How to be a News Reporter (Pay, Advice, Education and MORE!)

Summary

In this video, the speaker, a seasoned broadcast journalist, shares insights into the challenges and rewards of the profession. They emphasize the importance of hands-on experience, creativity, and a deep understanding of the visual-driven nature of TV journalism. Drawing from their own experiences, they highlight how a personal connection to family life has enriched their reporting, providing a unique perspective when covering stories involving families or children. The speaker also offers valuable advice for aspiring journalists, urging them to immerse themselves in the industry and build practical skills while staying creative in storytelling.

Takeaways

• 😀 Broadcasting journalism offers the opportunity to learn from diverse experiences and perspectives, helping you grow professionally and personally.
• 😀 Meeting people from all walks of life, from industry experts to ordinary citizens, is fulfilling and provides valuable insight into different situations.
• 😀 Gaining hands-on experience is crucial for entering the journalism field, including internships, creating your own content, and actively learning through practice.
• 😀 Aspiring journalists should engage with professionals in the field, asking questions and seeking advice, as most are willing to help and provide feedback.
• 😀 Watching various news coverage and analyzing different reporting styles will help develop a better understanding of the field and improve your own approach.
• 😀 Creativity plays a central role in journalism, especially in TV news, where visual storytelling is key to capturing emotions and delivering impactful stories.
• 😀 TV journalism is distinct from other forms of media like radio and print, requiring a video-driven approach to tell stories and engage the audience effectively.
• 😀 It's important to focus on capturing visuals, such as video of people interacting, as TV news relies heavily on this form of storytelling.
• 😀 Being a family person can provide valuable perspective when covering news, especially in stories related to children, family dynamics, or education.
• 😀 The personal experience of raising children can help reporters empathize with the challenges others face in similar situations, improving their coverage of family-related issues.
• 😀 To thrive in journalism, it's important to get both a solid education and as much practical experience as possible to ensure success in the field.

Q & A

What does Dan Rascon find fulfilling about his career as a broadcast journalist?

Dan Rascon finds fulfillment in learning from people’s experiences, whether it’s from industry experts or everyday people dealing with life’s challenges. He enjoys understanding different perspectives and how people cope with various situations, including tragic ones.

How does Dan Rascon approach storytelling in his TV journalism career?

Dan Rascon focuses on making his stories visually driven. He believes TV journalism differs from other forms of media like radio or print, as it requires capturing emotions and actions through video. He emphasizes the importance of showing, rather than just telling, the story.

What advice does Dan Rascon give to those wanting to enter the broadcast journalism industry?

Dan advises aspiring journalists to get as much hands-on experience as possible. He suggests internships, practicing story writing, and working with cameras to gain practical knowledge. Additionally, he recommends watching a variety of news reports to learn from different reporters' styles.

How does Dan Rascon suggest aspiring journalists can improve their creativity?

He encourages aspiring journalists to be creative in their storytelling, particularly in TV journalism, where visuals are essential. Finding innovative ways to capture and present stories will set them apart.

What role does creativity play in TV journalism, according to Dan Rascon?

Creativity is crucial in TV journalism as it allows journalists to find unique ways to present stories. Dan highlights that capturing emotions through video and presenting visual aspects of a story is a key part of storytelling in television.

What is Dan Rascon’s perspective on the difference between TV journalism and other forms of media?

Dan explains that TV journalism is visually driven, requiring a focus on capturing emotions and interactions through video. In contrast, radio and print journalism handle stories differently, as they rely more on written content and audio rather than visuals.

How has being a family man influenced Dan Rascon’s approach to journalism?

Being a family man has given Dan a new perspective on stories related to children and family life. His personal experiences with raising kids help him connect with and understand the struggles and emotions of families featured in the stories he covers.

Does Dan Rascon believe that being a family man is essential for being a great reporter?

While Dan believes being a family man has enhanced his perspective as a reporter, he acknowledges that it is not a requirement for being a great journalist. However, it has provided him with deeper insights into stories involving families and children.

What does Dan Rascon say about the importance of internships in a journalism career?

Dan strongly recommends internships for anyone wanting to enter the journalism field. He believes they offer valuable hands-on experience and exposure to the industry, helping students learn the practical aspects of reporting and news coverage.

What kind of preparation does Dan Rascon recommend for someone interested in TV news reporting?

Dan suggests aspiring TV reporters practice shooting video, conducting interviews, and learning to tell stories through visuals. He also recommends spending time in TV stations and gaining firsthand experience in the newsroom environment to understand the processes involved.