Colleges for Broadcasting

[teenreporter]

Hi Everyone, I am going to be a Senior in High School next year and have been thinking a lot about what colleges I want to attend that offer broadcasting programs and degrees and I was wanting to know what are good colleges to attend for broadcasting? Some colleges I have been thinking about have been Missouri-Columbia, Columbia College Chicago, Southern Illinois University, UW-Milwaukee, and Elon... Any other suggestions or any opinions on the colleges I listed?

Thanks,
T.J.

[TVMattNYC]

Hi Everyone, I am going to be a Senior in High School next year and have been thinking a lot about what colleges I want to attend that offer broadcasting programs and degrees and I was wanting to know what are good colleges to attend for broadcasting? Some colleges I have been thinking about have been Missouri-Columbia, Columbia College Chicago, Southern Illinois University, UW-Milwaukee, and Elon... Any other suggestions or any opinions on the colleges I listed?

Thanks,
T.J.

Do not go to college to get trained in broadcasting.

Go to the best college you can get into (and can afford) and get an EDUCATION ... with a major in anything but "communications" or "broadcasting".

Get involved in your school's TV or radio station as an activity. If you're still interested in doing this as a career, do at least one or preferably two internships while you're in college. Just before graduation, start sending out tapes and/or resumes.

[TAFKA wacowx]

You will likely want to find the most affordable since you won't be making a lot of money to start (or possibly for several years honestly). ANY major student loan bills will make life extremely difficult. If you come out of college with more than 15K in student loans on a starter TV salary you will be in the poorhouse. (Be prepared to start at a salary less than $20K a year while your classmates in other majors start 2-3 times that.)

And honestly, it's not the school that will get you your jobs, it's your talent. So find the most affordable school and get your foot in as many doors as possible and you will be well ahead of the game: Do as many internships as possible and DO, DO, DO! Have as active an internship as they will let you.

Schools will all teach essentially the same things. One school may provide you with some better contacts in the business, but it's really up to you to make the most of your college education. Heck, you can probably go far with a community college degree assuming your internships or part-time bureau work keep improving your 'product'.

Good luck!

[!]

Don't get a degree in Radio-TV or Broadcasting or even Journalism.

Get a degree in something on which you will report, like Political Science.

It will put you far ahead of others who major in TV.

[Charlie Brown]

honestly TJ, you're already getting the best possible educational experience at KHQA University in Quincy.

Seriously...you learn more on one day of working in this business than you do in four years of college. Echoing what others are saying here, get a degree in something else - business, psychology, whatever else it is you feel passionate about - and make sure you have a backup plan just in case tv news doesn't wrok out. But keep working in the business - take part time employment or do internships at stations near your school.

[Sigonfile]

Don't get into TV news, get into TV production. A photographer shooting cutaways of Judge Judy in a studio production makes about $125K compared to a ENG photog in Dallas making $75K.

[Another OMB]

I'm curious: why do you want to go into TV news and what exactly do you hope to do? Report? Anchor? Shoot?

What are your expectations for what you'll be making and whether you'll be happy with that?

I agree with the other posters that there's probably not a big difference in the actual school, as long as it's teaching journalism. Having the name of a prestigious J-school on your resume may get it looked at, but if you don't have talent it won't matter. And if you DO have talent, it won't matter where you got your degree.

I also think it would be a good idea to major in English or Political Science, whatever you'd like to report on. Still get as much experience as you can in journalism, but there are too many people in the biz who go into it just because they want to be on TV.

Is that why you want to go into this? To be "famous"? To see yourself on TV?

Please give us your honest answers. It will help with the advice you get.

[almostlive]

I disagree with the posters who say "get a degree in something else." I hear it all the time (it's almost a cliche at this point) and I personally consider it bad advice.

Yes, by all means "get educated" in something like history, political science, English Lit, etc. But you don't have to major in those subjects to learn them. In most schools, a journalism track (for a Bachelor's Degree) requires that you take 70 percent or more of your classes in something OTHER than journalism. In my case, only 25 percent of my courseload was in the J-School (so I minored in poli-sci and sociology over in the College of Liberal Arts). But a lot of journalism classes are difficult or impossible to take if you don't enroll in J-School or the School of Communications. I see far too many people coming out of college looking for their first job without a grasp of the basics (writing, interviewing, etc), and these days, you better also learn how to edit on non-linear systems.

Yes, some of that can be done on the side... but I truly believe you will best prepare yourself for a career in broadcast news by making that a focus of your college life. Good luck!

[Roy Hobbs]

And if you want to be an archeologist you gotta get out of the library!
http://blogs.e-rockford.com/movieman/files/2008/04/indynew.jpg

[s'news]

Historically, if you are going to pursue a broadcasting career, SIU is an excellent choice. But it's been a few years since I was in contact with them. You'll also be the butt of Saluki jokes, some of them from me.

[Ralphie the buffalo]

Don't get into TV news, get into TV production. A photographer shooting cutaways of Judge Judy in a studio production makes about $125K compared to a ENG photog in Dallas making $75K.

First off, the guy shooting the cutaway of Judge Judy is a cameraman.
If you don't know the difference between a studio cameraman and an ENG photog the rest of your advice is suspect.
Secondly, the cost of living difference between Los Angeles and Dallas is huge.
The guy in Dallas might actually have a better lifestyle.
And how much career satisfaction is there shooting cutaways in a studio?
For some it might be enough.
It would make me crazy to stand around much of the day doing the same stuff everyday.
My experience as an ENG photojournalist gives me contact with people, places and things that broaden my horizons.
It feeds my mind.

And I will agree with some of the other posters.
The best reporters and producers I have worked with have a degree in something other than journalism or broadcasting.
Business, prelaw, and poly sci are all good foundations for becoming a journalist.
And take a couple classes in sales too.
Reporters sell on the phone and in person everyday.
Think about it.
They talk reluctant people into doing an on-camera interview many times a week.

[Spike]

In most schools, a journalism track (for a Bachelor's Degree) requires that you take 70 percent or more of your classes in something OTHER than journalism.

That seems to undermine your argument and sounds like a very good reason to major in something else. If most of your journalism degree is going to come from outside journalism anyway, you might as well major in one of those other subjects and minor in journalism. You'll end up with the same core journalism courses, but you'll also have a degree that a)sets you slightly apart from all the other dim bulbs graduating with journalism degrees and b)gives you a possible fallback career for when you realize that the teevee business blows. If the schools are now requiring their students to study that much outside their departments, even they have realized how useless a journalism degree really is.

NOBODY gives a crap about a journalism or broadcast degree. They hire based on your tape.

[teenreporter]

One of you asked what my interest was in tv news... and its not to get my face on tee vee and to be "famous." For some odd reason I have just a great passion for reporting and I have great respect for the industry. I think its a thrill trying to chase after a hard news story (even though the hardest news story I have covered was a Murder Trial). Ever since I was in third grade I have wanted to be a broadcast journalist. Don't ask me why, because I am not even sure why, I am just really passionate about the whole business. I have read your guys complaints about the business; no life, low pay, no sleep, but I still want to get myself into this business and I think from what you all are saying that I will most likely major in something else, sociology and spanish really interest me. But more than anything, I am very passionate about journalism, and when I do graduate I hope to report and then when I get older I hope to anchor.

[RollTide98]

TJ: You've already got such a great start, and I wish there were more up-and-coming reporters like you.

You're already familiar with the changing aspects of this business, and by watching your work, I can tell you've already learned more than most pick up in colllege.

I echo the advice of others who are suggesting you major in something else. My thought is you should major in marketing or business management. The two fields go hand-in-hand with television. And if you decide to leave television, those majors can help you land a lucrative career elsewhere.

There are only a few J-Schools out there that I feel truly give students a leg up on the competition. There's Mizzou (with KOMU-8 as a GREAT teaching tool). And then there's Syracuse. I have several acquaintances who've turned degrees (and experience) from Missouri or Syracuse into fantastic careers.

Of course, I'd have to plug my alma mater, Alabama. The university owns a TV station that does local news for Tuscaloosa. You'll get plenty of experience. You'll learn a good deal on media law. But with the loss of one of UA's best professors this spring, you'll have to look elsewhere for someone to teach you how to write for TV.

But then, you already know how to do that...

[Sigonfile]

Ralphie, get with the times dude! It is no longer correct to use the word cameraman. The term is now unisex, like camera-person.

[TAFKA wacowx]

I don't have an issue with journalism vs. any other degree, but I want to re-iterate, make sure it's affordable....even, dare I say, the cheapest option.

Any degree that leaves you in debt after graduation will not be served well in TV due to the miniscule salaries.

[The Mockingbird]

I believe Illinois State University had a decent program at one time...

[overthehill]

As others have already said TJ, you have a terrific head start and show the passion we all wish we'd see in more young TV news people.

I think you first have to go where your grades will allow you to--be that at ISU, SIU, U-of-I, Columbia, Mizzou, etc. I have no problem with someone getting a journalism degree, IF they also get a broad based education taking courses that expand their degree in REAL life subjects. That student should also be heavily involved in student journalism and internships.

When you get electives, challenge yourself to take finance courses, take econ, take political science and history, take law for non majors, criminal justice, business. Those are the things you will report on, not "journalism" per se. However, having the journalism foundation, ethics, advanced writing, will give you a great foundation. Plus, strive to do as much student reporting as possible--at the college's TV, radio, websites or newspaper. Cover more than campus issues, cover community issues like you've been doing in Macomb and Quincy areas. Can't tell you the number of college reporting grads who've never covered city government, a fire or trial...beyond campus.

Enjoy your senior year.

[Pinkie]

I don't have specific school advice, because I think each program has its own benefits. Many entry-level jobs do want someone with a communication (or relevant) degree, but don't let that box you in. I do know from experience though that I've used far more from my liberal arts classes and even more from the internships I completed in school.

In short, pick the school with the most upsides, take plenty of classes to make you a well-rounded, educated person, and complete as many internships as humanly possible.

And don't forget to have fun. Good luck!

[MN News]

I'm still in college, and I'm currently doing an internship...

I don't go to a major university, but I don't think it's a problem.

The thing that's been the most important to me is experience. At my school, I was able to get on-air at the campus station my freshmen year. This enabled me to get comfortable with the camera/microphone (for radio)...and allow people to see my work early, and then criticize it.

A lot of major colleges and universities don't allow underclassmen to get on-air right away, simply because there are so many students within the program.

Looking back, I feel that experience has been incredibly valuable.

[Ralphie the buffalo]

Ralphie, get with the times dude! It is no longer correct to use the word cameraman. The term is now unisex, like camera-person.

Ask me if I care about PC.
Not really.
I assume the rest of my post pointing out your errors stands uncontested?

