Breaking Into A Particular Market

[midwestnewsgirl]

How do you go about breaking into one particular market that you really want to get to?

There's a bigger market nearby that has some great stations that I would love to work at because I love this area and want to stay in this region.

I had cultivated a relationship with a news director in that market who has now left. The station where this ND used to work is adding a couple of new shows, so there will be some job openings in the near future. I don't know the current ND, but I went ahead and sent him an email saying I'd like to drop off a tape, talk about the opportunities, etc...etc...etc...

At this point, because it's sweeps, I'm just waiting for him to reply. Is there anything else I can do now, or should I just keep playing the waiting game and hope he is willing to meet with me too?

[Sir Dropham Pants]

Sounds like you've made some positive steps. See if you know any friends of friends who may work there. It's a small business and I bet you could work the grapevine to get some contact with someone who already works there. Every station is different in the way in hires, but having a producer or reporter pitching your name to the new news director could be helpful. Stay on top of what's news in that market. Watch your target station's stories on line as well as the competition's work. Be patient, there are openings this time of year, but many bosses will wait to fill them (and may even wait to call and / or interview) until next calendar year.