Getting into the local TV industry

[Market146 2]

This is Market146 here, I recently got into stuff like broadcast news design after lurking here and I may ask plenty of questions, I want to know where this might lead me to.

 

Thank you.

[Ntropolis 596]

Welcome! I'm sure there are plenty of people here that would love to help, but could you tell us more about what you want to do exactly? Are you in high school? College?

 

I'm not in TV (yet), but my advice would be to gain experience, make connections, and sell yourself... if you're in high school it might benefit you to do your post-secondary education in a smaller market where it might be easier to get your foot in the door.

[Market146 2]

If your not in TV what are you doing currently? I wish I took more advantage of my high school years. I can get by with some college though, can't I? I live within the range of a small market, that's convenient. What else did you want to know about me? I can tell you anything.

 

I'm not the on-air type, but an artist of a newscast perhaps. There's a graphic artist job open in my market, but I don't have that much on-air control over my artwork since it is a Nexstar channel. Besides, they would probably prefer more experience. Maybe start at a market even smaller than where I am now?

 

But thank you. I know you'd be happy to answer any questions I have about the industry.

[Ntropolis 596]

Right now I'm a college student in a small market (Wilmington is ranked #130-something). I have opportunities on-campus I can use to gain experience.

 

Fortunately, the TV industry puts more emphasis on skills and real-world experience than educational experience. It's also about networking and getting to know people. Any way you can get in, do it. Hopefully some more folks will get in here and provide some better input than I can!

[Guest]

I was able to get an artist job in a mid-sized market with no prior TV experience. It's all about your portfolio. Feel free to mock up some graphics for fake stations or try and see if you can make some elements that might fit the look of the station you are applying at.

 

In TV, it's more about who you know. If you have any questions or guidance in landing this job, let me know. I've worked for a few stations now in the graphics department and could probably help you out.

[Market146 2]

Yes. Is there anything I must know as in things like the working differences between min-med-large markets,etc.?

[5Viewer 1]

Generally, you start out at a smaller market, but, with anything, there are also exceptions. In medium to larger markets, you may be able to start at an entry-level position like a production assistant, but if it's a decently sized market, they are going to want you to have some experience in media. If you're still in college, I strongly recommend getting involved with multiple types of student media on your campus. I'm a college student now, and one of the editors of one of the largest college newspapers, and I say my experience at the paper, and my experience in broadcast has helped me greatly.