[Stack It]

Hi Everyone, I am going to be a Senior in High School next year and have been thinking a lot about what colleges I want to attend that offer broadcasting programs and degrees and I was wanting to know what are good colleges to attend for broadcasting? Some colleges I have been thinking about have been Missouri-Columbia, Columbia College Chicago, Southern Illinois University, UW-Milwaukee, and Elon... Any other suggestions or any opinions on the colleges I listed?

Thanks,
T.J.

Your list is flawed. You're missing 3 very strong schools: Columbia University, Northwestern, and Syracuse. Yes, they're private, but you will get an outstanding education and have a strong future ahead of you upon graduation. Syracuse is like a factory and has alumni all over the place. Their sportscasters probably get the most recognition, but the "Orange Mob" is everywhere and in just about every major newsroom in the country. The "Mizzou Mafia" isn't far behind in the broadcast world.

[Sigonfile]

Forget broadcasting, get into waste management. There's a ton of money collecting and disposing other peoples sh*t. There's enough of it on this board to get you started.

[TVMattNYC]

Your list is flawed. You're missing 3 very strong schools: Columbia University, Northwestern, and Syracuse. Yes, they're private, but you will get an outstanding education and have a strong future ahead of you upon graduation. Syracuse is like a factory and has alumni all over the place. Their sportscasters probably get the most recognition, but the "Orange Mob" is everywhere and in just about every major newsroom in the country. The "Mizzou Mafia" isn't far behind in the broadcast world.

Actually, I don't know of anyone with a degree from either Syracuse or "Mizzou" in my network newsroom.

We have a few Ivy League degrees (Harvard and Columbia) and most of the rest are state schools.

[Stack It]

Actually, I don't know of anyone with a degree from either Syracuse or "Mizzou" in my network newsroom.

We have a few Ivy League degrees (Harvard and Columbia) and most of the rest are state schools.

That is why I used a qualifier in my statement.

I wouldn't expect anything less from you anyway.

[PTP WX]

That is why I used a qualifier in my statement.

University of Pheonix - ONLINE

Just get the Broadcast Journalism degree through the mail. News Directors seem to like that.

[Stack It]

University of Pheonix - ONLINE

Just get the Broadcast Journalism degree through the mail. News Directors seem to like that.

I hope they teach grammar and reading comprehension.

[PTP WX]

I hope they teach grammar and reading comprehension.

Sorry, Stack it. I didn't mean to include your quote in my post.

Mine was just a response to the original question, and your post happened to be last. My mistake!

[Gil]

Actually, I don't know of anyone with a degree from either Syracuse or "Mizzou" in my network newsroom.

We have a few Ivy League degrees (Harvard and Columbia) and most of the rest are state schools.

Ummm... Mizzou is a state school.

[almostlive]

That seems to undermine your argument and sounds like a very good reason to major in something else. If most of your journalism degree is going to come from outside journalism anyway, you might as well major in one of those other subjects and minor in journalism. You'll end up with the same core journalism courses, but you'll also have a degree that a)sets you slightly apart from all the other dim bulbs graduating with journalism degrees and b)gives you a possible fallback career for when you realize that the teevee business blows. If the schools are now requiring their students to study that much outside their departments, even they have realized how useless a journalism degree really is.

NOBODY gives a crap about a journalism or broadcast degree. They hire based on your tape.

Read what I wrote more carefully. At many universities, it is not possible (or, at least, is very difficult) to get into the higher level journalism and broadcast courses. A J-school major with a minor in a liberal arts field can take a full complement of journalism classes and still receive a diversified education. A liberal arts major cannot always enroll in journalism classes beyond the introductory level.

And you're right: to a large extent (for reporters, at least), one is hired based on one's tape... but the tape (DVD) can be much, much better -- especially early in one's career -- when it demonstrates that which is learned in journalism and broadcasting classes. Your disdain for the industry is duly noted ("NOBODY gives a crap..." "the teevee business blows"), so I'm sure our younger readers on this board will take your advice with a few hundred grains of salt.

[CallLetters]

I highly recommend Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville. Sure, it's a small school, but you get a lot for your money:

A campus TV station that airs on cable across the city. You can start working on the station as a freshman doing news, and other student programming (doesn't Mizzou make you wait until you're a junior?)

A low-power radio station, where you can dj, host your own show, again, as early as your freshman year.

A NPR station, owned by the University, mainly obtained for student instruction. Student hold most positions ("adults" hold the jobs of news director, program dir, gm, etc.)

Smaller class sizes, and I always felt my professors/instructors were very approachable. Great campus, and lots of construction updates since I left.

I agree with a lot of people on here though. Major in something else, and minor in broadcasting or journalism. Right now, I feel like my education was very limited, which kind of limits me if I ever get out of the biz.

I've worked with many people from other J schools, and never felt inferior to them. And I know what tuition is these days, but when I went, it was A LOT less than Mizzou, KU, Iowa State, etc.

Like most people said, this biz is all about getting experience.

Hope that helps.

[Spike]

Read what I wrote more carefully. At many universities, it is not possible (or, at least, is very difficult) to get into the higher level journalism and broadcast courses. A J-school major with a minor in a liberal arts field can take a full complement of journalism classes and still receive a diversified education. A liberal arts major cannot always enroll in journalism classes beyond the introductory level.

Someone who can't figure out how to work the system to get into those classes probably has no business being a journalist. For example, it's usually not a big deal to change majors in most universities. Universities expect students to change their minds. A smart student can declare as a journalism major, take the classes he needs, then change to a more respectable program of study.

[anchormanNEPA]

No one really cares what degree you have. For most jobs, with the exception of a few specialized fields, it does not matter. Just get a degree.

[almostlive]

Someone who can't figure out how to work the system to get into those classes probably has no business being a journalist. For example, it's usually not a big deal to change majors in most universities. Universities expect students to change their minds. A smart student can declare as a journalism major, take the classes he needs, then change to a more respectable program of study.

Yes, the smart thing to do would be to expect the university to change the rules and let you into classes that aren't open to you, or to try to jam coursework meant to be spread over the four years into just two years so you can change your major and take the same liberal arts classes you could have taken all along as a journalism major.

That would be smart.

Edit to add: This much is true -- it is fairly easy to transfer out of J-school into the general "College of Arts and Sciences" at pretty much any university. So... you risk little in that regard by enrolling in the College of Journalism or Communications. If you change your mind in a year or two, switch out. It is more difficult in some cases to switch into the more specialized schools at a university.

[The Invisible Swordsman]

My suggestion, double major. It clears away any problems of not getting in to upper level classes. You can finish a double major in 4 years if you work at. With one or two summers spent on campus taking classes you will finish on time. Heck if you qualify take some AP classes in high school or talk them (the high school) into letting you head over to the junior college in town your senior year.

I would strongly suggest taking a very broad path to complete your education. I understand that you really want to pursue a career in journalism, you say now that you don’t care about the low pay, bad hours and working holidays. I believe you. I also think that your feelings might change in a few years. Then you will need other skills to help you find another career.

Making a college choice is a difficult one. Go where you want, where you fit in and then make the most out of the school. With few exception you can get everything you need out of a quality university. Some are slightly better than others in specific fields but students typically make the university look good, not the other way around.

My last bit of advice. Go someplace you can afford. Don’t over look the crippling effect that heavy student loan debt can take. I have friends that are in their mid-30’s and still paying off student loans. When you choose a career that might not pay as much as others, paying off a loan can be a huge burden.

[Spike]

Yes, the smart thing to do would be to expect the university to change the rules and let you into classes that aren't open to you...

Apparently you can't read. Did I say anything about expecting the university to change its rules? No. I didn't. I said that if you're not an imbecile, you can simply use the university's own rules to your own advantage. If the journalism school restricts its classes to journalism students, you declare journalism as your major, get the classes you need, then change to something more respectable and challenging.

In most schools that won't even be an issue, because you can declare a minor in journalism and get admission to those classes that way. Unless, of course, you're a dumbass who can't figure out how to make the system work for you.

... or to try to jam coursework meant to be spread over the four years into just two years so you can change your major and take the same liberal arts classes you could have taken all along as a journalism major.

Aren't you the one who said that "in most schools, a journalism track (for a Bachelor's Degree) requires that you take 70 percent or more of your classes in something OTHER than journalism"? That leaves 30% of your classes (or less, according to you) that are actually journalism classes. 30% of four years is NOT two years. You apparently didn't do well in math either.

And again, you don't really need the mostly worthless major coursework of a journalism degree to get the basics you need to do the job. You can get that with a minor. A minor in most universities usually includes around 18 semester hours of core classes. That usually means six classes. If you're really ambitious and the gods of scheduling work in your favor, you can knock that out in a single semester. Eighteen hours hardly represents a hardship.

So you can't read and can't do math. What did you learn in journalism school?

[CKMD]

Your list is flawed. You're missing 3 very strong schools: Columbia University, Northwestern, and Syracuse. Yes, they're private, but you will get an outstanding education and have a strong future ahead of you upon graduation. Syracuse is like a factory and has alumni all over the place. Their sportscasters probably get the most recognition, but the "Orange Mob" is everywhere and in just about every major newsroom in the country. The "Mizzou Mafia" isn't far behind in the broadcast world.

Screw those 3 schools.
Marquette is the way to go!

[almostlive]

Apparently you can't read. Did I say anything about expecting the university to change its rules? No. I didn't. I said that if you're not an imbecile, you can simply use the university's own rules to your own advantage. If the journalism school restricts its classes to journalism students, you declare journalism as your major, get the classes you need, then change to something more respectable and challenging.

In most schools that won't even be an issue, because you can declare a minor in journalism and get admission to those classes that way. Unless, of course, you're a dumbass who can't figure out how to make the system work for you.



Aren't you the one who said that "in most schools, a journalism track (for a Bachelor's Degree) requires that you take 70 percent or more of your classes in something OTHER than journalism"? That leaves 30% of your classes (or less, according to you) that are actually journalism classes. 30% of four years is NOT two years. You apparently didn't do well in math either.

And again, you don't really need the mostly worthless major coursework of a journalism degree to get the basics you need to do the job. You can get that with a minor. A minor in most universities usually includes around 18 semester hours of core classes. That usually means six classes. If you're really ambitious and the gods of scheduling work in your favor, you can knock that out in a single semester. Eighteen hours hardly represents a hardship.

So you can't read and can't do math. What did you learn in journalism school?

Well, for one thing, I learned how to check out what a "minor" in journalism can -- and can't -- get you. Your assessment that getting into certain classes "won't be an issue" at most schools and will teach "what you need to do the job" is just wrong.

Straight from the University of Missouri website:

The School of Journalism's minor is for students within other MU academic divisions who wish to broaden their understanding of the news media's role in society. It is not for students who anticipate careers in journalism. Courses for minor students parallel MU's broader liberal arts traditions and are not journalism-skills oriented. No skills classes taught within the School of Journalism are open to minors. Students who wish to become journalism majors should not enroll in the journalism minor program.

