Breaking into journalism can seem intimidating. Many students are interested in in the field but do not know how to start their careers. In an interview with Lloyd Siegel, a current adjunct professor at Montclair State and Columbia University, he assures students that with the right tools and work ethic, breaking into journalism is possible.
Siegel started his career as an intern for WKYC in Cleveland, before quickly moving up the ranks to a reporter. He has since worked for WRC in Washington, NBC Nightly News and in management for 20 years at NBC News. Siegel’s experience as a reporter, producer, and manager, has honed his awareness of what makes for a great story and a stellar reporter.
According to Siegel, the journalistic arena has changed since Watergate, particularly in the way news is delivered. “There was no cable news then. You did not have this ongoing 24-hour coverage or the variety of digital platforms that exist today,” he said. To remain competitive through these changes, Siegel reminds new reporters to work hard, enhance their writing, and expand their skills.
These skills will be helpful in adjusting to the consolidation within the news industry. With the internet directly affecting newspaper profits, legacy organizations are forced to become more creative. The New York Times, as one example, manages to remain ahead of the pack by reevaluating, and imagining, what the newspaper can do.
“The Times is creating more platforms and more ways of reaching the readers,” Siegel said. He explains that their combined use of online platforms and digital podcasts, partnered with their dedication to unique coverage, keeps the New York Times going strong. They manage to find stories nobody else has and do investigative work, which can take months to complete.
According to Siegel, such stories are at the heart of journalism. “Not every organization can investigate like the New York Times does. Still, in the early steps of your career, try to find somewhere to work where you can employ research and investigation skills, and original reporting, to serve the public.” He emphasizes the importance of hard work, and a desire to inform readers of what is going on, as a way to stay competitive in this economic climate.
Hard work is only the beginning. With the effects of consolidation on reporters, and as overlap increases between assignments, Siegel reminds young journalists to “make sure [their] writing is up to par,” but it is not just about being a good writer. Successful journalists are great writers, reporters, and listeners.
They know how to ask the right questions, and understand how to work with the answers. They report with great accuracy and have high ethical standards for their work. They are aware that accuracy goes beyond the individual journalist, and serves the entire industry as a whole.
Reporters should also remain relevant and eager to learn. It is no longer enough to be a good writer and reporter. Siegel emphasizes the need to ask yourself “what do I know about that?” Reporters should be platform agnostic, proficient in print and video, and comfortable online. In short - the more skills you have online and elsewhere, the more you can do, and the better off you will withstand the current, and future, economy.
Do not just do it for yourself, though. Siegel reminds journalists to “consider what you can do to help your organization interact with your target audience, and engage them. Consider how you can help readers and viewers feel like they are part of something bigger.” Building this kind of a community will increase awareness, and grow readership – two key factors in maintaining a news outlet.
Finally, young journalists should continue educating themselves. Be aware of what is going on in the media business, and learn more about those topics that you might be interested in covering. Go out and write about things that peak your curiosity. In the words of Siegel, “write like crazy. Find somewhere to put your writing, so that when you look for work, you will already have a sheaf of published articles. You’ve done something that’s appeared elsewhere, which is important.”
While it might seem daunting, there are many outlets available for young journalists to get started, including creating their own opportunities.
