College is hard enough as it is, but then you get the people out there who when you tell them that your major is journalism, they're like oh that's got to be so easy and you sit there wanting to just explain all the reasons why it's not.
Why is journalism hard? The answer is not as simple as it may seem.
Becoming a journalist isn't just all cover stories and interviewing celebs (although there is a lot of that), but it also has so much late-night editing and having to reschedule because of messed up audio or bad video quality.
Whether it's for the radio or TV, there are just some things only a broadcast journalism major can understand.
1. Deadlines, Deadlines, Deadlines!
This is number one because sometimes you literally have to put a package (or entire 30-minute newscast) together within literal hours till air time.
2. Being a one man band
Sometimes, especially in radio, you are literally the ONLY person in the studio who is in charge of the news or when you go out to get your packages as a news reporter.
3. Early mornings and late nights
Especially that one 6 a.m. class that you are at every other week or so. Unfortunately, its part of the job and whether you like it or not,m chances are you won't be able to pick what you're hours are on the first job so you better get used to it now.
4. Being an introvert and having to go do an interview
This one has been a major struggle for me because you have to actually talk to people. But once you do it a few times, it becomes easier.
5. That feeling that come after your first time of being on camera
Trust me, it's one of the best feelings in the world.
6. Ad-libbing
Especially when giving the weather report or something that just happened with new information coming in by the minute.
7. Tons of other skills are needed besides writing
For example, good people skills and the ability to connect with them, a good on TV presence as well as a good voice for broadcast (which can be developed with time).
8. Failing
I'm not going to sugar coat it, you WILL fail at some point. It could be doing your first ever package, mispronouncing a name on air (I've done this a lot and the key is to put the phonetic spelling in parentheses next to it) or just simply jumbling over your words and rushing. No matter what keep going at it.
Perseverance is key to succeeding in not only journalism but life as well.
9. You have to be desensitized
Sometimes it's ok to cry and show emotion on air, but it needs to be appropriate. Is the story sad? Did you just interview someone who lost something or someone?
Journalists aren't supposed to influence their viewers (even though many do in some way or another) so if you don't like that team or person or whatever it is, you can't show it on TV.
On most occasions, journalists tend to appear as if they care less but that's just because they've learned the art of poker face and detachment.
10. AP style writing and the itty bitty, nitty gritty, little details you have to remember
This one is more for print journalists than broadcast, but that doesn't mean it isn't just as much of a struggle.
What's AP Style, you ask? The agreed-upon guide for abbreviations, capitalization, titles, contractions, and other equally exciting grammar topics.
11. Technical difficulties
This can be anything from sound quality (which I still have yet to master from my high school days) to having to go live with a report because the prerecorded one didn't look right.
12. Finding that unique angle that NO ONE has ever used before.
Its hard, especially if it is a story that is so overdone, your'e not even sure if there is a fresh take on it.
13. Fact-checking, well EVERYTHING
Because in the real world, you can be fired or sue for libel if you misquote someone or don't do thorough research and give wrong facts.