It's the same at many other universities. And the reason you can't jam all of your journalism classes into two years and then dump the major is that they are not concurrent courses. IE: First you take a course in basic writing, which is a prerequisite for copy editing, which is a prerequisite for advanced writing, which qualifies you to choose from the more focused courses offered in the School of Communications (broadcasting 1, then broadcasting 2... or magazine writing... or investigative reporting), which are only offered to juniors and seniors. At some schools, there are also optional or mandatory internships that you then take for college credit. Northwestern is particularly well known for its "Teaching Newspaper/Television" program in which juniors spend a quarter working full time at a newspaper or TV station. None of this is available to those who do not enroll as a journalism major.

So, again, by enrolling in the J-school or school of communications, students can pursue a liberal arts concentration in the area of their choosing while availing themselves of the courses that are designed to best prepare someone for a career in journalism.

Why are you so angry Spike? If you hate this industry so much, you really should move on. Life is too short.

[Spike]

Well, for one thing, I learned how to check out what a "minor" in journalism can -- and can't -- get you.

I know exactly what it can get you: exposure to the basics, which is all you need to work as a journalist in television. Rocket science it isn't.

Straight from the University of Missouri website:

Well, that's one school. Good thing it isn't the only school in the country with a journalism program.

First you take a course in basic writing, which is a prerequisite for copy editing, which is a prerequisite for advanced writing, which qualifies you to choose from the more focused courses offered in the School of Communications (broadcasting 1, then broadcasting 2... or magazine writing... or investigative reporting), which are only offered to juniors and seniors.

And then you get out of school and into the job market, and realize how useless to you most of those classes were. Journalism is a craft, and as such it is learned by doing it. The overwhelming majority of new j-school grads come out of school having no idea how to write and no idea how to present themselves, despite having wasted all that time and money in so-called "Advanced Writing" or "Broadcasting I." They learn their craft in their first year on the job in a small market.

To be successfully prepared for the teevee news business, you need an introduction to the writing styles of journalism and an introduction to basic television production. You can get that in a minor. The rest can be picked up working for the campus newspaper, television station and radio station and interning as frequently as possible. Devoting four years to a bachelor's degree in journalism is a waste of time and money.

I understand why you're so defensive about it. Admitting you wasted so much time and money isn't easy. But that's not a justification for pushing some high school kid into repeating your mistakes.

[almostlive]

I know exactly what it can get you: exposure to the basics, which is all you need to work as a journalist in television. Rocket science it isn't.



Well, that's one school. Good thing it isn't the only school in the country with a journalism program.



And then you get out of school and into the job market, and realize how useless to you most of those classes were. Journalism is a craft, and as such it is learned by doing it. The overwhelming majority of new j-school grads come out of school having no idea how to write and no idea how to present themselves, despite having wasted all that time and money in so-called "Advanced Writing" or "Broadcasting I." They learn their craft in their first year on the job in a small market.

To be successfully prepared for the teevee news business, you need an introduction to the writing styles of journalism and an introduction to basic television production. You can get that in a minor. The rest can be picked up working for the campus newspaper, television station and radio station and interning as frequently as possible. Devoting four years to a bachelor's degree in journalism is a waste of time and money.

I understand why you're so defensive about it. Admitting you wasted so much time and money isn't easy. But that's not a justification for pushing some high school kid into repeating your mistakes.

So to summarize... Two ways to go...

1) You can major in a liberal arts field and minor in journalism, taking the entry-level j-school courses. You can skip the unimportant advanced subjects, like those focusing on legal issues related to journalism and the actual broadcast reporting and production curriculum. You can seek the rest of your journalism education at campus publications and with student-run tv stations. You can apply for real-world internships that you might not be able to get, since newspapers and tv stations can't bring you on unless they are "for-credit" internships and since you likely won't have the skills many newsrooms will require. You could also declare yourself a journalism major and try to cram whatever courses you can into the first year or so of your college experience before switching your major to something else, and then adjusting your courseload to meet the graduation requirements of that new field. You can then compete for that first job with those who have substantially better skills because they actually followed a curriculum designed to prepare for an entry-level job in this particular field. When you get that job, then you can learn the skills of a good journalist. You will get all the instruction you need from the small market news director who understands you were not prepared for the job when he/she hired you.

2) You can major in journalism and take the classes as they are intended. You can intern in a newsroom for college credit and start experiencing what the profession is like. You can work on the campus newspaper or for the school broadcast stations. You can do this while choosing from any academic area in the liberal arts field as you fill out the remaining 70 percent of your courseload. Upon graduating, you can compete with Spike for that first job. When you get it, you can build on the education you received in those four years of college.

I think we've done a pretty good job of establishing our difference of opinion on this one. As for the attempted insult at the end of your post: it would be more effective if you weren't so obviously unhappy yourself. Not all of us are miserable in our jobs. Some of us like it here!

PS - No, Mizzou isn't the only journalism program in the country. It just happens to be one of the good ones.

[almostlive]

Rantings aside, Spike is correct to stress the need for a good education outside of the realm of the J-School. That's why journalism programs require so many classes be taken in the "traditional" fields. Wherever you end up, make sure you take those concentrations seriously.

[Spike]

You can apply for real-world internships that you might not be able to get, since newspapers and tv stations can't bring you on unless they are "for-credit" internships and since you likely won't have the skills many newsrooms will require.

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Good one!

With that one line you proved beyond any doubt you have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. Television stations do not hire interns thinking they have any skills whatsoever. The assumption is that the intern has no skills, and that's why he's applying for an internship, to learn the craft.

You DO NOT have to be a journalism or mass comm major to get a television internship. Many schools have a general studies internship on the books for students who need school credit to get an internship. For those whose colleges don't offer a general internship credit, there's usually a community college nearby that does, and it's usually cheaper than the four-year colleges. This goes back to learning how to work the system instead of just sitting on your thumbs and giving up before you ever start.

Further, even if for some reason you can't intern, you can get a part time or full time job at a television station while you're still in school, and you DO NOT have to be a journalism or mass comm major to land one. Most of the stations I worked for had college students on staff, as APs, editors, photogs, studio crew, etc. A healthy percentage of them were NOT journalism or mass comm majors, yet they were no more clueless starting out than those who had taken all the useless easy j-school classes.

[TVMattNYC]

you can get a part time or full time job at a television station while you're still in school, and you DO NOT have to be a journalism or mass comm major to land one. Most of the stations I worked for had college students on staff, as APs, editors, photogs, studio crew, etc. A healthy percentage of them were NOT journalism or mass comm majors, yet they were no more clueless starting out than those who had taken all the useless easy j-school classes.

So much time is spent in the real world UN-doing what these kids were "taught" in J-school.

[TAFKA wacowx]

Further, even if for some reason you can't intern, you can get a part time or full time job at a television station while you're still in school, and you DO NOT have to be a journalism or mass comm major to land one. Most of the stations I worked for had college students on staff, as APs, editors, photogs, studio crew, etc. A healthy percentage of them were NOT journalism or mass comm majors, yet they were no more clueless starting out than those who had taken all the useless easy j-school classes.

Heck, I have seen situations where someone in production has gone to editing or producing and then reporting/anchoring. Without a journalism degree I might add. The hungrier you are and the more willing you are to go above and beyond, the better your chances, especially in smaller-markets.

[almostlive]

Television stations do not hire interns thinking they have any skills whatsoever. The assumption is that the intern has no skills, and that's why he's applying for an internship, to learn the craft.

You DO NOT have to be a journalism or mass comm major to get a television internship.

Whatever you say. I'll inform the newsrooms below that they are wrong to expect interns to possess "any skills whatsoever" or -- heaven forbid -- major in a related field.

---

From WHIO, Dayton...

ELIGIBILITY:

To qualify for an internship at WHIO-TV, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Enrolled in a four-year college 2. Must be a junior or senior, or graduate student majoring in communications or journalism.

---

MSNBC...

MSNBC looks for students who are committed to a career in media/broadcasting through experiences in their major studies.

---

WGN, Chicago...

Candidate must be an undergraduate (junior/senior standing) or graduate students attending an accredited college or university majoring in Broadcasting/Communications/Journalism/Web Design or related field of study. Students must be able to obtain college credit for the internship experience.

---

WJLA, Washington...

Participants must major in communications, journalism, broadcast production techniques, business administration or some field having a direct relationship to broadcasting.

---

KOMO, Seattle...

Students should evaluate their qualifications in relation to their areas of interest. Students who wish to work in field production, for example, would be expected to have basic production skills, including the use of videotape equipment. News interns should be able to demonstrate journalistic talents and experience.

---

WRDW, Augusta

News 12 interns must be seeking a degree in communications or broadcast journalism and have the recommendation of their advisor.

---

WMAR, Baltimore...

Requirements

3. majoring in communications, journalism, broadcast production techniques, business administration, marketing or some other field having a direct relationship to broadcasting.

---

KOLD, Tucson

Interns will be chosen based on skill, interest, presentation, and availability.

---

KGTV, San Diego

All applicants must have a serious interest in broadcast journalism. Ideally, students should have some journalism experience through school coursework, previous internships or work on school newspapers/television news shows. Interns should be good communicators with excellent writing and verbal skills.

---

WSVN, Miami

Candidates must be college students majoring in communication or journalism...

---

KATU, Portland

Students should evaluate their qualifications in relation to their areas of interest. Students who wish to work in news, for example, should be able to demonstrate journalistic talents and experience. In almost all circumstances, basic knowledge of equipment and strong writing and computer skills are considered essential.

---

WXYZ, Detroit

WXYZ-TV has an internship program for students currently enrolled in a program leading to a degree in Mass Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Graphics and/or related courses.

---

KARE, Minneapolis

Students should be pursuing communications, journalism/speech, business degrees or other related course work for the department of internship.

---

WKMG, Orlando

Must Be A Junior Or Senior In College In A Broadcasting, Journalism, Or Communications Program

---

WHNT, Huntsville

Qualified candidates must posses the following skills: ... reporting/interviewing skills, journalism class or experience, and writing ability.

---

There are more, of course. And there are some stations that have looser standards for internships. If you do choose to major in journalism or communications, you are likely going to qualify for just about all general newsroom internships (presuming you meet the credit, GPA, and related requirements). If you don't major in the field, you can certainly find some, but you will have fewer options from which to choose and you may in some cases be at a disadvantage when competing for limited space in the program.

[Spike]

Whatever you say. I'll inform the newsrooms below that they are wrong to expect interns to possess "any skills whatsoever" or -- heaven forbid -- major in a related field.

Just about anything can be considered "a related field," since journalists are rarely expected to report on journalism. I seriously doubt a serious candidate majoring in political science or business, with a minor in journalism, would be turned down for an internship just because he didn't major in journalism. That would be absurd. That's why they include "a related field" in the job listing, so that it is left open for people smart enough not to major in journalism.

