Things I learned working in media

1.     I’m good at minding my business but also being in yours. Yes, it is true. Everyone has a story to tell…but maybe I’m not the one who’s supposed to tell it. If you ever had the opportunity, to work at a call center, retail store, or even an assignment desk in the newsroom, you know first-hand how people want to tell you their life story. First of all, sir—HOW CAN I HELP YOU? It’s not that I don’t want to help you or the next person but sometimes…I don’t need to know that your cat died, what does that have to do with you paying your cell phone bill?

2.     Telling a good story. You probably chuckled a little, when I asked the man what does his cat have to do with him paying for his cell phone. But anywho, telling a good story, or just storytelling in general, is simply having a conversation. You’d be surprised, how NOT easy that is.

3.     Owning my mistakes. Most times, when working in the news, the question seems to pop up “Do you want to be first or correct?” I want to do both. I’ve had the opportunity to work with multiple media outlets and when you’re accurate, people can trust you…but if you’re wrong and first…you lose your creditability. As a digital content producer, my work may reach hundreds, even thousands of people and once you make a mistake, such as a grammatical or spelling error, people are quick to point it out. So, first I own it, I fix it, and then I move on.

4.     It doesn’t hurt to take the extra step.  Did you do your research? Who are your sources? Double and triple-check your work. And if you’re unsure, go with your gut.

Journalism school teaches you how to be accurate, authentic, and trustworthy. In today’s social media world, I believe there are a lot more people who presume themselves as a “journalist”, but it’s not as easy, as just picking up a camera with a microphone. Everyone has an audience, but what are you feeding them?

Do you want to be the best of the worst and worst of the best?