| Topic Name: |
Weekend vs. AM Anchor pay |
| Message Name: |
A little help.... |
| Date Posted: |
05/19/2005 |
| Message: |
A lot depends on ownership of station, and the level of value the management places on strong talent.
That being said, a few thoughts:
--Follow the revenue stream.
For the most part, morning shows make a lot more money for a station than weekends do. Meaning, the station wants to find stronger talent (i.e.: pay them more) and create a stronger product for mornings, as opposed to weekends.
--Often, weekend anchor gigs are given as a token to strong, well known reporters who are getting nibbles elsewhere, and threatening to bolt. Meaning, ND's give anchor experience and the "prestige" of the weekend anchor desk instead of money.
--Something to keep in mind. Many small markets have solo weekend anchors. If that is the case, try and leverage more money out of it.
--While most of the weekend is considered a "throw-away", Sunday night is one of the most lucrative for tv stations (second most watched night of the week I think). So--don't let them short-change you if you're anchoring their Sunday 11pm (play up the "Desperate Housewives" viewer argument!)
--Realize that if you take an AM job, often your numbers will ebb and flow with the network lead-out (GMA, TODAY, Early Show), and that your success or failure can be dictated strongly by forces out of your control. And, realize the morning shows are highly competetive and voliatile right now.
Just a few nuggets to mull over.
Good luck!
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