Give Yourself the Gift of a TV News Talent Agent

November 25, 2025 by

Are you a meteorologist or reporter who’s relatively new to the business and struggling to get work? Or perhaps you’re a sports reporter or TV anchor who’s looking for a fresh change for the upcoming new year?

With the holiday season upon us, while you’re conjuring up the best gifts for family and friends, consider giving yourself the gift of a TV news talent agent to help advance your career.

Not sure where to begin? Consider the following quintessential list of questions to ask once you start the vetting process.

  1. What Is Your Ratio of Male/Female/Minorities Talent?

Okay. Maybe this sounds a little too ‘woke’ for your taste. But it’s not about that. You want your agent’s representation roster to be well-balanced. Be wary of an agent whose portfolio is too homogenous. Even if the pictures look like you. Regardless of your own race or gender identity, you want an agent who knows how to represent everyone. This will enable him or her to place you where you’ll be in the most demand.

In addition, if you’re a woman or a minority, ask your potential agent if he or she attends conferences that represent you. For example, a white TV news talent agent who has no qualms about attending the National Association of Black Journalists convention is going to have more insights and connections than one who avoids such gatherings.

  1. What Kind of Connections Do You Have?

As in so many industries, what you know is just as important as whom you know. So there are two areas of connectedness you’ll want to investigate. The first is to know what kind of relationships the agent has with news directors, vice presidents, 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.

Second, what kind of connections does the agent have in the specific region where you’re seeking placement? Once again, an agent with relationships in your specific market is going to give you a distinct advantage.

  1. How Many Of Your Clients Are Currently Seeking Work?

Sure, one of the main questions you’ll want to ask is, “How many clients do you represent?” That’s natural. But the more important question is how many of an agent’s clients are looking at any given time. Stick with an agent who can tell you flat out that it’s never more than 15%. This indicates that he or she is going to go the extra mile to be very specific and pointed in his/her searches for the perfect placement.

  1. Where Have You Made Placements in the Past Year?

Any agent who is unwilling to provide you with a list of markets and stations where he/she has made placements over the last year is an agent you can cross off your list of considerations. Consider only agents with an extensive list of placements because he or she 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.

  1. Do You Represent Many Others with My Specific Job?

While you’re checking out the agent’s roster, take note of how many of them are doing your specific job. If you notice, for example, that he or she isn’t repping others in your area, you might be inclined to think that’ll give you an advantage. After all, you won’t have to deal with much in the way of competition.

The reality is different, though. Because decision-makers at stations are going to seek out agents who they know represent a good volume of people working in multiple capacities. So in the end, that’ll put you at a disadvantage.

Give Yourself the Gift of a TV News Talent Agent This Holiday!

The gift of a TV news talent agent is a gift that definitely keeps giving. Especially if you properly vet one.

By asking the above questions to your potential TV news talent agent, you’re already a step ahead of the game.

And if you’re ready to try them out on one of the most experienced and well-connected TV news talent agents in the country, contact Mort Meisner today. He’ll help you get your dream placement.

Filed Under: Blog

Why TV News Talent Needs to Acquire New Skills

November 22, 2025 by

Did you know that social media now surpasses television as the top news source for Americans? Where folks once got their information from trustworthy figures such as Walter Cronkite and Barbara Walters, these days it’s whoever is making the most noise on TikTok, Instagram, or podcasts.

That’s just the way it is.

As such, TV news talent needs to acquire new skills to adapt to this shift from streaming to digital media. This isn’t to say, however, that the skills needed to be a successful television broadcaster don’t still apply. Many of them are evergreen.

TV News Talent Needs to Acquire New Skills

With the news industry so fragmented, the traditional path to becoming a news anchor, reporter, meteorologist, or sports reporter is not what it once was. That means that aspiring TV news talent has to have a willingness to meet the expectations created by the digital age.

They are as follows:

  1. Building a Personal Brand

Once upon a time, traditional media outlets held a monopoly on distribution. This is no longer the case. As such, experienced TV news talent agents stress now more than ever the importance of cultivating an online following for their clients. In some cases, a client’s personal brand may directly compete with the brand of their employer. This can be either empowering or a source of friction that TV news talent must learn to navigate.

