Job Title: Journalist
Location: Fort Myers, FL
Submitted on: 22-Dec-04
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Laid back and comfortable are the words to describe the way Waterman
Broadcasting presents itself to new hires. The neophyte is eased into
the routine with a week of introduction and training. This usually means
spending lots of time with the Human Resources director, hours of
newsroom computer software training, and even shadowing of a senior or
sometimes newer employee. Every now and then, a reporter will be thrown
into a breaking news situation on the first day or two of work. This is
rare, but very possible.
For new hires, it is important to note there are three main shifts, and
a combination of all three as needed. Some people end up working them
all during their tenure, while others have been able to wheel and deal
into the position they desire right away. The shifts are: morning, day,
and night shifts. Rookie reporters normally begin working three days a
weekday, then either day or nightside weekends. Graduation normally
means moving to Monday through Friday nightsides, and eventually to
Monday through Friday dayside. Some employees move up in the ranks right
away while others could be passed over several times, depending on the
hiring situation.
Management seems to be relatively open to listening to employee needs,
so the advice is: if you want to advance, you must actually ask for a
position change and be relatively vocal and active about it, or face the
consequences of being ignored. Shift changes do not automatically happen
once new hires are added after you, and usually the most vocal reporter
wins. It is much easier for them to pass over someone who never speaks
up.
Dress code is typical of any newsroom, and perhaps on the conservative
side. For men, best responses include tailored suits, bright ties, and
always "oncam" appearance, even on days when you are not expecting to be
on television. For women, bigger hair, brighter (but tasteful) makeup
and bright solid color suits are the norm. Don't forget the hairspray as
you will probably need it several times a day, especially in the heat of
summer.
Opportunities for advancement are good, especially if the management
likes you. Even if you are not the best performer, your attitude and
willingness to be creative and different count more. The rule of thumb
is you will get better with practice, but must possess the personality
and positive attitude to get the chance to advance. Many reporters have
advanced into top anchor positions. Most likely, this will not happen
quickly and could take two, three, even four or five years. Much of this
is dependent on whether existing anchors are planning to leave. The
company is very good about promoting from within, and will always give
reporters chances to take part in anchor try outs with outside
candidates. Even if you don't intend to become an anchor, go to the
tryouts anyway because management perceives you are a team player and
are interested in being dedicated to the company. Some people have even
left producer positions to become midlevel managers. Even though these
positions are often dissolved, renamed or even sometimes obsolete,
management is quick to reward who they think are good employees with a
title change and small salary boost as an incentive.
Overall, working here is a good springboard to other advances. Examples
include Dateline's Hoda Kotbe, FOX's Shepard Smith, and KYW's Ukee
Washington.
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