Q.I have worked in television news for the past seven years. I've worked in two top 50 markets as a producer, in a smaller market as a reporter/anchor, and am now working part-time (as a reporter) in a top 30 market.
I am at a crossroads with where to go next. I am about to get married, to a man also on air in television news, and realize that sooner than later I will so much desire a normal schedule, less stress and a better paying job than local TV news could ever supply.
I have actually run across a great transition type of job. It's a Web site that is offering "news stories" to clients. (Right now they are only servicing personal-injury attorneys.)
I've been freelance reporting for the company for about two months now and see the potential for this idea to really be big.
It's really more of a personal dilemma, but any advice you can offer on "should I depart from TV now or later?" will be great!
At a CrossroadsA. I'd like to know more about this new medium you have found, but can give you a few reactions.
The first is that, if this meets your journalistic standards, it could be a great opportunity to mesh your personal and work needs because it appears not to be tethered to specific broadcast times. That can give you flexibility and you can give the site credibility.
The second is that a broader skill set, bringing Web skills together with your broadcasting skills, cannot be a bad thing.
You sound excited about the potential for this new service. As traditional news media search for business models that will work, perhaps this will provide some ideas.
Good luck with it.
This journalist reached out to Poynter's "Ask the Recruiter" and Standing Up for Journalism.
Coming Friday: Her professors graciously volunteered the names of some contacts who might help her in her job search. But how should she approach the contacts?
