<p>So, I want to become a big-time news journalist, preferably on a news channel like CNN, NBC, or ABC. I've always wanted to go into broadcast journalism but never knew how exactly to do that and became discouraged to even try. I'm currently attending a T20 LAC and majoring in Film/TV Studies and minoring in French and Philosophy. Currently on track to go to law school, but if the moment arose to work of an amazing news channel, I'd snag it quickly. So, I suppose my question is:</p>
<ol>
<li>How do most big-time news anchors catch a break?</li>
<li>What can I do to put myself in the best position for big-time journalism?</li>
<li>Is it a poor decision to go for a career in broadcast journalism with the state of the economy?</li>
<li>Will being a minority make it more difficult to break into the industry, because I've heard mixed things.</li>
</ol>
<p>At this age, I honestly don’t believe one can dream “too big”.</p>
<p>Start reading the autobiographies of famous news journalists you look up to. I truly think good autobiographies can really give you a sense of how many of them got their start in the industry and the challenges they faced. Many attended top schools, but many also did not. You’re in a good position here.</p>
<p>As far as the minority thing, it’s great in this day and age. Ten years ago it would have been more difficult, but broadcast is getting almost bias towards anchors/news figures that have a cultural background. In the past two years, Latina women have been in high demand. I’m watching CNN right now and Anne-Marie Green is mixed (or of another culture), and she’s been around anchoring for a while. Also, look at Don Lemon. A gay black male as the host of a major news show, something almost unheard of until now!</p>
<p>You’re going to have to find your own way, but it can be done. Look into internships with NBC, ABC, and CNN among others. Internships are important in broadcast and very competitive. If interns do well, then those organizations are likely to extend job offers to them. But everyone in broadcast usually has to work their way up the ladder and start at the very bottom, so keep that in mind!</p>
<p>I think that you’re young and you should give it a go. If journalism doesn’t work out, law school will still be there in five or ten years. And on that, if you’re concerned about the economy, then law school is NOT the way to go. Too many lawyers and not enough jobs. Take it from a girl who grew up in a law office and knows a lot of lawyers. The pay also isn’t what people seem to think it is. Most of my friends, whose parents had really average jobs (teachers, secretaries, etc) had a higher income than my father did.</p>
<p>I’d second looking at internships. I have a friend who is interning at HLN this summer and she actually knew the name of the royal baby before the general public did.</p>
<p>I’m personally trying to take my own advice with this, because my “dream” is to move out to LA and persue a career in television and film, whether that be in front of the camera or behind the scenes, I don’t know. But starting on a career path at 25 or 30 isn’t too late if things don’t pan out with your first choice. My dad was in his 30’s when he went to law school and he just retired after having practiced for thirty years.</p>
<p>So I’d say, you’re young, so go for it. And if it doesn’t work out, then you can re-evaluate what you want to do in five or ten years.</p>
<p>I would also encourage you to get involved with your colleges media production group. It would be a great opportunity to get your feet wet. Also local cable stations are always looking for volunteers. Check and see if you can participate and maybe get in front of the camera to see what it’s like!</p>
<p>That being said, it takes a lot of hard work, little money, and many years generally. You start at the bottom and work your way to the top. Stick with it, and you have a decent chance</p>
<p>I think a lot of journalists started out small like working for a local news station or small magazine and then moved up the ladder to the big companies like ABC, Fox, etc. That would probably be a good route.</p>