But let's suppose a student were really worried about it and wanted to hedge his bets to make sure he could get his internship. As I said earlier, changing majors isn't a big deal. It wouldn't be difficult to change majors to journalism to get the internship, then switch back to a more respectable major to finish up his degree. For that matter, somebody earlier mentioned double-majoring. It wouldn't be difficult to declare as a double-major, use the access granted by declaring as a journalism major to get the internship and the courses needed for a minor, then drop the journalism major after the minor is completed and concentrate on the more respectable degree for the final year. It usually isn't difficult to make the system work in your favor.

And remember that in this particular instance, this kid already has a resume. He has already been reporting and having his work air on a commercial television station. If he applies for an internship or job and goes up against other kids whose only "experience" is college coursework, the others won't have a chance. For that matter, he really doesn't even need an internship at this point; he would be better off getting a part time job at a local station while in school, so that he graduates with six years of real newsroom experience on his resume instead of internships that most people don't consider actual work experience.

But you want to discourage him. All you say is "can't can't can't." You're a very negative person.

[almostlive]

The most amazing comment I've seen in quite some time:
But you want to discourage him. All you say is "can't can't can't." You're a very negative person.
This from the man who claims "teevee blows" and continually bashes the industry. If encouraging someone to pursue a degree, an internship and a career in the field is negative, then color me negative.

And "related field" was my choice of words. Those station posts make it crystal clear: many stations prefer or REQUIRE applicants be juniors or seniors pursuing a journalism/communications/broadcast degree. Not former journalism majors who switched after taking the basic classes and now major in philosophy. And many of the stations clearly stipulated that they expect interns to arrive with some level of writing, interviewing, production and other skills. Internships do not "start from scratch" -- they aim to build on the experience of the young men and women who walk through station doors. They require a starting point of knowledge. How much? That varies. And from there, that knowledge grows (through an internship, first job, etc).

The original poster is in an exceptional position. I have no doubt he will succeed whichever school he may choose.

[Spike]

Those station posts make it crystal clear: many stations prefer or REQUIRE applicants be juniors or seniors pursuing a journalism/communications/broadcast degree.

So they declare journalism as a major long enough to land the internship, then drop it once the internship is complete. You make the system work for you. I think I explained that already. Your reading problem has manifested again.

And many of the stations clearly stipulated that they expect interns to arrive with some level of writing, interviewing, production and other skills.

All of which can be learned in pursuit of a minor. Really, what do you need to work as a reporter that you can't get in an 18 credit minor? In six classes you can easily cover the basics of newswriting, production and ethics and have a few slots left over.

[almostlive]

Got it.

Enroll in school. Major in journalism.

Take all the journalism courses you can. Get special privileges to take the ones that are reserved for upperclassmen, if necessary -- but that probably won't be needed, because really a couple of basics will do. But if you decide to do it, no problem. They will certainly let you take them on your own schedule.

Keep the journalism major. Get an internship in your junior or senior year, when most stations will take you on.

Now, switch majors. Fulfill all the requirements of your major in your last year or year and a half. There won't be any problems getting into all the classes you need, so don't sweat it.

Graduate with your non-journalism degree because that's more respectable.

Get hired by a station that will choose you over the thousands of others seeking employment in the field. Stations frown on those extra classes in the field of journalism, so you have an advantage.

Learn whatever else you really need to know at your first job, because this is a craft and you really didn't need those courses the J-schools try to force on you anyway.

I'm clear now. Thanks for your patience Spike.

[Sultanosurf]

Great, ask a bunch of bitter burn-outs who are generally not in the business anymore and wait to see the juvenile back-biting.

To the original post, the schools you listed are fine, especially if you wanna save on in-state tuition. The most important criteria would seem to be their advanced curriculum, since you'll need to be extremely adaptable, especially on new media these days. I've heard some good things about USC-Annenberg, the Cronkite School at Arizona State, and Scripps at Ohio.

Some of us worked our way through school; I challenged lower-level courses on issues I was already versed in through practical experience, heading right to advanced courses in my field, allowing a more rounded study load. I then did graduate work at some great schools that helped finish things off.

If you have the luxury of four years at school without the pressure of working your way through, enjoy the experience, and especially keep your options open for courses that could have later application. For example, the geology and legal courses I took as an adjunct for my degree have been invaluable at work. History and world economics were also useful. The best courses teach you how to continue to educate yourself.

And as you can see from some of the posts above, psychology can also be pretty useful.

Best of luck. We need more energetic people who care in the industry.

Hey, you never told us how covering that murder trial turned out.

[almostlive]

Great, ask a bunch of bitter burn-outs who are generally not in the business anymore and wait to see the juvenile back-biting.

To the original post, the schools you listed are fine, especially if you wanna save on in-state tuition. The most important criteria would seem to be their advanced curriculum, since you'll need to be extremely adaptable, especially on new media these days. I've heard some good things about USC-Annenberg, the Cronkite School at Arizona State, and Scripps at Ohio.

Some of us worked our way through school; I challenged lower-level courses on issues I was already versed in through practical experience, heading right to advanced courses in my field, allowing a more rounded study load. I then did graduate work at some great schools that helped finish things off.

If you have the luxury of four years at school without the pressure of working your way through, enjoy the experience, and especially keep your options open for courses that could have later application. For example, the geology and legal courses I took as an adjunct for my degree have been invaluable at work. History and world economics were also useful. The best courses teach you how to continue to educate yourself.

And as you can see from some of the posts above, psychology can also be pretty useful.

Best of luck. We need more energetic people who care in the industry.

Hey, you never told us how covering that murder trial turned out.

He started it.

:)

[News Is Broken]

Just stand outside the station with a "Will Work for Food" sign and big puppy dog eyes. They can't resist the puppy dog eyes.

[Spike]

Got it.

Enroll in school. Major in journalism.

Take all the journalism courses you can. Get special privileges to take the ones that are reserved for upperclassmen, if necessary -- but that probably won't be needed, because really a couple of basics will do. But if you decide to do it, no problem. They will certainly let you take them on your own schedule.

Keep the journalism major. Get an internship in your junior or senior year, when most stations will take you on.

Now, switch majors. Fulfill all the requirements of your major in your last year or year and a half. There won't be any problems getting into all the classes you need, so don't sweat it.

Graduate with your non-journalism degree because that's more respectable.

Get hired by a station that will choose you over the thousands of others seeking employment in the field. Stations frown on those extra classes in the field of journalism, so you have an advantage.

Learn whatever else you really need to know at your first job, because this is a craft and you really didn't need those courses the J-schools try to force on you anyway.

I'm clear now. Thanks for your patience Spike.

A college education is not a recipe, moron.

[s'news]

I majored in journalism. I took a whole bunch of other courses. Where I was, I didn't even start taking J-school classes until I was a junior. I worked a lot at a campus radio station. I read and wrote and studied all sorts of stuff. I learned many things from a poster here at MediaLine.

I don't disagree with those who suggest a different major. But what I did sure worked for me. There are J-school courses I took that I thought little of at the time, but which came back to reward me.

I find Spike to be a thoughtful poster. I'm more often in agreement than I am a critic. But I disagree on the concept of changing majors.

Like most issues involving your education, apply yourself and you'll likely be rewarded.

[Spike]

I find Spike to be a thoughtful poster. I'm more often in agreement than I am a critic. But I disagree on the concept of changing majors.


You disagree with changing majors in general, or with making the system work for you, or what?

[Jane Craig]

A decent kid who comes here to learn posts an honest request for our thoughts, and it turns into a pi$$ing match between two of you.

teenreporter, on behalf of the decent folk of MediaLine (and there are many), I am sorry you have been subjected to the nastiness and diversionary sniping that has largely taken over this thread. It's not your fault; there's just lots of contentiousness here and sometimes folks get carried away.

As for my two cents, I'm with those who suggest you attend a school where you can get a good education without graduating with massive debt. Work on landing scholarships and thinking about supporting any journalism studies by getting the basics in other relevant subjects -- 20th-21st century history, economics, earth science, political science, writing, etc.

Your desire and ability to make your current gig happen will serve you well in college applications and seeking financial aid.

[almostlive]

Jane is correct. I apologize to the original poster for my role in this fiasco.

[teenreporter]

Hi everyone, and please, there is no need to apologize, I have learned a lot on this particular topic, and have used your arguments to help myself in making a decision in what I want to do. I do want to major in Journalism, but would like to minor in something else... I understand what Spike is saying by saying that you don't report on Journalism, so major/minor in something else that you might report on. It makes perfect sense because you then will have an advantage over some other reporter who only majored in journalism and have no clue about a certain subject that they are reporting on that they could have minored in in college.

Now, I appreciate the apologies, but there is really no need for it. I am not a 5 year old who is scared to read the arguments of other people.. I am 17 years old and am probably more mature than most people my age... I really appreciate everything that you all help me with, I have learned a lot since I have joined.

As for the murder trial... It was a lot of fun, took a long time, but I met a lot of reporters that I have become friends with.. And, my video of the defendant coming out of the courthouse made it to the Top Story on the 10:00 news twice, so that was very exciting.

Thanks for your help, and for the other college suggestions!

-T.J.

[!]

As for the murder trial... It was a lot of fun, took a long time, but I met a lot of reporters that I have become friends with.. And, my video of the defendant coming out of the courthouse made it to the Top Story on the 10:00 news twice, so that was very exciting.
Did you remember to stand near the jury and talk loudly into your cell phone about how you're covering the story so they'd talk to you?

[Sultanosurf]

Did you remember to stand near the jury and talk loudly into your cell phone about how you're covering the story so they'd talk to you?

'!', I can't remember who logged the post on that other thread about the trial, that included the cell phone and waving at jurors, but it was either one of the most hilarious or disturbing we've seen in a bunch on this site.

I will say that whenever somebody reverts to juvenile name-calling -- "moron" "dumbass" and the like, it always diminishes whatever else they may have to say. Although mebbe that works in an unintended way, letting us know what the side effects are like drug warnings. (Although some people here seem to carry theirs longer than four hours)

Good luck TJ, enjoy your college years, and hopefully you don't get sidetracked, since we need talented new blood in the industry.

[s'news]

You disagree with changing majors in general, or with making the system work for you, or what?

If you change majors at the finish line, you won't get the last, high-level journalism classes. I'm recalling a media law class taught by a fellow named Hal Fuson. That course was valuable to me.

There were other classes like that for me. And there was closer interaction with some of the top professors. Yes, some were out of the trade for many years, but they still had great stuff to offer.

I was a journalism major who was working at the campus radio station, and the profs were old-school print guys. So it was a pleasant surprise when some of them took me under their wings or sought out my thoughts on something. I got inside the minds of some great people and had advanced relationships with them.

There was an advanced independent study class where I researched and wrote something, under the guidance of an old prof. It took my abilities up another notch. He was great and I learned a lot from him.

