You obviously have no idea how old he is. He IS grown up.

[Bajen]

Here's another take. A woman wouldn't normally reveal her exact age. You did it twice!

[skewT]

Last time I checked it was illegal to give out your age. You can always leave out your college graduation dates as well. The maturity issue is big. Many news directors in mid and smaller markets feel like they are 'babysitting'. You are probably able to learn more and faster as well. Without stupid and silly mistakes. Just my take. I'm 39.

[Olsternewbie]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Bajen:
Here's another take. A woman wouldn't normally reveal her exact age. You did it twice!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I didn't give out my exact age what I should have said is forty-ish!

[slotog]

What are your goals? do you want to be a journalist or just be on TV? I've worked with some older interns and like many younger interns they think they can just walk in and get hired as a main anchor because they "Have the look" and many of them get pissed when it doesn't happen. If you are serious then go for it. If you have a good education and can write then the rest will come. With a masters in education you could doing a education report once a week for free( NDS like that word Free) then see where it goes from there. Good Luck and let us know what happens.

[anchorsaway]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Methusalah:
Because if you're a woman and over forty, your exiration date has probably passed. It may not be fair, but it's true.
Take a look at your local news today. How many over-40 females do you see? Not too many.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Our female primetime co-anchor is over 40 and over-weight. Now that's something you don't see much of.

[sindilouhoo]

I'm glad you don't have to say your age on anything and if the issue of "the younger look" or whatever is hinted at - I simply say, because I am not a kid straight out of college, I have credibility with the viewer.

I can deliver a serious story and people will believe what I say. I've seen these kids trying to be serious about issues that effect people in their late 30's and up and it's like my kids trying to tell me they've already been there and done that!

It's silly to think that the only people who can make it are the kids.

Age has nothing to do with it. If you're good, you're good and a smart ND will see your ability and credibility when delivering a story.

I hope you stick with what you want to do. And I'd bet, most of the people giving you advice aren't even close to your age. But - hello! I am.

Go for it! If you need some help - email me at sindilouhoo@yahoo.com

[HEAVY SNOW WARNING]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by sindilouhoo:
I'm glad you don't have to say your age on anything and if the issue of "the younger look" or whatever is hinted at - I simply say, because I am not a kid straight out of college, I have credibility with the viewer.

I can deliver a serious story and people will believe what I say. I've seen these kids trying to be serious about issues that effect people in their late 30's and up and it's like my kids trying to tell me they've already been there and done that!

It's silly to think that the only people who can make it are the kids.

Age has nothing to do with it. If you're good, you're good and a smart ND will see your ability and credibility when delivering a story.

I hope you stick with what you want to do. And I'd bet, most of the people giving you advice aren't even close to your age. But - hello! I am.

Go for it! If you need some help - email me at sindilouhoo@yahoo.com <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It does not really matter whether you are 25 or 45. Its just that starting out at an 'ADVANCED AGE' is HARDER. If you are a female over 40 its almost like being a man in his 50's starting out. Not so easy. http://web1.carmel.net/ubb/medialine/NonCGI/frown.gif

Good Luck! http://web1.carmel.net/ubb/medialine/NonCGI/smile.gif

[Holacomoestas?]

This is olsternewbie and this is for Heavy Snow Warning. Are you old enough to have experienced what it means to be forty in this business yet?

[mytwocents]

It helps to have some special life experience.
if youre over 40 and you were a doctor, cop, financial advisor, consumer advocate... you might find a station that wanted a reporter for a special beat... someone who could be an expert in a field.

lots of over 40 docs do TV.. and who better to send to a crime scene than a retired cop.

but i bet it would be tough to start out with no special "skill".

[BoxBrain]

Hi Olsternewbie, I say that You can do it...And The OpenLine has allowed some great feedback to you from some Professionals in all phases.Very much an asset for you to sincerely chew-on.I am in Radio..another Fun Medium..and communication
and the talent of Listening are invaluable.
You need people On Your Side. That means share your passion for this NEWS stuff yet behave professional and in-control, and confident of your Interest...and do alot of Listening.Make real Friends IOW ;wherever You are in your Life...Listening is always a great learning tool...of course asking the right questions,
in an approachable fasion are a given..
I hope to hear how you proceed and all that. "The Rookie" a New Century Version of ROCKY ya think? Catch the age difference?
Dennis aint twenty.

[BoxBrain]

Have you done any tv stuff before? In What kind of field are you currently working?

[Olsternewbie]

No I've never done TV. I write fiction for fun and have done sales most of my life. I think news could be fun and rewarding. Long hours, bring em on! I used to pull 70-80 a week in sales. Low pay? I'm in school now and if you think a low paying job is bad, try a negative drain on the finances! I have had some experience editing film, but that was long ago and I know that I'll have to learn it all from scratch.

One question for everyone and anyone: since I have no real on camera experience, would it be a good thing to do a dummy tape and simulate things like cross talk, a story, and just reading into the camera? I haven't gotten many stories yet from others who have gone this route and I don't know HOW people who have no on camera experience start out!

[go-go]

Hi, I too am one of the "elders." Last year,
I posed the same question, receiving similar
responses as you have..... As well, the thinking
by me at the time was simply, education,
sharp writing abilities and just plain
thinking abilities would carry me a long way.
I sought this thread out, eager to find out how I could get started.
I have faced a rude awakening. (I have worked
in the medical field for a number of years. It's hard when one realizes a profession, of which you could contribute something, does not honor or respect diversity of background/ education but, who will do the job cheapest is of supreme importance. Do you want to sacrifice yourself to achieve this? In the end, I started to feel like I was selling myself short, way short. I am in the company of heart surgeons daily who ask repeatedly, "Why would you want to waste your talents doing something mindless like that?" Perception is key.
It sounds like you are able to maintain where $$$ are concerned. I can not. I would need to seek the services of an attorney to file bankruptcy. So I faced a
tough decision, give up everything I've worked for, go into an environment filled with people whose education/experience doesn't come close to mine and face derision as well?
Start slow. You did not indicate what part
of the country you hail from but, look for
smaller stations close by if you are in a big
city. Luckily for me, there are several smaller stations within driving distance. Look for weekend work to start. The other thing is make sure you have someone decent working with you on a resume tape. (I completed internships in television while working on a masters in journalism. If you know someone at a station, ask them if they have any of their resume tapes (people who sent in and didn't get a job. Maybe they are not the ones to pattern after but, you get some sense of content.) There are a lot of workshops in this area or three week seminars. Be Persistent!
I hope you make it. If you can do it, go for
it.