  1. Proficiency in Multiple Platforms

Gone are the days of producing content for a single broadcast (i.e. ‘the evening news’). TV news talent must now be able to produce content for television, as well as for short-form videos that will be used for digital articles and posted on social platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

  1. Agility in Reporting

“Breaking news” is immediate on social media. It arrives there long before traditional outlets can even dispatch a team. As such, TV news reporters must be able to react and produce content in response to breaking news with an agility and urgency previously not required.

  1. Interacting with the Audience in Real-Time

Like it or not, digital platforms allow for real-time and direct interaction with the audience. That means that talent is now expected to engage with readers and viewers through comments. This allows for a more personalized experience that simply couldn’t exist with the traditional broadcast model.

The Value of Traditional Skills

All of that said, the skills required for more traditional TV broadcasting still hold significant value. Even in the current landscape.

Credibility and fact-checking continue to be at the top of the list for building a reputation of trust. And given the vast amount of misinformation out there, attention to the truth is a hot commodity.

Another crucial skill that every TV news talent agent looks for when acquiring a new client is the ability to be a great storyteller. Despite the quick and often superficial nature of digital content, there’s still a huge need for the comprehensive and in-depth analysis offered by traditional broadcasting when conveying a story.

Finally, given that many of the legacy news organizations are open to hybrid models that blend traditional broadcasting with digital content, talent who can adapt to both of these approaches will be of far more value than those who only specialize in one.

Forward Your Career with a Highly Experienced TV News Talent Agent

Now that you understand how TV news talent needs to acquire new skills to stay on top, you may be wondering where to turn to fine-tune some of those skills.

Mort Meisner knows the importance of well-rounded talent and goes the extra mile to ensure that you’re the best anchor/reporter/meteorologist/sports reporter you can be.

So contact him today. And get ready to soar in your broadcasting career!

Filed Under: Blog

Are You Settling for Less with Your TV News Talent Agent?

November 14, 2025 by

Whether you’re an aspiring anchor, a mid-career meteorologist, or a seasoned sports reporter, you should be getting the exposure you need to stay relevant. So here’s the big question:

Are you settling for less with your TV news talent agent?

If you’ve been working with the same agent for a long time, perhaps you’ve fallen into a rut. Or if you’re relatively new to having an agent, you may not even be aware of what job duties your agent should be performing. So to ensure you’re getting the best agent possible, ask yourself the following:

Does Your Agent Have the ‘Right’ Experience?

Sure, there are plenty of agents out there that will try to dazzle you with their laundry list of experiences and achievements.

But are they the right sort of experiences and achievements? Of course, you want an agent with experience in the newsroom so they understand the world you’re navigating. But you also want an agent with direct experience as a major market news director, assistant news director, investigative producer, managing editor, and/or assignment editor.

Bonus points for someone who has ALL of these, because he or she will not only have an edge in experience, but it also means that they will have connections that others won’t. And this is crucial.

Speaking of connections…

How Often Does Your Agent Network?

Does your agent regularly attend industry events and conferences? If the answer is ‘not often,’ then you can bet they aren’t making crucial connections with top network, large broadcast, and even local executives.

Don’t settle for a TV news talent agent who’s not going the extra mile to put themselves out there. Those who do are going to be more in the know about what decision-makers want when they set out to hire talent.

What’s more, they should be attending as many conferences and events as possible. Not just the ones where they want to ‘be seen’. For example, if you’re Black and your agent is not, he or she should be attending major events such as the National Association of Black Journalists Convention on your behalf – regardless of his or her race.

Does Your Agent Disappear After You’ve Been Placed?

This is a big one.

A truly good TV news talent agent is not one who merely gets you the best placement in the market you desire. Yeah, obviously that’s important! But once you land the job you want (or the one that’s going to help you get that one), he or she should continue to be engaged with you.

This means that he or she is interested in nurturing your continued growth as a reporter/anchor/meteorologist. They stay connected and help you to grow faster in your job or, in cases where you might be faltering, even SAVE your job.

