Television makes being a journalist look glamorous as all hell. Flashing lights, big celebrities, all of this happening while looking flawless. Ask any journalism major or working professional and they will tell you that this TV fantasy is a load of bull crap.
This job is hard. Late nights, short deadlines, sources never returning your calls, etc. While thinking about all of the crap we journalism majors have to go through to report our news, I thought that there would be no one better to demonstrate my points than the fabulous characters from Sex and the City.
1. Calling random people to find a source
You pretty much ask that person any thing you can think of the hopes of getting something good.
2. When sources never get back to you
I know they don't totally understand the seriousness of meeting my deadline, but COME ON! You really can't take my calls or answer my 100 emails?
3. When someone wants to be kept 'anonymous'
Your secret is safe with me pal, just give me something I can work with.
4. When someone takes your story idea
How dare you! Do you have any idea how long it took me to come up with a good story that will actually work?!
5. When someone brings up politics
Have no opinion, keep silent, say nothing. You can't be biased in any way.
6. When you have to share a story
If it's a big story, then sorry, but I'd rather not.
7. When you nail a story
Oh happy day you did it!! Go celebrate, you deserve it. Seriously.
8. When people just don't get what you do
9. When you show your boss your work
Please don't completely hate it, please don't completely hate it.
10. Knowing there is nothing else you'd rather do
It may be an incredibly difficult and time consuming job, but deep down you can't imagine doing anything else with your life. There is a certain rush from cracking a story, or finding that perfect bit of information from that perfect source. Pieces just kind of fall into place, and it's the best feeling in the world knowing you did your job the best you could.
Three cheers to the journalist!
