TV News Is A Tough Business

You’ve heard it before, “TV News is a tough business.” Well whoever you heard say it, wasn’t lying.

San Francisco Civic Center

San Francisco Civic Center

I remember one professor telling a classmate, “if you want to get ahead in this business, work hard, keep your head down, your nose clean and avoid social gatherings with colleagues. Always remember, there is someone younger, thinner & prettier with a demo reel sitting on your News Director’s Desk.

Sergio, Stacey & Lisa discuss the direction of the news content.

Sergio, Stacey & Lisa discuss the direction of the news content.

Don’t give your News Director a reason to look at it.”  She also reminded us to stay “hungry.” “Each day that you’re not in the newsroom,” she said, “you’re missing something. Every vacation or personal day you take, allows someone else to slip-in and take your spot. You must stay hungry & offer something the others do not. Find what makes you unique. Hone your skills and know your strength.”

KGO-TV Main Anchor - and mentor, @DanAshleyABC7

KGO-TV Main Anchor – and mentor, @DanAshleyABC7

I heard those words in 1999, from my Graduate Professor, Dr. Marsha Della Giustina at Emerson College in Boston.  Dr. Della Giustina was one of the first women to work in a newsroom. She told us stories about cigarette and cigar smoking at the desk, anchors having martini lunches, sexist jokes directed at her and the only other woman working and how it was common for the two of them to find tampons or other personal hygiene items – meant to embarrass them – left on their desks, daily.

“Women,” she was told, “do not belong in the newsroom.”
I can only imagine what it must have taken to work in that kind of environment and still – find a way to push through.  Hats off to the pioneers.

Fortunately, the culture and gender make-up of newsrooms across the country has changed. Women hold positions in every area of TV.

USGS & Photographer Extraordinaire, @DeanCSmith

USGS & Photographer Extraordinaire, @DeanCSmith

Although I haven’t done an official count, I think at KGO-TV/ABC7 News we have a ratio of about 60/40 in favor of women.

Gender balance isn’t the only change – technology and workload requirements have also shifted.  In many instances, we find ourselves doing much more: news gathering, editing, writing, cutting video, transmitting video, audio management, setting up stories, & maintenance of equipment with fewer resources.
Sexist hostility has given way to a new monster: the management of media and delivery of information on multiple platforms: tv, web, social media, print & radio.  Again, with fewer resources.

The pressures of the environment remain.  Yes, TV News is a tough business – still, many find a way to push through.

Doug Yakel - SFO Public Information Officer

Doug Yakel – SFO Public Information Officer

I’ve never had to suffer the indignities early pioneers faced, but I’m strengthened because of it.
Two of my personal and professional favorites: Andrew Shepherd & Robert Dragavon - Photographer/ENG Truck Operators

Two of my personal and professional favorites: Andrew Shepherd & Robert Dragavon – Photographer/ENG Truck Operators

I share my stories of Dr. Della Giustina, because those lessons have never left me; as a writer, producer, photog, truck operator, Reporter, Anchor or Host.  Like many at KGO-TV/ABC7 News, I’ve worn many hats.
I work hard, I keep my head down and nose clean and I never attend social gatherings with colleagues.
Weekend Assignment Manager, Ed Walsh

Weekend Assignment Manager, Ed Walsh

Today I was off, but as I’ve always done, I went by the studio to check my schedule, speak with the weekend assignment managers and check my email.  Earlier this week I scored an exclusive – because of steps taken on my days off. Breaking stories and developing sources is the best way to raise your stock and reinforce your value.   I believe a large part of the success I’ve had in my career, has been because of it.
I’m still hungry but I’m finding it harder and harder to digest the meal I’ve eaten since 1999.  The chefs have changed, but it still tastes like chicken.
In April, I was reminded of what “makes me unique.” In the days to come, I hope to share more of my journey with others and learn new ways to create a meal that remains pleasing to the palate – a new way to push through.