What a TV News Anchor at ABC7 News Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the News Industry
Kristen wishes she had known about the personal sacrifices required to be a TV News Anchor, including frequent relocation from "small town to slightly larger small town" and the need to "be prepared to work crazy shifts" covering news 24/7, even on holidays. Also, Kristen says that becoming proficient in multiple skills, like shooting video, editing, blogging, and podcasting, increases employability as platforms evolve, but "fact checking, the information gathering, content creation... will always be needed."
Work-Life Balance, Adaptability, Skill Development, Relocation, Time Management
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Kristen Sze
TV News Anchor
ABC7 News KGO-TV
UC Berkeley
Political Science, American Studies
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Communication and Marketing
Immigrant
Video Highlights
1. Personal Sacrifices: Be prepared to make personal sacrifices such as frequent relocation to different cities to advance your career and adapt to potential job changes due to new management.
2. Irregular Work Hours: The news industry operates 24/7, requiring a willingness to work varied shifts, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays.
3. Versatility and Adaptability: Develop a wide range of skills beyond just reporting or anchoring, such as shooting and editing video, social media management, blogging, and podcasting, to increase employability and adapt to evolving platforms.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
I've learned that in this role, you have to be okay with making a lot of personal sacrifices. You definitely have to move around a lot, from small towns to larger ones.
If a new news director comes in, they might decide you're not the right fit, and you'll have to find another job. This means you have to be prepared to move, start over, make new friends, and establish new roots.
You also need to be ready to work crazy shifts because the news operates 24/7. While others might work nine to five, you'll be working around the clock.
For example, I worked the morning shift for 15 years, from 3 AM to 12 PM. Others might work the evening shift, from 3 PM to 11 PM or 11:30 PM, to cover the 11 o'clock news. Be prepared for holidays and weekends too, as you still need to report on events occurring on those days.
The more skills you have, the more employable you are. Don't limit yourself to just anchoring or reporting. If you can also shoot and edit video, manage social media, blog, write, or create podcasts, you'll be more valuable.
The platforms for distributing content may evolve, so you need to stay flexible and curious. Fact-checking, information gathering, and content creation will always be necessary. Just be aware that you may need to be adaptable in how and where you share that content, as platforms can change. You always want to be on top of these changes.