As an up and coming News Reporter or News Anchor, how can you get more

on-camera experience? It's a challenge because News Directors won't hire

you unless you have experience. But you can't seem to get experience unless

the News Director hires you. It can be very frustrating because television

jobs are becoming more and more competitive.

Here are some practical suggestions from: http://www.becomeanewsreporter.com

Freelance.

You can gain a tremendous amount of experience in the freelance world. Some

of these opportunities offer payment and some do not...but most importantly,

you should be able to get a digital copy of your work. You can locate many

freelance opportunities on craigslist.org. Their TV/Film/Video section lists

many freelance jobs in your area...but you can also write an ad on craigslist

offering your services as a freelance host or reporter. Craigslist.org is a

free service so make it part of your everyday search. Also, you should

directly contact your local TV Production Companies and Audio/Visual

Companies. Occasionally, they need on-air talent for their projects and you

could be that person.

Volunteer for your local PBS or Community Access Channel.

Your local PBS or Community Access Channel has a small budget but is always

in need of volunteers. They may have a need for camera operators, production

personnel, or on-air talent. Early in my career, I volunteered at KLVX

Channel 10 in Las Vegas. Turned out, they were just starting their Summer

Pledge Drive and asked me to go "live" on the air to help promote the

station. It was my first time reading a teleprompter "live" on the air,

so it was an experience that truly helped my career. In addition, PBS gave me

an edited copy of the broadcast.

Paid Studio Time.

When all else fails, pay for a 30 or 60 minute block of time at your local TV

Station. Many stations, especially PBS, will give you a 30 or 60 minute rate

for studio time. Early in my career, I wrote my own copy (scripts) and paid

for a 30 minute block of time at PBS. They let me use their anchor desk and

gave me a camera and teleprompter operator. I ended up with a professionally

edited copy of my work. If you're going to pay for studio time, be sure to

dress professionally and use scripts that are written for TV News. If

you're not sure, videotape your local news then write out the script for

reference.

To become a news reporter, getting more on-camera experience is challenging

but can be done. Combine freelance work, volunteer work, and paid studio

time, for much needed experience and a well-rounded video demo reel.