Advice for print majors at ATVN

It goes by quickly. The semester and the shifts. Our time spent producing ATVN has flown by. I was fortunate enough to get to be a part of the top tier of the operations, never before having worked at ATVN nor having studied broadcast formally. There have been many lessons, there has been much insight. Here is some of my advice for any print majors coming to ATVN, as a producer or otherwise: 

1) Get to know the system: There are many people and several departments, so to speak, that cohesively put our newscast to air. You will be leading in one of three positions (lead producer, graphics or video). Many will be depending on you but you, too, will be counting on them to make the newscast a success. Ahead of your first shift, ask your executive producer about the process. Understand the roles and responsibilities of each person in the newsroom. Who is in charge of what? How does it work? It will make your work, and everyone else's job, much easier.

2) Do your research: The sooner you learn to speak television, the better. What is a CG? What is tag? How do you put in an ANCG? How do you search the wires in iNews? What is the difference between a vo-sot and sot-vo? There are workshops at the start of the semester. Attend as many as possible. Ask the workshop leaders to further explain anything you don't fully and completely comprehend.

3) Articulate your goals and your shortcomings: Meet with your executive producer, news director – even your teammates – ahead of the semester. Talk to them about your goals for the semester. Be frank about your weaknesses and your concerns. ATVN is a place for you to learn. The more the leadership around you knows about you as a producer, the better you can work together to improve and help each other develop.

4) Be a real leader: ATVN is a microcosm. It mirrors work at a local news station. The operations are sophisticated and the work is hands-on. As stress levels rise, as they do in any newsroom, remember that the fundamental purpose of ATVN is to help you develop your skills – it is a learning environment. You are bound to make mistakes. Your classmates and colleagues are bound to make mistakes. In this environment, don't forget to guide your teammates and help those in the many positions around you. Be encouraging. Be thoughtful. Be polite. 

The opportunity to work at ATVN is truly that – a real opportunity. I've developed countless new skills and have learned so much about putting together a newscast. I can hardly believe we put out our last show together on Monday. The time passes incredibly quickly. Take the necessary steps, from the start, to put yourself in the position to succeed.