So, as Vincent and I were sitting in a local coffee shop this morning I overheard a woman's conversation about Good Morning America. She started to rant about the Royal Baby and how that isn't news. Then, she started to rant about a new segment they have called "What's Trending?"
Ring a bell? Hundreds, if not thousands, of you have the same feelings on a daily basis. It appears that TV News cares more about the Royal Baby than pressing issues in your community or our Country for that matter. Wait, is that true?
Here's the thing: Majority of reporters don't want to be reporting on the Royal Baby either. And I'm a reporter that loves happy news! But, the fact of the matter is.. it generates clicks and shares on the web and social media sites. That's why it's in your face.
(Yes, I consider myself a social media nerd. So, chances are I would love a segment on What's Trending. Wait.. I've been there. It was probably my favorite segment I've ever done. I felt in my element. But, I do realize this doesn't appeal to everyone.)
How many times was that story about city council retweeted? None. How many times did that story about the Flying Squirrel get shared? 2,000. Oh ok.. there's your answer folks.
Time and time again I hear my colleagues talk about how much TV News has changed. I hear my close friends in the business ask themselves all the time if this is the career they really want for the rest of their lives.
For the most part, I consider myself and these friends "news hounds." We love to dig up stories, we love to report on the problems in your city, county. First on the scene? Yep, we live for that. We live for Breaking News. We want every detail and we want it now.
We analyze every newscast in our area. We watch National news to see how we can improve. But, in the end local news just isn't the same and it's not on the national level either.
If you're like me, you had college professors that are considered "old school." You were virtually trained to report and anchor in a certain way. You know what news is. You live for that adrenaline rush every day. You never start a story off in past tense and you NEVER use the world allegedly. (Thank Goodness for these Professors. I wouldn't be as prepared for this TV world if it wasn't for them)
It's a different world and we knew what we were getting into. But, is it just me or do you as a reporter still question if you love what you do? Is it the hours? The job? The dedication? Why is there doubt among so many young professional reporters?
Are we just the generation of wanting something more? Wanting to move above and beyond every second of every day??
So many questions.. not enough answers. But, that's just the story of my life and my career. No one can ever answer enough questions.
