Question: Under contract, want to meet a News Director in destination market...

[Flutie6789]

I'm under contract for another year, but I want to meet with a news director or two in the market I eventually want to be in (it's a top-20).

Anyone have any advice in terms of how that conversation should go? Ideally, I'd speak with that person on the phone and set up a time when I can walk in with a tape and just chat for a short while.

Is this done in the business?

Thanks,
Sports Guy in top-75 market.

[thenewsleader12345]

you have to send the tape first. If he likes your work..then propose a meeting. They only want to meet with people who they might hire someday.

Send the tape a week or so before your in town..then send an email... "im gonna be in town...would you like to meet". If the answer is no..it means they werent wowed by your tape.

[adam & doctor drew]

just to take the other side: how would you feel if your ND was talking to prospective people about your job right now?

[Eeps Snorps Now]

First, unless you do not have a working relationship with your present ND, tell him of your desire to work in that specific market someday when you are no longer contractually tied to your current station.

Ask him if he'll broker the meeting with the other ND with the clear understanding that your goal is not to jump your contract, but begin making very preliminary plans to pursue a future career goal. Ask him to help you do this...you'd be surprised how many managers will fall all over themselves to help out an employee who asks for help along these lines.

Unless your ND is a complete a-hole (which I understand is entirely possible, and which you'll have to guage), at the least he'll appreciate the fact that you brought him into the loop.

If your ND IS an a-hole, then make your contact but make it clear from the beginning that you're talking about becoming a future prospect when you are no longer encumbered by a contract, and that you need communications to be private so as not to jeopardize your current situation.

[The Mockingbird]

Ignore that previous post.

You do that, your boss will start looking for your replacement immediately.

What you want to do is talk to the big city ND's. in a quasi-professional setting (Industry Events).

[Bureau Chief]

Dont most talent contract prohibit discussion of potential employment while the contract is in force?