A lot of people close to me are very curious about my job. I mean, my job everyday is to be on TV, so it's easy to be curious. But please let me be the first to tell you, it is not glamorous. There is so much work that goes into my day for the public to see 2 minutes of what I worked on at the end of my day. So today I'm breaking down a typical work day of mine and what all goes into those 2 minutes to show what I do everyday.
People in the industry can have the most obscure schedules, I'm one of the few that work a semi normal schedule. I work Thursday through Monday, 9:30 to 6:30ish (emphasis on the ish). On weekdays I wake up around 7:30 and am out the door by 9:10 to be in the newsrooms by 9:30 for our morning editorial meeting. In the meeting I pitch my story idea for the day, or I am assigned to what I am doing that day. Since I'm still trying to figure out the best way to do my job, I look for a handful of story ideas on my off days then send them to my News Director and Executive Producers to get an opinion. From there I'll try to set up interviews ahead of time. This puts my in a more calm mindset going into each day. Things do and will get switched around, that's just the nature of news. But walking into each day already having things set up is nice.
After the meeting, if I dont already have things set up, I will start looking for interviews. Some days it is as easy as one phone call, other days I might call 20 people before I have to give up on the story and move to something different. Once everything is set up, I write out some questions and try to do some background research on whatever my story is about. Since I've only been in town for 4 months, I sometimes have to put pieces together to fully understand what I am reporting on. But I've learned that it's okay to ask questions, it is not expected of me to know all the history of eastern Iowa.
Then I head out for the day! As a Multi Media Journalist, I do everything on my own. Before I even leave my car before an interview, I format my P2 cards and check the batteries on my microphone. Then my tiny human body carries a large tripod, camera, microphone and mic stand to wherever I need to go. I typically look something like this:
Before any interview starts, I white balance and focus my camera. Figuring out the right settings on my camera is still something I'm getting used to, but each day gets a little easier. My favorite part of my day is the interviews. I get to meet someone new and talk to them about something they're an expert in. I love seeing people light up when they tell me their stories. Once I finish all my interviews I have to shoot my b-roll. It's easier if it is an event or a specific program, but sometimes my visuals are nothing more than some shots of some streets and people walking. Not every story will be extremely entertaining, but trying to find creative shots no matter the story will help it to stand out.
Heading back to the station I then make myself a lengthy to do list so I make sure I don't miss anything while working toward my deadline. Working on deadline is stressful. This used to be the worst part of my day, but as I continue to learn how to do my job, it has become a lot easier! The first thing I always do once I get set up in front of the computer is cut my soundbites from each interview. I try to pull the strongest sound, or the details that make more sense coming from the expert rather than me. Then I write my package. Depending on what the topic is depends on how long it takes me. After I think it sounds okay, I send it to my News Director and EPs for someone to give it approval and just a second pair of eyes to look at it. Usually we will talk through any questions and any changes they make.
Then I record my voice track and its off to editing! Once I'm finished, and if I have time, I try to have someone look at my finished story. I really value when someone can check it out because sometimes I might miss something or theres a more creative way to edit something in.
Depending on the story, I'll go live. I try to think of a location and background that will make sense to my story. I never go live alone, I usually have a photog for when I do. I wish I was better at going live, but I know it will come with time. In order to hear my producer back at the station, I call back to the station through zoom to hear programming. I practice my script like a thousand times while I wait for my story. I'll get cues in my ear and then everything that happens between "Gillian, go" and "you're clear," is typically a blur, but only once have I completely blanked!
Once I get back from my live hit, I write my web story and post it to social media. Then I'll edit and write a shorter version of my story for the later shows. Then my duties are all done for the day! Before I leave, sometimes I'll prepare for the next day depending on what's going on.
And so thats my day! There is a lot of work that goes into a story, but all the hard work really does pay off. And everyday, I'm learning something new and getting better at my job, and that is all that matters.
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