If you’re a TV news anchor, sports reporter, meterologist, or reporter who’s currently looking to hire an agent, you may be wondering where to start.
When vetting a TV news talent agent, it’s important that you know the most relevant and hardest-hitting questions to ask.
Because asking the right questions can be the difference between landing a well-connected agent who will forward your career versus someone who’s simply CLAIMING to be an agent.
Questions to Ask When Vetting a TV News Talent Agent
Maybe you’re brand new to finding a TV news talent agent. Or perhaps you’re not happy with the one you have now and want to be sure you do it right this time around.
Whatever the case, here are six of the most important questions you should present to a prospective TV news talent agent.
What Are Your Connections with Those in the Know?
As they say, it’s all about whom you know. Well, whoever ‘they’ are, they’re right. Especially where a TV news talent agent is concerned. So the agent should be clear about what kind of relationships the agent has with news vice presidents, directors, and general managers. In other words, how connected they are with the decision-makers. When these folks trust an agent, they’re going to be very transparent about their specific needs.
Do You Have Relationships in the Region(s) I’m Seeking?
While this seems like an obvious question, many clients forget to ask it. The truth is, working with an agent who has relationships in the region you’re seeking is going to give you a distinct advantage. While this might seem old school, sometimes old school is the best school. There’s a lot to be said about a direct person-to-person connection that doesn’t involve a phone or laptop.
Where Have You Made Placements in the Past Year?
Any agent you’re considering should be able to provide you with a list of markets and stations where he/she has made placements over the last year. An agent with a more extensive list of placements is going to have important connections and clout in a wide variety of cities and markets.
Keep in mind that placements historically tend to happen in clusters. So an agent with farther reach is going to have the inside scoop as to what’s coming up and where. This is especially key when the market is not as active. A savvy agent will be playing it smart by thinking ahead.
How Many Of Your Clients Are Currently Seeking Work?
Most TV news talent pose the question, “How many clients do you represent?” to their potential agent. But the more pertinent information is knowing how many of an agent’s clients are looking at any given time. You want an agent who can tell you flat out that it’s never more than 15%. This indicates that the agent goes the extra mile to be very specific and pointed in his/her searches for the perfect placement.
Do You Represent Many Others with My Specific Job?
How many reporters, anchors, sports reporters, or meteorologists does this prospective agent represent. This is important because you don’t want an agent who’s never repped someone who does the same job as you.
Yeah, it might seem like you have less competition by signing with an agent who doesn’t rep anyone else in your area. But in reality, decision-makers at stations are going to seek out agents who they know represent a good volume of people working in multiple capacities.
What Is Your Ratio of Male/Female/Minorities New Talent?
Along with representing good volume of people, how well-balanced is the prospective agent’s representation roster? Be wary of an agent whose “portfolio” is too homogenous. Regardless of your own race or gender identity, you want an agent who knows how to represent everyone. He or she is always on the lookout for where you’re going to be in the most demand. As a woman or minority, it’s especially important to ask your potential agent if he or she attends conferences that represent diverse groups.
Be Sure to Vet Carefully
By knowing the most important questions to ask when vetting a TV news talent agent, you’ll find the best representation out there.
If you’re ready to try them out on some of the most experienced and well-connected TV news talent agents in the country, contact us today!
We’re certain you’ll be thrilled with our answers.
