Becoming a Newscaster: Breaking into the Industry

There are many positions that open daily in the industry of multimedia communications. One of the most rewarding careers is that of News casting. You will find it to be an exciting, fast paced, multi-faceted position. It is also a very important position also. You will be the face that brings the news to millions of people nationwide.

Ninety years ago, the news was first being broadcast over radio stations. Soon after the invention of the television made it possible for people to see the news as well as hear about it. KDKA was the first radio station to broadcast the news from Pittsburgh. Kolin Hager was the first ever newscaster on the television. He would bring the farm news and weather reports several times a week to residents from W2XB in New York.

Have you thought about pursuing a career as a News caster? Besides getting the right education and skills, there are few other things you can do. Practice writing your own programs and scripts. Have someone else read them too, to see how they sound. Listen to how the News casters sound on television, and then practice some more.

Another sound piece of advice is to stand in front of a movie camera and practice speaking. Have someone with a video camera take a clip of you reading or quoting from your script. Continue this kind of practice until you are at ease in front of the camera. If you are uncomfortable at first, doing this in front of someone, practice in front of your own camera a few times first.

You can start preparing for interviews before you are even finished with your education. Start by making some demo tapes. Send them out to the larger television networks and stations. You should also include a note, pleasant of course, asking them to return the tapes if they have no interest in interviewing you.

Film Schools in California suggest that you get some experience in being a News caster. This not only looks good on a resume, but gives you references that might help you get your foot in the door. Apply for part time or fill in positions with local Colleges or local news casting stations in your area.

Internships are another source for receiving more training and experience as a News caster. Apply at the larger networks first. They are finicky about who they hire, so you know you will be mentored by the best. This may also get your foot in the door at their company, since the will be training you in the way they already do things.

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