Q. I’m a recent J-school grad who majored in print. I took a couple of journalism jobs that didn’t work out (i.e., I couldn’t survive on the internship stipends.)
I am currently working at a college as an admissions recruiter — mainly because insurance is offered and I can survive on the salary — but plan on going back into journalism once this interim position is over.
I have been thinking about getting into radio or broadcast instead of going back to print. Is there any way to make a successful transition from print to radio? Will any of my experiences as a very strong writer pay off in broadcasting?
Thanks. Your column has been quite helpful for me over the years!
Thanks again,
Looking
One of your issues is that your newspaper stipends were too small. They are even smaller in most entry-level broadcast positions. And newspapers are getting much, much more interested in broadcast journalism.
In fact, newspaper reporters who know how to gather and produce broadcast news can get paid more than their print-only peers. I suggest you pursue your interest in broadcast and go to work for a good newspaper Web site. If you have the skills, you’ll be rare and valuable in a print newsroom, and your prior experience will give you credibility.
As I talk to people who have successfully started broadcast careers, I am hearing of starting salaries in the low 20s and high teens. And I hear from many people whose broadcast internships are unpaid. That seems to happen more often in broadcast than in print.
The recruiter asks back: What advice do you have for print reporters who want to make the switch to broadcast? Share your thoughts here.
Coming Monday: This reporter has two offers on the table: One at a top-100 domestic paper and one at a so-so paper in a foreign country. It would definitely be a step backward professionally, but …