If I had changed majors, I'd have missed most of that. I'm glad I didn't.

As my senior year was ending -- okay, I'm wandering down memory lane at this point and digressing from the issue at hand -- an old prof that I'd never had any dealings with called me to his office. Out of nowhere, he offered a one-year program where I'd live in London for a year. I'd get paid, study there and make a few appearances at a Rotary Club or something like that, as they'd be sponsoring me. But I wanted to get out into the world and turned it down. He said that I'd have my whole life to work and would be a more attractive job candidate. I didn't listen.

:frustrated:

[Sultanosurf]

Well, with your avatar, I thought you DID go, and all this is cover...

[Spike]

I do want to major in Journalism, but would like to minor in something else... I understand what Spike is saying by saying that you don't report on Journalism, so major/minor in something else that you might report on. It makes perfect sense because you then will have an advantage over some other reporter who only majored in journalism and have no clue about a certain subject that they are reporting on that they could have minored in in college.

That's not the only reason to major in something else. It's probably not even the best reason.

I worked in film and television for almost 13 years, ten of them in news, and in that time I met an awful lot of people who were disillusioned with the industry and really wanted to quit and do something else. Most of them went into it because they loved the craft, but wanted out because they hated the business. Over time I became one of them myself.

Most of them still loved the craft itself. The problem was that they didn't get to practice the craft the way they thought they would. They found themselves being forced to report on car wrecks instead of issues. They saw good story ideas refused because some idiot producer didn't understand the newsworthiness of it or just didn't think it was "sexy" enough for her show. They saw themselves pressured to "create" stories where they didn't really exist because the assignment editor or producer already had a preconceived idea as to what the story was and refused to believe what the reporter found on scene was something else. They were forced to stretch a story that warranted a VO into a package, and to condense a package on a great story that really deserved 2:00 into 1:05, all on a producer's whim. They were required to cut corners on a good story in order to turn two, three, sometimes four stories in a single day. They saw a possible exclusive story shot down in a meeting as not newsworthy, only to watch in horror as the story was assigned to a different reporter a few days later after the AE read it in the newspaper.

And then there's the pay. People get into the craft because they love it, and they think the pay won't matter if they're doing something they love. Then they watch their peers pass them by. They meet people in the course of reporting their stories who are no more educated or capable than they are, yet are living in nicer houses in nicer neighborhoods and are able to do things the newsies wish they could. That wouldn't be so bad if they could cling to the idea that they were engaged in a noble craft that they love, but it's difficult to make yourself believe you're being paid enough when you're having to cover stories you don't consider newsworthy, or stories you actually consider offensive.

And the worst part is that there's a tradeoff. Generally, working in small markets you have more freedom as a journalist, but you're paid subsistence wages. If you go looking for more money in a larger market, you'll find that freedom restricted. The work gets piled on, and you have less control over what you're actually doing. So you can either resign yourself to never being able to afford any of the finer things in life, or you can "sell out." Oh sure, it sounds noble to suffer for your art. But it isn't. Really, it isn't.

That's why so many people want out. Some do get out. Others suffer through. Why? Because they majored in journalism or mass comm in college, don't have any qualification to do anything else and often don't think they can do anything else. Some think they'll just jump over to PR or marketing, only to find that PR jobs are scarce and don't pay as well as they thought. Some of them are married by then, or otherwise encumbered, and believe they can't take a pay cut to start over in some other business. Some would like to go back to school to get educated for something else, maybe get a master's degree, but think they can't really afford it on a television salary, not with the mortgage and the kids' braces.

Some get laid off. For years news operations were in an expanding mode, with Fox and WB stations around the country adding news operations. Now the industry is contracting. Existing news operations, already running on skeleton crews, are getting leaner. Some are just going dark. And the biggest joke on us all is that when the boss has a blank stack of pink slips in front of him, he doesn't start with the least experienced people first. He starts with the most expensive. The veteran reporter with twenty years in news is going to be costing the station more than the kid with three years experience, so it's the veteran who gets laid off. Experience really does not count for much in this business.

What do you really have to look forward to, when you likely won't get to do the kind of work you want, won't get paid well for it and will likely be put out to pasture prematurely for all your dedication?

So THIS is the other big reason to major in something else. Give yourself another option. Keep doors open. Maybe--MAYBE--you will be one of the lucky ones. But do you really want to find yourself trapped if you aren't?

As I've said repeatedly, you DO NOT need a degree in journalism or mass communications to work in television. All that matters is your tape and your previous work experience. If you can major in something else that will give you a safety net while also setting you apart slightly from the plethora of other starry-eyed grads, and yet still have all the same opportunities open to you in television, why would you not want to keep more options open? Is it really worth it to risk trapping yourself down the line just to get two or three "advanced" classes that teach you things you'll learn in your first year on the job anyway?

I'll admit a bias in this since I'm back in school myself studying business, but personally I would suggest majoring in a business-related field. Reporters routinely have to report on business and economic issues in their communities, but reporters in general have very little understanding of what they're reporting and more often than not get it wrong. We routinely laugh at the stupid things our local reporters say, but it's not really their fault. They just don't know any better.

With a business background, you can easily specialize as your station's business and money reporter, and you'll probably have a leg up on anybody else in how government/non-profit spending and budgeting works as well. Meanwhile, you can be making contacts in the business community in the course of reporting your stories. If television works out for you, then you're a better reporter for having the knowledge. If you decide later that you want more than television can give you, you're already in a position to leave without all the handwringing we get every time the discussion comes up here. And besides private business, there is also a tremendous need for competent business writers outside of television, people who understand the concepts but also how to present them for laypeople to understand. Your business education would give you a leg up on other reporters, and your journalism experience would give you a leg up in business.

After laying all that on you, I have to tell you not to lose too much sleep over it. You seem like a bright kid, and you have plenty of time to make up your mind what you want to do. Despite what your high school and college counselors might say, you don't have to plan out your whole life now. I know plenty of people who changed majors, changed schools, changed careers, changed marriages and changed religions. The best thing you can do for yourself now is to enjoy work and school as much as you can, but always keep your options open as much as possible so that if work or school loses its appeal, you have other options open to you. At this point you should never find yourself worried. You should be excited about all the opportunities open to you in the future.

[thebrain]

It was a lot of fun, took a long time, but I met a lot of reporters that I have become friends with..
-T.J.

That's what you need to do, get to know people, network.

I say major in English(especially composition) and minor in Spanish, all while taking broadcasting courses.

Go to a school that will give you an opportunity to learn what you want. I always feel that at the bigger named schools, you can get lost in the shuffle. If you suck, a degree from Mizzou or Syracuse won't help you. Find out where the people you've been getting to know, went to school. Just remember, you're going to start off making the same wage no matter where you went.

And don't forget the most important part of college, parties!

[Sultanosurf]

*I* get long winded, but honest Spike, that's probably more reading than most people ever do in college....

[Another OMB]

Yeah, Spike's message was long, but I found myself thinking, "Yes, exactly" to almost all of it because it so closely mirrors my feelings and experiences.

At this point, I still like the craft, but that's mainly because in the bureau where I work I DON'T have to cover the wrecks and fires and murders.

I also worry about the future. I'm one of those veteran reporters who might be the most likely to get axed because I'm in a bureau they could choose to close to save money and get rid of me for the same reason, since it would save more to get rid of me with 19 years at the station than it would to get rid of a rookie. I hope it never happens; that if I leave it will be because I want to.

And I find myself worrying about what else I could do, just as Spike said. This is all I've ever done. I think a PR job may be the next move, but none that I know of thrill me and I don't know that the pay would be any better.

But, teenreporter, it does sound like you want to get into this for the right reasons. (I was the one who asked way back at the beginning why you wanted to). So try not to get discouraged, but make sure you learn all you can and have some other interests that could lead to a second career!

[TAFKA wacowx]

Yes, Spike is once again trying to make it clear that a non-journalism degree will help you more post-TV. While it is a possibility that you will always love TV and stay in for life and be successful, more and more are longing to escape and, looking at the odds, your chances are not that great that you will be a content 'lifer' as a television reporter or anchor. Even people who never post on these forums at stations where I have worked were getting overwhelmed by the 'system' and longing to get out after a few years. I really think this forum mirrors the feelings of the TV news world as a whole. There are VERY few out there who are truly happy these days unfortunately, and many would leave if they could, but they have no other skills that make them marketable.

Since you already have the connections and abilities, I would think that a journalism degree would not be as necessary in your case. In some small markets, you would be well on your way to being a full-time reporter for the station within a couple of years...heck, could even be your station/market.

Ask your reporter friends/contacts where they went to school and what they felt was important/unimportant in their education and was there something they wish they did differently. Heck, I would even start a thread here asking that same question. I am sure you will get many good responses and get a feel for what was a good path to take. Maybe adding an aside to ask about salry versus student loan debt load....I still feel THAT is the most important thing to think about because college will continue to get more expensive and TV news salaries are in no way keeping up with cost of living. Depending on your choice of school, you could end up paying a quarter to one-half of your take home pay in student loans!

You have an excellent focus on your main goal, just now pick a sub-goal as an insurance policy. Think of a world without TV news...what would you like to do more than anything else that you can make a good living with (sadly, more important that we'd like to think) and take classes or major in that subject.

[!]

*I* get long winded, but honest Spike, that's probably more reading than most people ever do in college....Spike believes his opinion is very valuable, much more so than anyone else's on this board.

[Backup QB]

I was content to read, and otherwise stay out of, this thread until I read Spike's post. I agree with pretty much everything he said.

I would never discourage anyone from entering the business. However, I believe anyone doing so should have eyes wide open. I think Spike's post is one of the most realistic and brutally honest messages I've ever seen here. And, it's a must-read for anyone who wants to enter the industry.

Anyone getting into the field should be prepared for some sort of life after tee-vee. Because that life will come sooner or later. Either, you'll choose to leave the business. Or, someone will tap you on the shoulder and you'll be forced to vacate your cubicle because the newscast is getting yanked in favor of infomercials or a Headline News simulcast.

I got a master's degree and took a job in a haypatch in Ohio for the princely sum of $14K per year. This place was literally next to a pig farm and reeked every night. Why did I go there? Because, I wanted to live the dream and climb the ladder in tee-vee. The station went under and I was out the door almost as soon as I got in.

I moved 500 miles away and took another tee-vee job. Why? Because I wanted to still live the dream. Like Spike said, I was one of those people looking at others living well while I was trying to scrape by on $20K.

I was never able to climb the ladder and get a full-time gig in a bigger market. But, I liked where I was anyway. I enjoyed the craft. I enjoyed the co-workers. I enjoyed the banker's hours. But, I hated the business and how it was robbing me and my co-workers of money and mental health.