They regularly ask you to send your work so that they can critique it and make you a more well-rounded reporter, anchor, or meteorologist. Finally, they regularly follow up with your employer to inquire as to how you can do better and how they can help you with that.

There are plenty of agents that don’t put in this extra work. Your current agent may be one of them. They may even tell you it’s above and beyond their pay grade. And perhaps it is. But, frankly, you deserve more.

Are You Settling for Less With Your TV News Talent Agent?

If you suspect that the answer to the question, are you settling for less with your TV news talent agent is YES, then Mort Meisner wants to talk to you.

A highly connected agent with over 30 years of experience, Mort’s clients know they’re cared for before, during, and after the search. His priority is their continued growth and success.

So if you want to see what getting the most from your TV news talent agent looks like, then contact Mort Meisner today. And stop settling for less.

Filed Under: Blog

The Role of Crisis Management for TV News Talent Agents

October 27, 2025 by

As a broadcast TV news anchor, reporter, or meteorologist, you likely know the benefits of having an agent.

For example, having someone with connections in the industry is crucial for getting your foot in the door. And with a good agent, you’ll find out about available jobs before it’s public information. These are just a couple of perks.

But one of the lesser-known benefits is the role of crisis management for TV news talent agents. And if you don’t have an agent that excels in this area, you could be putting yourself at risk.

The Job of Crisis Management for TV News Talent Agents

Working in any capacity as a broadcaster means you’re in the public eye. That means there’s always the chance you’ll be involved in a scandal or other negative incident that could besmirch your reputation.

A powerful TV news talent agent knows how to contain potential damage and provide strategic guidance to their clients. They leverage their network to coordinate communication that will protect the client’s reputation, image, and career.

Here’s how it generally works:

  1. Monitoring and Identifying

Once an agent signs a client, they immediately work toward identifying any possible vulnerabilities. From this, they can craft a plan for a variety of crisis scenarios before they potentially happen.

In addition, a skilled agent is monitoring all forms of media to determine the public’s perception of their client. They’re attuned to any negativity or issues that could become a crisis.

Another role for a TV news talent agent is to help prepare clients for interviews and public appearances. They train them to project confidence and deliver a consistent message to help prevent situations that could trigger a crisis.

  1. Responding and Managing

In the event of an actual crisis, a TV news talent agent serves to field media inquiries while coordinating with PR experts to control the narrative by creating a clear and concise message. They may also coordinate with legal counsel, as needed.

Working with an agent who has established relationships with media outlets and other broadcasters is crucial for managing important media interactions. In times of crisis, they guide the client on best practices in presenting public statements. They also coordinate press statements and interviews to accurately represent the client.

The ultimate objective of a TV news talent agent is to protect their client’s professional reputation. They work diligently to mitigate damage to existing contracts and opportunities, with an eye on minimizing any potential long-term career damage.

  1. Strategizing and Rebuilding

Once the crisis is contained, a TV news talent agent sets out to implement strategies that will restore the client’s reputation through public relations, showcasing corrective actions, and creating well-crafted statements. An agent may also suggest that the client pivot to choose projects that reflect a positive narrative. These would all be components of a long-term plan to regain trust and demonstrate a commitment to change on the part of the client.

Does Your Agent Have Your Back?

Are you confident that your current agent is well-versed in crisis management for TV news talent agents?

You can be sure Mort Meisner is. With over 30 years of experience as an TV news talent agent, there’s not a crisis that he can’t successfully manage.

So contact him today. And get the absolute most from your TV news talent agent.

Filed Under: Blog

The Value of a Good Attitude and a Great TV News Agent

October 7, 2025 by

For TV news broadcast talent, two of the most important things you can possess are a good attitude and a great TV news agent. Long-time TV news talent agent Mort Meisner knows this better than most.

Having an experienced agent who’s well-connected and who believes in you holds tremendous weight in the often unstable world of broadcast television.

But when a great agent is paired with true ability and a positive attitude on the part of the talent, the possibilities are truly endless. Brandon Roux is an example of this.

