I am a reporter/anchor at KQDS at FOX 21.
I got my job through research and patience. After graduating, I searched for reporter positions all around the country and sent them my reel, resume and cover letter. Fox 21 was the first station that I liked who also liked me. I found them through LinkedIn.
On a typical day, I come into work 30 minutes early to research, answer emails and do anything I have to in order to prepare for the day. We start with a pitch meeting where we go through our stories for the day. Once I know what stories I’m assigned, I pack up my gear and head to the various locations (usually three or so). I interview people, film b-roll footage and do research on the things I’ll need to know for my stories. Then I come back to the station, log my interviews and begin writing. After I write everything, I begin editing all the footage together to make a finished product. At the end of the day, after our show airs, I write and post my stories on our website and different social media accounts.
The advice I swear by is in two parts:
For this job, eagerness and dedication to your career, time management, and the ability to take care of and respect the equipment that you are using on a daily basis.
Taking care of equipment was something major that I learned at UNG. It’s absolutely critical in a job like this since you are extremely active with your gear, and without it, you can’t do your job.