A News Life; Transparency
Transparency.
I was a news reporter in my previous life. I worked hard for NBC, ABC, CBS locals, and Fox News. I covered all kinds of crime stories and knew those “perp walks” would be gold in my package. I’d used the perp walk video hundreds of times in my stories. I also knew the suspect would immediately appear guilty, even if they weren’t.
Transparency.
Reporters work under harsh time constraints. News directors are no different, and now more than ever - ND’s are pressured to hire more MMJ’s (multiple media journalists) to do the jobs of what 2 or 3 other people used to do. That obvious truth is not a slam on news managers, recruiters, or even station owners. It’s more about the business side of news seeing a harsh reflection of itself, and how news staff - in all departments - are carrying a much heavier editorial load than ever before - and maybe for less money.
Transparency.
Every year, the number of people wanting to get into the news business, or continue churning within it only grows. The hours are long. The assignments overlap. And the pay, well, it is what is, and the news director told you before you signed that contract.
Transparency.
The time spent alone inside your small apartment, or as a one-room renter inside a private home can be convicting. You wonder if you made the right career choice. You question that gut decision to leave your comfort zone, your friends, and your own safe, little world. You’re still thinking about the bald tires, the almost expired inspection sticker, and the rent that’s due in a week in your new little world.
Transparency.
I’ve walked through what many MMJ’s and reporters are quietly walking and crawling through now. I second-guessed myself, and my career choice like many of you are doing today. And like you, I had days as a journalist that were exhilarating, depressing, and concerning all at the same time.
AND EVERY SINGLE SECOND WAS WORTH IT.
“The Journalist’s Creed -
News should be unfettered, unvarnished, and painfully transparent. Period.”
Orly Salinas is a longtime journalist whose been on the news mountain high and equally deep inside a jail cell. “I’ve looked at life from both sides now.”