Who Is Brandon Roux?

If you lived in and watched the news in the Detroit area any time between 2010-2023, you most certainly saw Brandon Roux on your TV screen. Joining the NBC-affiliate WDIV weather team in Detroit, Brandon quickly won over an audience with his warmth, kindness, and engaging persona.

Upon arriving at WDIV, Brandon was far from a newbie broadcast meteorologist. His talent had previously landed him at WBNS in Columbus, Ohio, at WFTC in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at KTNV in Las Vegas, Nevada, and at KIVI in Boise, Idaho. “I’ve worked in every time zone and every climate from the Las Vegas desert to the frozen tundra of the Twin Cities,” he told WDIV.

With this vast experience, he was able to deliver accurate and engaging weather forecasts for the Detroit area utilizing new media platforms and technologies. He produced high-quality video content and possesses skills in video production, video editing, and meteorological data analysis.

But one of the aspects viewers loved most about Brandon was his passion for educating and informing the public about weather phenomena and climate change. He made complex scientific concepts accessible and appealing to diverse audiences.

Brandon is highly educated with degrees in Journalism and Atmospheric Science from Iona University and Mississippi State University. And during his time as a broadcast meteorologist, he secured various prestigious accolades, ranging from the 2009 Associated Press Award for Outstanding Weather Operation and Best Weather Continuing Coverage to the Seal of Approval from the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association.

So What Happened?

When Brandon left WDIV after 13 successful years in 2023, viewers were disappointed but wished him well on his next venture. Whatever that was. There didn’t seem to be any information about where he was heading.

Unfortunately, Brandon didn’t know either. He got caught up in a buyout with many others at WDIV, which ultimately left him scrambling for work. So he turned to his agent, Mort Meisner, to get the ball rolling.

Mort used his skills and talent to generate interest around Brandon, who’s considered major market talent. But try as he might, nobody – not even the small or medium markets – was responding. This is just the way it goes sometimes in the TV news business.

Being in limbo may have discouraged someone with lesser talent to leave the industry. Not Brandon. He never lost faith in himself or in Mort’s ability to find him the right spot. While Mort continued to use his vast connections, Brandon demonstrated a great attitude. He stuck with his commitment to continue learning and improving, seeking to collaborate with other professionals and experts in the field of weather and media.

Eighteen months later (which included a short stint as a substitute teacher), Brandon recently announced that he accepted a job as a broadcast meteorologist at CBS-owned and -operated station WBBM in Chicago.

As a Chicago native, it’s a joyous homecoming.

The Value of a Good Attitude and a Great TV New Talent Agent

The story of Brandon Roux demonstrates the value of having a good attitude and a great TV news talent agent on the road to success. At the end of the day, Brandon was hired into one of the top TV news markets in the world. But it took patience, perseverance, and faith to get there.

As Mort says, “The bottom line is this. If you stay the course and keep at it, and if you believe in yourself and your agent believes in you, it usually winds up being more a matter of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’.”

Interested in how Mort can make his connections work for you? Contact him today. His success is about your success.

Filed Under: Blog

What to Know About Becoming TV News Talent

September 17, 2025 by

Most people who are drawn to becoming TV news talent possess certain qualities.

They’re great storytellers, have excellent communication skills, know how to handle pressure and deadlines, are able to demonstrate integrity and humanity, and live a generally well-rounded life.

But that’s just the beginning.

What to Know About Becoming TV News Talent

TV news talent refers to broadcast anchors and reporters, meteorologists, and sports reporters. And just as in any profession, there are multiple aspects to each job and certain skills and traits required to excel.

We’ll take a look.

  1. News Reporter/Anchor

If you’re curious about becoming a reporter or anchorperson, you should know it’s much more than sitting behind a desk and reading a teleprompter. As a news reporter, you do research and conduct interviews to investigate news stories. Then you find a way to share the information in an accurate but interesting way.

You also contribute to articles and features related to any story you’re assigned. Furthermore, you must be able to determine the accuracy of any facts you gather and work with editors and producers to create on-air reports.