I thought I'd be able to easily land a job in PR because of all my "experience". Not quite. This is one of the biggest misconceptions TV people have; they think they can just walk into a PR gig once they've decided they've had enough of TV.

It took two years, but I got a good PR offer. Almost turned it down, thinking I'd miss the excitement of the TV world. What a crock of sh--. Thankfully, I had the good sense to take the job.

Without a master's degree, and experience as an adjunct instructor, I wouldn't have landed a PR job in higher ed. The money is much better. Now, I'm living in the nicer house in the nicer neighborhood.

The TV life isn't for everyone and isn't all it's cracked up to be. Certainly wasn't the best place for me. I didn't have the talent and the personality type to hack it in the bigger markets. And, that's fine. I'll be happier and able to earn a better living where I am. To each, his own.

My personal feeling is that a double major is a good way to go. It's a lot of work, but that's what college is all about. If you think that most of the time should be spent partying, do your parents a favor and stay home. They can put the money into their retirement accounts instead.

Being exposed to something other than TV journalism will help you in ways you cannot imagine. On just about any University campus, you'll be exposed to a ton of ideas, subjects, personalities, etc., more than at any other time in your life. Make the most of it. Don't spend all your time in the edit suite. Attend lectures in other subjects. Go to music performances. Go to the library and pick up a book off the shelf with an interesting title and read it. Expand your mind and don't settle for being a one-trick dog. This is college, not trade school.

[TVMattNYC]

Yeah, Spike's message was long, but I found myself thinking, "Yes, exactly" to almost all of it because it so closely mirrors my feelings and experiences.

At this point, I still like the craft, but that's mainly because in the bureau where I work I DON'T have to cover the wrecks and fires and murders.

I also worry about the future. I'm one of those veteran reporters who might be the most likely to get axed because I'm in a bureau they could choose to close to save money and get rid of me for the same reason, since it would save more to get rid of me with 19 years at the station than it would to get rid of a rookie. I hope it never happens; that if I leave it will be because I want to.

And I find myself worrying about what else I could do, just as Spike said. This is all I've ever done. I think a PR job may be the next move, but none that I know of thrill me and I don't know that the pay would be any better.

But, teenreporter, it does sound like you want to get into this for the right reasons. (I was the one who asked way back at the beginning why you wanted to). So try not to get discouraged, but make sure you learn all you can and have some other interests that could lead to a second career!

Yeah, Spike. Dayam! But every word was true, Boo!

And OMB, I hear what you're saying. I just participated in the IABC's major annual convention, and hung out with people who had the types of jobs that until this week I *thought* I wanted.

Two words: Hell no.

One guy does PR for a health care company in Nashville. *Snooze*.
Another is the VP of corporate communications for an oil company. *Gag*.
Still another focused only on employee communications within a company that makes the chemical that goes into fire-retardant fabrics. Her career is all about putting together those brochures that land in your mailbox about the company's health plan. Oh BOY!

Really nice people. Really ass-boring jobs. And all they wanted to do was hear about MY job.

Oh and by the way ... everyone seems to rave about all the "money" in PR and corporate communications. In talking with these people, I see it's not really there.

It's time to do something COMPLETELY different. What that is ... I don't really know. :(

[Another OMB]

Yeah, Spike. Dayam! But every word was true, Boo!

And OMB, I hear what you're saying. I just participated in the IABC's major annual convention, and hung out with people who had the types of jobs that until this week I *thought* I wanted.



It's time to do something COMPLETELY different. What that is ... I don't really know. :(

Sounds like we're in the same, or very similar, situation TVMatt.

If you come up with an answer, let me know and I'll do the same for you. We might not be interested in the same things overall so what might be your perfect next job may not be mine and vice versa. But ya never know. I like hearing about what other people who used to be in the business are doing now because it might give me an idea I hadn't thought of.

[Spike]

Boo!

Ha ha ha very funny. http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/mad/mad0044.gif

[teenreporter]

OK, another thing I am looking for in College is a college where you can start doing hands-on activities your freshman year, ie. anchor a newscast, report on news stories, work in the control room, etc.

Thanks,
T.J.

[Creative Cutie]

AU's School of Communication is great... If you are still interested in broadcast, they do offer a broadcast track in journalism. Plus, the university is literally across the street from NBC's D.C. office (and the local NBC station, WRC 4). WTTG (Fox O&O) and WUSA (CBS affiliate owned by Gannett) are close by as well. One caveat: it is a private school, so it is a bit pricey, but you also listed Elon University, so I gather you're willing to consider a private university. Go to soc.american.edu

[Max Schumacher]

Actually, I don't know of anyone with a degree from either Syracuse or "Mizzou" in my network newsroom.


Missouri grads off the top of my head:
ABC--Elizabeth Vargas
NBC--Lisa Myers
CBS--Russ Mitchell

just going for the obvious ones...

[Gil]

OK, another thing I am looking for in College is a college where you can start doing hands-on activities your freshman year, ie. anchor a newscast, report on news stories, work in the control room, etc.

Thanks,
T.J.

I attended a job fair at the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association summer meeting two weeks ago, and I was impressed with one young woman who came looking for opportunities.

She is a student at UW-Stevens Point. Since that college is in my market, I knew a bit about it, and knew it was not especially well-known for educating broadcasters. I asked why she chose that school. She said she investigated other state colleges in Wisconsin, and this was one that would allow her to get involved in broadcasting - on the air - as a freshman. She is now entering her senior year, has an internship at a station in Wausau, and is already looking for her first full time job one year ahead of time... researching the opportunities and trying to decide where she wants to work.

Pretty smart, I thought.

[John M.]

OK, another thing I am looking for in College is a college where you can start doing hands-on activities your freshman year, ie. anchor a newscast, report on news stories, work in the control room, etc.


This doesn't directly relate to what college you should choose but one way to get hands-on experience is to buy your own camera. They're getting better while still getting cheaper -- cheaper than even a few credit hours at any decent university.

I'm not saying you should do that instead of attending school. But if you look at college as an investment in your future you could look at buying a camera the same way.

Get one with audio input jacks. You can get a passable lavaliere mic for learning on at Radio Shack for $30 or so. You can get an editing program such as Adobe Premiere Elements for another 100 bucks.

Doing this you can get as much practice as you want. I tell students that it's not enough to produce three packages for a resume tape. You have to get regular and repeated practice at television storytelling so that the three stories that wind up on your reel coming out of college show the kind of polish that will land you a job.

[BULLS]

GO to SIU you'll get a great education and have a good time getting drunk!



Enjoy this video!!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW9SU85Owcc

[Spike]

Enjoy this video!!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW9SU85Owcc

You're a retard.

[Steve Mizeraney]

All these people who say "don't major in journalism" would like you to believe that a well-rounded education in some major like english or poly sci along with a few internships will be your ticket to a newsroom and a news career.

You'll finish four years of college and have absolutely nothing on your resume that tells a news director that you will be a great hire.

What you'll probably have is one of those fraudulent tapes shot by a photog during your internship; a bunch of experience doing menial newsroom chores at some big station(s), and some modicum of enthusiasm for news...and the knowledge of current events to do the play-at-home version of "Jeopardy."

If that's what you want along with your "well rounded education"--fine.

Say hello to places like Tupelo, Great Falls, Coos Bay, Idaho Falls, Bismarck, Waco, Yuma-El Centro...or worse. Hopefully somebody in a tiny market will take a chance on you and you might get a job. AND--you might be fortunate enough to have a news director or news staff at these noplace stations whoo will lead, motivate, inspire and, above all...teach you how to shoot, edit, write to film, anchor, produce, etc. All this while starving...

Judging by the kinds of tapes seen in Medialine and elsewhere, you'd be very lucky to get in that kind of situation. More than likely, it will be the blind leading the blind.

Or, you could find a good broacast journalism program and emerge with skills that are here and now--real newsroom experience, real stories that were broadcast on real newscasts, etc. You'll be comfortable shooting, editing, writing and doing everything else from day one in the real world.

Judge a journalism program by where the graduates go to work, and by the caliber of the people doing the teaching. I looked at several schools when I was mulling a journalism career. One came highly recommended and, on further examination, I found exactly one professor with any kind of notable broacast background. Another place was full of PhD's with Ivy League credentials--beard scratchers all. The place I went was run by a scrappy former newspaper editor, a couple of network news veterans and a guy who "wrote the book" on writing broadcast news. Their alumni list read like a who's who and the people were working everywhere...networks, big stations, etc. That was the place for me. I will not mention the place and I will not recommend anyplace either--doing the research on your own will reap great rewards.

So, with that kind of education, I started in a top 40 market and was working for a real network news operation within three years...not an unusual story, either.

Real world education? If you spend those four years reading The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Time, and a couple of other newspapers each day; and develop a natural curiosity for the world around you, it will go well with your journalism education and you'll come out of school with a set of skills and real practical knowledge.

Add a work ethinc (which no school anywhere has ever taught) and you'll be ahead of the pack, even in these lean economic times.

[Spike]

You'll finish four years of college and have absolutely nothing on your resume that tells a news director that you will be a great hire.

Unless you minor in journalism or broadcasting to get the core courses and take every opportunity to gain experience, both through opportunities present at the school and through internships and work experience in television stations.

[CKMD]

I am in charge of our internship program.
I require junior/senior standing, basic COMM classes taken and a credit from your school.
Most of the kids that come in are about to get into the J-School or are and I have to re-teach them.
Then...we scare them off.

[Sultanosurf]

All these people who say "don't major in journalism" would like you to believe that a well-rounded education in some major like english or poly sci along with a few internships will be your ticket to a newsroom and a news career....


http://www.chronicleoftheoldwest.com/pics/gabby_hayes.jpg

"Rerr-rerrr!!"

[dkh9831]

I'm a Penn State Grad and was very happy with the program. They've got all new facilities now, state-of-the-art equipment - and as a litmus test, they're consistently outscoring similar schools in the Hearst Awards..

Others thoughts?

[The Mockingbird]

You could probably learn everything you need to know about journalism by taking it as an 18 hour minor.

Because, seriously, you can only hear Marshall McLuhan quoted so many times before it turns into an educational Charlie Brown Christmas, without the sentimentality.

[22]

I would be shocked if any Comm majors hear McLuhan quoted. I have asked all of the interns if they even know who he is. Not one knew. I even asked the ND and he didn't know. Our GM didn't know... but then he is an accountant. The only people who knew McLuhan were in sales. And if you think about it, that makes sense.

[!]

All these people who say "don't major in journalism" would like you to believe that a well-rounded education in some major like english or poly sci along with a few internships will be your ticket to a newsroom and a news career.

You'll finish four years of college and have absolutely nothing on your resume that tells a news director that you will be a great hire.


Got news for you, buddy--your college curriculum has exactly nothing to do with your being hired. Having done the hiring, I can say that with certainty.

On-air jobs typically mean starting in a small market.

