Journal logo

Blake McCoy on Preparing for a Broadcast Journalism Career

Blake McCoy | Chicago, IL

By Blake McCoyPublished about a year ago 3 min read
Like
https://blakemccoy.co/preparing-for-a-broadcast-journalism-career/

Broadcast journalists primarily communicate with large audiences through television, radio, and online media. They are responsible for reporting the news objectively. Usually, they conduct interviews and research stories to produce the best possible content.

Aside from being able to communicate effectively, broadcast journalists also need the technical skills to work with various platforms. These include a knowledge of television production techniques and online media. Here are steps you can take to prepare for a broadcast journalism career.

1. Research Broadcast Journalism

Many interested in becoming broadcast journalists start taking journalism classes at their high school. This allows them to understand the field and its competitive nature better.

Besides being able to communicate effectively, broadcast journalists also need to have the necessary technical skills to work with various platforms. The increasing popularity of online media and radio is expected to positively impact the future employment of broadcast journalists.

2. Obtain Higher Education

Journalists pursuing a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism typically major in mass communications, production, and news writing. In addition, many participate in extracurriculars, where they work in different areas of the media.

This allows them to obtain the technical skills to work with various platforms. This includes knowledge of how to produce and edit video, as well as how to operate cameras and other equipment.

3. Do an Internship

Most undergraduate programs in broadcast journalism provide for-credit internship opportunities. These allow students to observe and participate in professional radio and television shows. Although these are usually unpaid, they provide valuable experience and are a must for anyone who wants to improve their skills after graduating.

4. Join the Field

Getting a job in broadcast journalism is not easy due to the limited number of available positions in each market. Although large cities have more job openings, they also attract more experienced candidates. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, new graduates may be able to find employment opportunities in smaller markets.

5. Obtain New Skills

The nature of broadcast journalism has changed due to the rise of online media. This means that traditional positions may become fewer and fewer. To ensure that their future employment is secure, broadcast journalists must continuously learn new skills and keep up with the latest technology.

Some journalists can improve their skills and knowledge by obtaining a master’s degree in broadcast journalism. This program is designed to help them keep up with the latest technological changes.

About Blake McCoy

Blake McCoy is a dynamic, engaging broadcast journalist with a depth of experience. As a network news correspondent, Blake has traveled the country sharing stories of human triumph and tragedy, struggle and perseverance. As a local anchor, Blake has connected with audiences by leading top-rated newscasts with authenticity, accuracy and care.

Blake McCoy’s news journey began in Boise, Idaho where he spent nearly two years establishing the foundation for his career as a reporter and morning anchor at KBOI-TV.

Next stop was Las Vegas, NV where Blake McCoy worked as reporter and weekend anchor at KTNV, ABC Action News. Vegas had gone from boom to bust overnight, rattled by the 2008 financial crisis. Reporting on tourism from the fast-paced Las Vegas Strip, Blake found new urgency in the constant push for reinvention. Just beyond the neon, reporting juxtaposed with deeply personal stories of job loss, home foreclosure and desperation.

After three years in Las Vegas, Blake McCoy’s next career opportunity came from the highly respected, award-winning team at KARE 11, NBC in Minneapolis, MN. Blake would keep is schedule anchoring weekend evenings and reporting on important issues in the community. At KARE 11, Blake’s authenticity and smart reporting was quickly embraced by viewers of their #1 rated newscasts.

Network attention followed. Blake McCoy became a National Correspondent at NBC News reporting for TODAY, Nightly News, and MSNBC. Minnesota became his second-home as he would return often covering major stories including investigations and trials of multiple high-profile police shootings, racial injustice and the death of music icon Prince.

advicecareerlistindustry
Like

About the Creator

Blake McCoy

Blake McCoy is a dynamic, engaging broadcast journalist with a depth of experience. As a network news correspondent, Blake has traveled the country sharing stories of human triumph and tragedy, struggle and perseverance.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.