Q. I thought I'd throw my question into the pot.
I'm a recent grad and a new reporter just two months into the job. The transition has been brutal, but that's beside the point. I was told over the phone that this position was unique for a small market because I'd have my own photographer ... a few of the reporters do, but others were hired and trained as one-man bands in case a photog was not available.
According to my contract, I was hired as a reporter/anchor. Nowhere does my contract specifically mention being expected to shoot NOR does it mention not having to shoot my own material, so it's quite vague about my "services" as a reporter.
But recently, I received an e-mail from left field saying we're short a photog next week and I'll have to one-man band. I have never even been trained, and I fear the managers see this as an opportunity to convert me into a one-man band.
I feel like I was led on by false pretenses about this position. I just left a one-man-band position at a station, and I turned down a reporter position because I thought this station was a better fit for numerous reasons. But how much can news managers get away with? And how specific does a contract have to be to protect employees from being exploited more than they already are? If they want me to take on one-man band responsibilities should I ask to have the contract revised to reflect specifics?
I cheated. That was three questions. My apologies. Any advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated.
SwitchedA. For an answer, I invited, Brian Trauring, news director of WTVG in Toledo and a director at large with the Radio-Television News Directors Association. -- Joe My advice is to try to look at this through a slightly different prism. Instead of becoming upset, look for opportunities to expand as a reporter and think about your next position. If you occasionally must shoot or edit, even though it’s not in your contract, you can position yourself as someone who can do a better job telling stories because you have a greater appreciation for what a great photographer needs. You’ll be better able to communicate with the photographer and gain his/her trust because you’ve been there and understand their job. Try to focus on the positives.
If you are going to be miserable and you have a long period left on your contract, I would respectfully ask for an appointment with your supervisor. Explain that while you want to be a team player, you a.) should be given the training necessary should photography be a job requirement and b.) believe that the company should be honest with you if the responsibilities are going to become a routine part of the job. Explain that you are only concerned about continuing to do a great job and that should you have to shoot and edit, the quality of your reporting may suffer.
If the supervisor tells you that you will be shooting regularly, and this is highly objectionable, you can explore the possibility of ending the contract early because essentially the terms are being changed. Just keep in mind, your news supervisor may be doing what they consider necessary because the economy is rapidly causing all stations to try and do more with less. This may not be the time you want to be searching for a job unless you can line something up in advance. You may wish to consider consulting with your attorney to determine your legal options.
My recommendation is to be honest and respectful and try to reach an understanding that allows you to continue your growth professionally while not compromising your core values!
Coming Friday: She says her kids are grown and no longer need her, so she wants to resume her career, but wonders: Will her passion for singing on stage get in journalism's way?