News reporters and anchors often work under tight deadlines and there are times you’ll need to conduct follow-up reporting on your stories. You will also need to have some familiarity with operating the technical and recording equipment needed for covering stories live and in the field.

Meanwhile, when you’re not on camera, you’ll need to possess advanced research and writing skills as well as creativity and storytelling abilities. You’ll also need an understanding of journalistic best practices and ethics – which will become more attuned with education and time working in the field.

  1. Meteorologist

If you have thoughts about becoming a broadcast meteorologist, chances are you enjoy science but also have a desire to entertain. Because this is an unusual combination, it makes you uniquely qualified to become a broadcast meteorologist.

Working as a broadcast meteorologist requires you to balance the know-how to provide essential and sometimes unpleasant information about the weather with the ability to entertain.

Working as a broadcast meteorologist is different from becoming a news anchor or reporter. As a meteorologist on the news, you’ll be responsible for more than just reporting the weather. You’ll need to provide viewers with tips to prepare for severe weather, stay abreast of any updates to conditions, and keep up with the latest scientific research and technology in your industry.

  1. Sports Reporter

If you’re hungry to dazzle an audience with your ability to analyze how a team plays, grasping offensive and defensive lines, and reporting on a specific athlete’s wins, losses, injuries, gameplay, and strategy, you may be well cut out to become a sports reporter. You’ll also have a chance to educate viewers by interviewing players, coaches, and ancillary staff – as well as engage with sports fans and the audience themselves.

But being a TV news sports broadcaster goes beyond your on-air abilities. You’ll also need to know how to operate video and audio equipment, write articles about sports news and individual games, edit your report for conciseness and accuracy, share your analysis of a game, team, or sports industry, and possibly host radio shows or podcasts with guests.

The Importance of a Great TV News Talent Agent

Even if you’re able to fulfill all of the responsibilities of any of these jobs, you’ll go much farther much faster is you hire a skilled and talented TV news talent agent.

The single most important aspect of a great agent is not one who merely gets you the best placement in the market you desire. While that’s crucial, you want an agent who will stay engaged even after you land the job you want (or the one that’s going to help you get that one).

A dedicated and serious TV news talent agent is one who:

  • Frequently asks you to send your work so that they can critique it and make you a more well-rounded reporter, anchor, or meteorologist.
  • Regularly follows up with your employer, inquiring how you can do better and how they can help you with that.
  • Is interested in nurturing your continued growth as a reporter/anchor/meteorologist and stays connected to help you grow faster in your job or, in cases where you might be faltering, even SAVE your job.

There are plenty of agents who don’t put in this extra work. They’ll even tell you it’s above their pay grade. And maybe it is. But don’t you still deserve it? (The answer is yes, yes you do.)

And you can have it.

Don’t Settle for Less

If you’re interested in becoming TV news talent, or have already started taking steps toward doing so, feel free to contact TV news talent agent Mort Meisner with any questions.

Because to be successful, you’ll need someone who cares about you before the search, during the search, and after the search to help you stay successful and foster growth as you advance.

As one of Mort’s prized clients, you’ll get exactly that.

Filed Under: Blog

Sage Advice from Long-Time TV News Talent Agent

September 10, 2025 by

Are you in the early years of being a broadcast news anchor, reporter, broadcast meteorologist, or sports reporter?

If so, you likely possess the ability to deliver an interesting story in a concise and compelling way. And you probably have the personality and the flair to resonate with your audience. After all, these are obvious requirements to succeed in the world of TV broadcasting.

Yet, many folks who are newer to the broadcast news business find themselves stalled out and wondering why they’re not progressing. It doesn’t take long before they’re seeking advice from long-time TV news talent agent, Mort Meisner. Below are just four nuggets of wisdom he often shares:

  1. Your Demo Reel Should Reflect YOU

A lot goes into coming up with a great demo reel for TV news talent. And your current demo reel may not be highlighting your talents in the best light.

Mort frequently reminds TV news talent that while there are guidelines for making demos, there are no steadfast rules. He does have certain recommendations he offers news talent depending on their career goals.

