Class of
2004
Bio: How I began reporting for In Touch Weekly? It’s simple. Be in the know.
I was so lucky to be an attendee and reporter at Paris Hilton’s Christmas party (she throws one every year) at her West Hollywood Hills mansion. I partied with the likes of Fergie, Rick and Kathy Hilton, Janice Dickson and Nick Cannon to name a few.
Basically, I mingle with stars and talk to them about their lives and observe them in their natural environment.
Make no mistake, the job is demanding. It’s not always parties and cocktails.
I recently covered Paris’s jail release, Nicole Richie’s DUI court appearance, Lindsay Lohan’s wreckless driving civil suit and Rebecca Romjin’s secret summer wedding (in 100+ degree weather...that’s HOT).
It’s a fun job with lot of perks and rewards. But again, it’s tough and incredibly hard to break into the industry. I tried, literally begged for two years and finally got a break.
Entertainment reporting is my life, my passion and my happiness. If any of my fellow USC grads reading my profile want to report entertainment news email me. I make no promises but I will point you in the right direction.
ATVN positions and duties: I ran Teleprompter and operated the graphic machine and wrote scripts.
How did ATVN prepare you for your current job?
ATVN kept me focused. There was never a dull moment. And although at times I hated the requirements, I’m much thankful now.
What is your advice to aspiring journalists?
I’ll answer in two parts. 1. No matter how big, never give up on your dreams. Work hard and you’ll accomplish them. If you want to be a television reporter, writing effectively is paramount. If you can write for television you’ll go far. So absorb all you can in your writing classes and you’ll do well. 2. MAKE IMPORTANT CONNECTIONS NOW. Get to know the power players in the game. Know the people who hire reporters. Please remember, it’s not always what you know, it’s who you know. Knowing the right people will give you such an edge in this highly
competitive business. Listen, I’m just keeping it real. Being in the business and being in journalism school are two completely different things. I can’t stress the importance of knowing the right people. SO GET CONNECTED NOW.
What are the top three skills college journalism students should be working on in order to be prepared for their first broadcasting job?
1. Writing
2. Staying abreast of local, national and world news
3. Making an impressive resume tape
What is the most important thing a college journalist should know when he or she is trying to negotiate his or her first job?
Don’t try to “negotiate” your first job. Think about it. You’re in no position to bargain. What real, hands-on journalism experience can you offer? Stations will likely hire you because your tape was “off-the-hook”
and they want to give you a shot.
What prepared you most for your current job?
Learning how to write...and write well ... from USC journalism teachers was crucial. And I’d like to take this time to thank two teachers who helped me. 1. John Cyrus Smith. John taught a kid how to write. I’ll never forget three words that will always ring true :WRITE TO VIDEO.” He taught me to make sure your writing matches video. It’s a must in this business. 2. Michelle Nicolosi. Take her class and you’ll know what I’m talking about. She’ll make a reporter out of you or my name is not Eric Mitchell. If you want to know how to report and find information, take Michelle’s class. Sit in the front of the room. Trust me, she’ll make you a sought after journalist.
Want to update your information? Let us know where you are.
« Back to Alumni
|