You want your resume to tell a ND to hire you? Get hands-on internships. Multiple. Then actually work while you're there. Practice writing, for example. Get some on-camera practice. that is how you build a tape, and skills.

By the way, majoring in PoliSci does not preclude your taking TV classes as well.

Despite your happy little story, Steve, most NDs don't look at college-produced tapes in awe. They're mostly a target for laugher.

[that's life]

Don't get a degree in Radio-TV or Broadcasting or even Journalism.

Get a degree in something on which you will report, like Political Science.

It will put you far ahead of others who major in TV.


I will be one of the few to disagree with you on this subject... in a way I guess.

Journalism majors learn some things that PS or History majors don't (at least where I came from): how to adapt and do things yourself.

Face it, today's media relies more and more on back-pack journalists and learning the essence of interviews and the logistics of putting together a PKG would put a reporter far ahead if they've already learned that in college.

With that said, I do think it is important to be "darwinistic" in a sense, and easily adapt to change. That's where open-mindedness and the ability to learn come in. I really do not think it matters where you go to college or what you learn in college, but rather what you learn and are open to learn after your degree.

But if you know this is what you want to do, go for the Jo-Com degree but remember that journalism is like being a student for life... and you're majoring in all fields. It's an ever-learning process.


THOUGHTS?

[depth of field]

Don't get a degree in Radio-TV or Broadcasting or even Journalism.

Get a degree in something on which you will report, like Political Science.

It will put you far ahead of others who major in TV.

good advice. a buddy once told me "any idiot can learn to write", and that'll be all they teach you in j-school.

as long as you can write and talk to people you don't need j-school. poli-sci and history are good majors for this biz. it gives perspective....something a lot of the young rookies i've worked with don't have.

[Roy Hobbs]

As we've recently learned, the Gold Standard is a 3.2 from Auburn.

[Tripe Face]

As we've recently learned, the Gold Standard is a 3.2 from Auburn.
:worship::worship::worship: :worship:

[Fake Post]

FOX--Phil Keating
NBC--Janet Shamlian
Entertainment Tonight--Jann Carl
ESPN--John Anderson
Upandown -- KGO-TV Frisco

Just a few I am aware of.

[Spike]

FOX--Phil Keating
NBC--Janet Shamlian
Entertainment Tonight--Jann Carl
ESPN--John Anderson
Upandown -- KGO-TV Frisco

Just a few I am aware of.

I'm sure they're all happy you're aware of them.

[TVMattNYC]

I've said this before and I'll say it again.

The vast majority of my colleagues, both on air and off, in every network newsroom I've ever worked, did NOT major in communications.

[that's life]

good advice. a buddy once told me "any idiot can learn to write", and that'll be all they teach you in j-school.

1) I'm just curious; don't mean or want to offend you- how would you know that's all they'd teach you in J-school? I think you all need to seriously reconsider your opinions.

And as for your buddy who said "any idiot can learn to write"... There are many genius writers out there... and I don't think many people would say Shakespeares an idiot. Iambic pentameter is a beautiful thing! Sure I might be stretching things using Billy Shakes as my example but the way to write and capture a viewer's attention is not as simple as your 8th grade book report you got a C+ on! For example, news is supposed to keep people up past 11 PM... you're book report put 8th grade teacher, Mrs. Jones face-first on the desk before she could pop her sleeping pills.
If you're good at writing, you can go anywhere in life. NOT saying j-school will teach you all there is to know, but that j-school combined with talent make good results.

2) J-school, at least at the accredited colleges, is more complex than just "durka durr, I can write." Not only do they teach you how to write at a college level, you must learn how to write more towards your level (the viewer, fourth grade). And it's harder to be dumber than you think (if that makes sense) and anyone who has actually experienced a good j-school will agree with me.

3) Continuing with the complexity, there are schools that offer more majors than just journalism and separate the differences between print and broadcast. Print majors will learn how to write around headlines and broadcast majors write around pictures. In this business, it's a trade and a skill to write around pictures and more specifically, pictures with action... and furthermore, sounds. No untrained person can just walk out of college with a history degree and expect to be set in this business. You LEARN these things.

4) Any IDIOT can learn history too! It doesn't take a genius to know Caesar crossed the Rubicon in 49 BC. And NO I actually didn't need to wiki that. I mean, are you comprehending what you're saying? Any IDIOT can do and learn whatever they put their IDIOTIC mind to (with the exception of science and physics and sometimes math- most of which have little to do with journalism) Journalism is a SKILL and a skill that you can become better at during college.

At least in broadcast journalism (I can't speak for print), they also teach you the physical aspects of reporting- the interviewing, camera-work, reliance on back-pack journalism after college, and not to forget, LAW. You know, the things Hammurabi's code didn't mention. I consider myself lucky to find a history student that knows what the hell an indictment is!
Interviewing takes a lot more practice than it looks. Sure- some people are naturals, but 90% of us need a little (and by a little, I mean a lot of) practice.

***If you're NOT positive broadcast journalism is what you want to do for a living, a) you're not a journalist and b) you shouldn't major in that.

***If you ARE absolutely positive broadcast journalism is what you want to do for a living, look for a good school- nationally accredited maybe- for journalism- see if it gets more specific than just communications; because you won't learn nearly enough if you're too broad.

That said, or rambled, it isn't a bad idea to minor in something else (as with ANY major) but perhaps a history or LAW-which I don't think ANYONE has mentioned on here- would be a great minor to pair with a journalism BA.

Sorry about the long post- just needed to get my rage out there. I'll argue for j-schools to the death! I experienced both sides so I back up my words with experience.

[Another OMB]

Just curious--is it possible to minor in law? Obviously, you have to go to law school to get a law degree. You can major in pre-law in undergrad, but I don't know how many, if any, actual law classes that includes.

So is it even possible to minor in law? It wasn't at my university.

[that's life]

Just curious--is it possible to minor in law?

I believe it was called Criminal Justice; and that you could minor or major in and would eventually lead to a law school.
Most colleges that I've seen have some form of law you can minor in. My j-school actually made it mandatory to take 3-4 classes of law before we could get our diploma.

[Steve Mizeraney]

Got news for you, buddy--your college curriculum has exactly nothing to do with your being hired. Having done the hiring, I can say that with certainty.

On-air jobs typically mean starting in a small market.

You want your resume to tell a ND to hire you? Get hands-on internships. Multiple. Then actually work while you're there. Practice writing, for example. Get some on-camera practice. that is how you build a tape, and skills.

By the way, majoring in PoliSci does not preclude your taking TV classes as well.

Despite your happy little story, Steve, most NDs don't look at college-produced tapes in awe. They're mostly a target for laugher.

Oh yeah? My job search took about five days and landed three offers, the smallest being in a 60-ish market. I landed my first gig in a 40s market and never looked back.

My resume (the paper and the tape) included real stories from a real TV station, done on daily deadline. No fake stuff from internships, parroting stories from shadowed reporters. Resume reflected abilities to do virtually all newsroom jobs, with other non-academic expertise in subjects ranging from law enforcement and emergency medicine to transportation and communications (thanks to jobs during school).

About that "real" tape and experience....you can get that with a journalism major at about five schools right now. That's a huge increase over "my day" when there were exactly two...

Yep, "typical" jobs mean starting small. I wasn't typical, nor were my classmates. News directors hired us because we could hit the ground running. And we did...

Internships? C'mon. We in the big leagues know better.

[Steve Mizeraney]

FOX--Phil Keating
NBC--Janet Shamlian
Entertainment Tonight--Jann Carl
ESPN--John Anderson
Upandown -- KGO-TV Frisco

Just a few I am aware of.

Other notables in the news:

The late Skip Caray

[TokenWhiteGirl]

First off, teenreporter, DON'T ever tell anyone in the business your goal is to be an anchor. I made this mistake when I was a ripe, young intern and looked like a fool in front of the chief photog and one of the senior reporters. Anchors usually don't contribute much to a newscast, as far as content, accuracy and importance are concerned. You have the right idea: to start reporting and retire anchoring, but don't make that your goal. IMHO, I think your goal should be to be the best journalist you can be without goals for complacency.

That being said, there are people who have knock-out resume tapes and start at decent-sized markets, but most do not. Most start small where they learn what it's really like in the field. Granted, you'll probably be working with idiots at your small station, but it can really build your character. Or else you could end up like some of the people I work with who landed a top-100 job right out of college and have no motivation, appreciation or consideration for anyone or anything. That's just who I work with; not everyone who started larger than me fit the description. Some got there from hard work they did in college.

As far as your school or major, it's really all about your talent. I went to a no-name state school and am a better asset in my newsroom than kids who went to well-known J-schools. I don't think there's a standard; reporters are so subjective. We have hired reporters/producers/anchors from USC, Florida, wherever, and they've been awful. Yet others have come from the local college and excelled. It's all about YOU and what you put into it.

I majored in communications but never learned a damn thing about journalism. I didn't even know what a vosot was until I interned. My path was very odd and not recommended, but it just goes to show that you can be successful no matter the path, as long as you work hard and dedicate yourself to the craft.

[that's life]

...It's really all about your talent... We have hired reporters/producers/anchors from USC, Florida, wherever, and they've been awful. Yet others have come from the local college and excelled. It's all about YOU and what you put into it.

Can't really say it better besides emphasize more on it-
It's not so much natural talent (although that helps) but how hard you work. Overtime is your friend.

...I majored in communications but never learned a damn thing about journalism. I didn't even know what a vosot was until I interned. My path was very odd and not recommended, but it just goes to show that you can be successful no matter the path, as long as you work hard and dedicate yourself to the craft.

Congratulations you token white girl (don't know where you're working) haha... but there's great schools out there- ones that actually filter out the goonies who want to slap their face on a tv and think that'll be their life. This stuff is more than a face. Your school SHOULD teach VOSOTs, VOs, PKGs, and in some cases, b-roll although that's going out of style like LA lights.

The BEST school has a credible program and a full newsroom that involves students. You should know almost every aspect of the newsroom stepping into your junior year, if not your sophmore. I knew just about every aspect of a tv station before even stepping foot into an internship... although an internship helps immensely, if you go to a great school with a great program, I really don't think its needed.
After all, most interns are NO help anyways. They get coffee and are thankful for doing that... and still they screw that up! Doesn't anyone know what a double-double is!?
Either way, it's all about your work ethic and if I go on any more; mine will fall!

[wx or not]

After all, most interns are NO help anyways. They get coffee and are thankful for doing that... and still they screw that up! Doesn't anyone know what a double-double is!?

Sure. Twins on Twins!

[teenreporter]

Hi Everyone, thanks for the help and the guidance. I have sorta narrowed down to 4 colleges I am looking into attending for Broadcast Journalism, let me know what you think about them.

