1. Writing - it’s obvious, but we really can’t stress the importance of this. It’s what we do for a living as journalists!

2. News judgement - the ability to find the right stories and pitch them in a way that matters to your viewers. In a world where TV viewers can go online or to their phones to read their news instanenously, you need to find ways to attract them back to their TV sets and watch your work. Have a chock full of story ideas everyday. Know what’s going on in your community.

3. Web skills. This is so important. Know how to write for the web, how to upload videos to the web, how to use content management systems. Because 9 times out of 10, you’ll be asked to do that now, regardless if you’re a producer or a reporter. People are getting their news online more than ever.

Executive Producer, Producer, Reporter, Camera, Playback, WSE

ATVN is pretty much like any other small market newsroom.

I learned how to write, edit, shoot and put together a newscast, all on deadline.

What I used to do just twice a week in college, I now do every single day.

I learned good news judgement and how to work well under pressure, as well as to write for television.

I also gained invaluable leadership skills from being a producer at ATVN. Those can be great skills to have no matter what field you’re going into in the future.

Work hard. Get as much hands-on experience as you can at Annenberg. ATVN is such a great way for you to not only learn the skills that you need, but also to practice and produce a tape that you can show news directors.

Go out and shoot that perfect resume reel. If you’re a producer, try to produce as many semesters as you can. Take advantage!

Meet as many people as you can, and show that you’re passionate about what you want to do.

Practice your writing skills. Get advice from your peers and from people who are working in the business. Show your tape to people, and listen to their advice.

Also, learn to do EVERYTHING at ATVN. If you’re a reporter, learn how to produce. If you’re a producer, learn how to report. You’ll have a better understanding of your team and the people you work with.

What’s more - because newsroom staff is so small nowadays at many small market stations - you’ll probably be asked to do things outside of your initial job description.