For example, for an anchor reporter, the reel should be in the 13- to 15-minute range. Mort advises a montage that’s about 50% stand-ups in the field and 50% shots at the anchor desk. After that, the talent should lead the demo with two blocks showcasing his or her area of reporting.

Meanwhile, the average demo for a reporter should be a little shorter at about 9-10 minutes. It should begin with a very dynamic minute and a half to two minutes of montage with active, engaging stand-ups demonstrating shots of walking and talking. This should be followed by three or four packages, preferably with live wraps. It’s critical that the reporter be in the story. Hard news reporters should also include a super feature story.

  1. Don’t Resort to Clickbait Journalism

Discouraged by the withdrawal of viewers, there’s an appeal to draw them back with clickbait headlines or overly in-depth reporting. Mort tells aspiring talent that this is a guaranteed way to get noticed by TV news talent agents. But for all the WRONG reasons. And he assures them they’ll have a hard time getting placed with any respectable news outlet.

Good broadcast journalists with integrity prioritize facts over sensationalism and provide analysis and context that go beyond the headlines. They focus on stories that are of interest to the public and hold powerful entities accountable.

  1. Demand Integrity and Truth

In the same vein as not resorting to clickbait journalism, Mort stresses to his clients the importance of uncovering the facts and presenting them with integrity and truth. He often recalls one of the biggest stories he would cover – the Tonya Harding/Nancy Kerrigan attack in 1994.

Incredibly well-connected, Mort knew Detroit Police Chief Ike McKinnon and used him as a source on every aspect of the story. With McKinnon’s intelligence and the skills of investigative reporter Scott Lewis, Mort’s CBS affiliate station in Detroit was uncovering the whole bizarre and twisted plot while national and international media circles couldn’t figure out how they were getting the story before everyone else.

When the CBS network questioned the veracity of the crazy story and asked Mort for his sources, he refused. They threatened not to broadcast the story, to which Mort responded, “Fine. Don’t use the story.” So they didn’t. And even they they were the competition, Mort gave it to NBC instead. He knew the facts needed to be presented.

  1. Be Patient!

There’s nothing wrong with being ambitious and aiming to be the best.

But the news industry can be brutal. And for novice TV news reporters and meteorologists, it can be especially daunting. The inclination to grab whatever opportunity comes their way can be very tempting.

And this is understandable. They want to get ahead, make a name for themselves, and, of course, enjoy the financial benefits that come with a higher-paying job. As Mort has witnessed, however, such impatience can result in career issues and even disaster. He calls this “short-term gain in long-term pain.”

He’s watched as many truly talented people blow up their careers because they simply weren’t ready for the job(s) they landed. So he always advises talent to be patient and stay somewhere an extra year on an extension or even two years on a new contract if it’s going to benefit them in the long run.

Because, well, that’s his job.

Seeking More Advice from Long-Time TV News Talent Agent Mort Meisner?

Moving forward in your career should never be only about making more money. A great agent will ask you to consider whether your next career move is the best choice for you on many different levels. And then he or she will be there to guide you every step of the way.

In addition, an excellent agent is unafraid to tell the talent what they need to hear versus what they want to hear because he or she knows it will benefit the talent in the long run.

So if you want that sort of guidance and caring advice from long-time TV news talent agent Mort Meisner, then contact him today. He’s always eager to help in any way he can.

Filed Under: Blog

Looking to Get Back into the News Business?

August 14, 2025 by

Sure, there will always be TV news talent who have been in the ‘biz’ for seemingly ever. It’s the woman whom viewers have watched go from a young upstart to an established anchor. Or maybe it’s the well-known meteorologist whom viewers can barely remember as that shy guy at the beginning of his career.

This isn’t how it works for everyone though.

So if you’re a TV news reporter, anchor, meteorologist, or sports reporter looking to get back into the news business after some time away, you’re definitely not alone. And the most important thing you can provide to potential employers is an up-to-date demo reel.

Is a Demo Reel Really That Important?

Yes! As they say in the business, no demo, no job. That’s just a cold, hard fact. No matter how long or in what capacity you were previously working as TV news talent.