My top choice is University of Missouri - Columbia

but if I dont get accepted here are the other colleges I am looking into

-Marquette University Milwaukee
-Columbia College Chicago
-UW-Milwaukee



-T.J.

[Spike]

http://members.arstechnica.com/x/toast/mistakety8.jpg

[PTP WX]

Hi Everyone, thanks for the help and the guidance. I have sorta narrowed down to 4 colleges I am looking into attending for Broadcast Journalism, let me know what you think about them.

My top choice is University of Missouri - Columbia

but if I dont get accepted here are the other colleges I am looking into

-Marquette University Milwaukee
-Columbia College Chicago
-UW-Milwaukee

-T.J.

Why not Western Illinois? or hell even Southern Illinois?

Stay in-state, keep it on the cheap. You'll get paid like that when you graduate anyway.

[that's life]

Yes- it is extremely important to stay in a place where it's cheap!

A few friends of mine are just getting married, still don't have jobs, and have over $200,000 worth of loans to pay back... EACH
By the time they pay that off, they're going to be paying the bank over a half a MILLION dollars... JUST in student loans and interest.

Not to mention the whole mortgage crisis happening right now- they'll probably get swallowed by that hurricane as well.

Go some place cheap that you can pay off your loans fast.
It's not worth it to go to a big-name school and pay big dollars to make peanuts in Waco, TX when you get out.

[Roy Hobbs]

Literally make peanuts.
http://media.2theadvocate.com/images/biz+peanut+61007.jpg

[Mighty Dyckerson]

Literally make peanuts.

Geez, could you at least ONCE try to be funny??

[WOS]

My top choice is University of Missouri - Columbia
but if I dont get accepted here are the other colleges I am looking into
-Marquette University Milwaukee
-Columbia College Chicago
-UW-Milwaukee.

All good choices, however, my advice is to minor in Broadcast Journalism, and major in Political Science, History or English, or double major in BJ and one of the others. It really doesn't take that much to learn "how to be on TV," especially if you have a natural knack for it. We got a lot of those on the air now. What we need more of, are reporters and anchors who know sh*t from shineola when it comes to knowledge of history, government and the English language.

Besides, a broader education might serve you better should the day come when you decide to get out of TV. The way the biz is going, that's something you should think seriously about.

[Mighty Dyckerson]

...or double major in BJ and one of the others.

I knew a couple of girls who majored in BJs.

:cheers: :whistle: :rockon: :thumbsup:

[WOS]

I'm convinced I worked with a few who advanced in BJ because of their expertise in BJs, cause there was nothing between their ears, but a vacuum.

[that's life]

I'm convinced I worked with a few who advanced in BJ because of their expertise in BJs, cause there was nothing between their ears, but a vacuum.

On-air success directly linked to ear vacuums
http://www.ubergizmo.com/photos/ear_vacuum_cleaner.jpg

[Max Schumacher]

Hi Everyone, thanks for the help and the guidance. I have sorta narrowed down to 4 colleges I am looking into attending for Broadcast Journalism, let me know what you think about them.

My top choice is University of Missouri - Columbia

but if I dont get accepted here are the other colleges I am looking into

-Marquette University Milwaukee
-Columbia College Chicago
-UW-Milwaukee



-T.J.
TJ/teenreporter,
Great choices. I'm a Mizzou grad and I would point out that many of us here would probably like to go back and teach the next generation from our mistakes. With that in mind, you might well be served to consider an undergrad degree in History, Poli Sci or another discipline, then get a masters in journalism...from Missouri. That way, when you're older and jaundiced and bitter about the business the way we are you can teach. Colleges are big on having letters after your name, regardless of how much more you know about The Real World than college professors.
Regardless, best of luck to you.

[csusandman]

...will certainly give you a big advantage! Before committing to a school, be sure to check out their student media program, if they have one.

I went to Colorado State University, which has a good Journalsim program and a great student media program, and graduated with a B.A. in Technical Journalism. While there I took as many of the journalism classes as I could, even the ones that weren't required for my degree. Why? Because I enjoyed them and wanted to know as much as I could.

And I did learn quite a bit in the classroom (Comm. Law, Newswriting, etc.) but where I really learned the most was at the Campus Television station: hands-on! It's one thing to learn in the class what a VO/SOT, PKG, RDR, etc. is but to actually have to put something together for air was such a better learning experience for me than reading about it.

Is the degree worth your time in college. That's for you to decide, really. I, personally, felt that it was for, at least, the first job. They saw that I had a great tape and the degree and that sold me to them. After that, the degree was more like the "cherry on top", if you will.

Your tape does speak volumes about you: experience, ability, workmanship, etc. It will get you the jobs later on in your career while the degree will be more of a great pad to your resume.

Good luck!

[teenreporter]

...will certainly give you a big advantage! Before committing to a school, be sure to check out their student media program, if they have one.

I went to Colorado State University, which has a good Journalsim program and a great student media program, and graduated with a B.A. in Technical Journalism. While there I took as many of the journalism classes as I could, even the ones that weren't required for my degree. Why? Because I enjoyed them and wanted to know as much as I could.

And I did learn quite a bit in the classroom (Comm. Law, Newswriting, etc.) but where I really learned the most was at the Campus Television station: hands-on! It's one thing to learn in the class what a VO/SOT, PKG, RDR, etc. is but to actually have to put something together for air was such a better learning experience for me than reading about it.

Is the degree worth your time in college. That's for you to decide, really. I, personally, felt that it was for, at least, the first job. They saw that I had a great tape and the degree and that sold me to them. After that, the degree was more like the "cherry on top", if you will.

Your tape does speak volumes about you: experience, ability, workmanship, etc. It will get you the jobs later on in your career while the degree will be more of a great pad to your resume.

Good luck!

That is what I am talking about, I am looking for a school with a great student media program. And the thing is, I want to start working at it my freshman year! I talked with Marquette and they said that you can start working at the College TV station (MUTV) your freshman year. The thing that lures me the most is if you can start working at the campus station your freshman year (I don't want to wait till Junior year, I am way to impatient now!!)

[Jane Craig]

TJ, you make me smile, and I mean that in the very best way! :)

[John M.]

I don't want to wait till Junior year, I am way to impatient now!!

You don't have to wait at all. Buy a MiniDV camera with an audio input, get a $30 lavaliere mic and an extension cable from Radio Shack and Adobe Premiere Elements (or equivalent) for $100 and start doing stories now.

I know I repeat this idea so often that you might think that I own a Radio Shack franchise but I don't, I promise.

Do stories about friends with interesting hobbies or who play sports, stories about things going on in your neighborhood or anyone who does something you're curious about who will be willing to participate.

Is it news? Maybe not but storytelling skills are universal. If you can tell a good story, you can cover any kind of topic. Plus, knowing how to shoot and edit will help your reporting, even if you manage to get a job where you don't have to shoot and edit your own work.

[Charlie Brown]

TJ,

You'd be well served to check out Illinois State as well. Look up and down the rosters of TVstations throughout the state...you'll find quite a few TV-10 graduates.

[csusandman]

That is what I am talking about, I am looking for a school with a great student media program. And the thing is, I want to start working at it my freshman year! I talked with Marquette and they said that you can start working at the College TV station (MUTV) your freshman year. The thing that lures me the most is if you can start working at the campus station your freshman year (I don't want to wait till Junior year, I am way to impatient now!!)

It's even better when it's a paid position at the student run station! I had that every year that I worked there and it really made things a lot nicer! You would think that all positions would be paid, but not so... you had to apply for the paid positions. Do so and enjoy!

[thebrain]

How are you paying for college?

[that's life]

How are you paying for college?

Forfeiting Pennsylvania Ave, Boardwalk, and Marvin Gardens.... Throw in a get out of jail free card too.

[Pregnant Reporter]

I've got two degrees- one in Journalism and one in Political Science.

I didn't learn s**t about Journalism in college- I learned it all on the job as the weekend anchor working for $4.95/hr reporting two days a week and reporting/producing/anchoring/editing tape/running prompter on weekends.

the J school I went to sucked- in fact, it lost its accreditation somewhere along the way. but the TV station where I interned has prospered. I love covering city council, state government, national politics and the analysis on TV.

OH, if I hadn't sacked out in middle america and birthed a bunch of kids, I'd so be on a national political talk show. *sigh*

but, back to you- don't worry about being on TV. TV is dry cleaning, expensive makeup and inflection. Journalism is passion and knowledge and experience.

Hope you find yours!

[adam & doctor drew]

I didn't learn s**t about Journalism in college

you must not've gone to Auburn.

[The Invisible Swordsman]

I have one other thought to add as to where to go to school. Why not look for a college that is home to a small market TV station. With Teenreporter’s experience after enrolling in school, he could go to a station and apply for a part-time job. That job, on the whole, would be more valuable after 4 years than a college degree. Follow me here: enroll in school, apply for job, get job, take a major in a different field, minor in journalism, keep job for four years, graduate with degree in anything but journalism, take next job in larger market on strength of part time job for four years. Then have a more valuable major incase you need it. Here are a few thoughts of towns around the Midwest.

Peoria – Bradley, Illinois State
La Crosse – Eau Claire – UW Eau Claire
Rockford – Northern Illinois (35 minutes away)
Wausau – Rhinelander – UW Steven’s Point
Terre Haute – Indiana State

Anyone think that sounds like a good idea?

[alaskanews]

Hi Everyone, thanks for the help and the guidance. I have sorta narrowed down to 4 colleges I am looking into attending for Broadcast Journalism, let me know what you think about them.

My top choice is University of Missouri - Columbia

but if I dont get accepted here are the other colleges I am looking into

-Marquette University Milwaukee
-Columbia College Chicago
-UW-Milwaukee



-T.J.


Sorry for the bump from hell but I'm new around here, I just wanted to echo the others when they say go for a cheap no-name school. I'm not sure how your degree is being paid for, but my parents told me long ago that college is on my own. I'm paying for it out of my pocket and that's why I am at my #4 choice school because of the price. I think it is one of the best decisions I've ever made, I started working behind the scenes of the #1 station in town when I was a freshman and within a year I was a fill-in producer. I have learned WAY more on the job in the last 2.5 years than I have in any of my classes which actually makes going to school quite painful at times. Journalism school is NOTHING like doing it for realsies.

So my recommendation: Cheap school in a town big enough to have TV stations, get a job at one of them and volunteer to do every odd job that comes up. I did that for 2 years and now I'm a reporter at one of the other stations in town. I can't guarantee the same will happen for you, I consider myself an oddity, but crazier things have happened.

[TVMattNYC]

They have TV in Alaska?

[alaskanews]

Yea, most stations have a livetruck, we have a live dogsled. Just watch out for those pesky polar bears... they can f*** up a shot.

:doh:

[Roy Hobbs]

They have TV in Alaska?

Hey you have a sled dog in Central Park...

[Spike]

They have TV in Alaska?

They even have indoor plumbing, Matt.