And your demo should be as current as possible. In other words, it should reflect the most recent material you did from your previous station as well as anything new that you shoot.

Now, if you’ve been out for a year or less and you updated your reel while you were still working, you can use your current reel. (Regularly updating your reel is important so that you have a reel ready in the event you are suddenly let out of a contract, you’re let go, or if you quit for personal reasons.)

If, however, you’ve been out for several years, you’ll need to cut a new demo. That means you’ll need to hire a service to help you and possibly use some old videos along with any new material you create.

The reason is simple. You may look different, and your skills may not be the same. And at the end of the day, nobody wants to see material that is outdated when applying for a job. It does not give an accurate representation of who you are now.

Are There Rules for Making a Demo Reel?

There are guidelines, but not steadfast rules for making demo reels. Experienced TV news talent agents typically offer certain recommendations to talent based on their career goals.

If you’re an anchor reporter, your reel should be in the 13- to 15-minute range. While montages are usually ill-advised for actors, this is not the case for news talent demo reels. As such, a montage that’s about 50% stand-ups in the field and 50% shots at the anchor desk is often advised. You should lead the demo after that with two blocks that showcase your area of reporting.

For a reporter, the average demo reel should be a little shorter, at about 9-10 minutes. It should begin with a very active minute and a half to two minutes of montage with active, engaging stand-ups demonstrating shots of walking and talking. This should be followed by three or four packages, preferably with live wraps. It’s critical you are in the story. If you’re a hard news reporter, you should also include a super feature story.

Are You Looking to Get Back into the News Business?

If you’re looking to get back into the news business, having a TV news talent agent can be incredibly helpful in opening doors for you.

A responsible agent can advise you on best practices for your reel. Furthermore, if you went on hiatus for important personal reasons, your agent can vouch for you, making potential bosses more sympathetic to your plight.

So if you’re ready to dive back in, contact longtime TV news talent agent Mort Meisner today. With over 30 years of experience, he has the skills and the connections to get you back on the broadcast news track.

Filed Under: Blog

Nationally-Renowned TV News Talent Agent Continues to Give All to His Clients

July 31, 2025 by

Being a TV news talent agent can be grueling work – both mentally and physically. And for many agents who have been doing the work for a couple of decades, they start slowing down, phoning it in, or simply retire.

Not nationally-renowned TV news talent agent Mort Meisner. With more than 30 years under his belt, Mort continues to be as engaged with his clients as he was when he first started – going the extra mile in placing clients where he knows they will thrive.

But for many news reporters, meteorologists, and sports reporters, this often means taking jobs in smaller markets as they hone their skills and build a name for themselves, all with Mort’s help.

The Story of Aaron Parseghian

Many young men and women come to Mort with the dream of working in their hometown. For some of these folks, their hometown is in a larger market like New York, St. Louis, Cleveland, or Detroit. For them, the journey often takes a little longer.

This is how it worked for Aaron Parseghian. His dream was to return to his hometown of Boston.

When Aaron signed with Mort, he was in Grand Rapids. He shared with Mort his desire to work in Boston, and Mort told him he’d need one stop before having a chance there. Aaron listened to and trusted Mort, so he accepted a position in Tampa. He would spend a few years there, gaining experience in this larger market while he and Mort put together a fantastic demo reel. One that would make him especially attractive in Boston.

He would stay in contact with Mort, asking for his advice and guidance every step of the way.

The Benefit of Working with a Nationally-Renowned TV News Talent Agent

Mort believes it’s crucial that agents be upfront and honest with clients about whether they’re good enough (or will likely ever be good enough) for their hometown or dream market. In many cases, reporters or meteorologists might have what it takes to get to their dream market, but are unwilling to accept that it takes time. And without a willingness to learn and be coached in order to grow, they may never get there.

With so many years in the business, Mort could see that Aaron was a dedicated and hard worker and that he did have what it took. And it didn’t take long for Aaron to recognize that he had made the right decision in signing with Mort. In his words:

“Mort is an absolute rockstar and exactly the kind of person you want in your corner. He’s been both my agent and my friend for over three years now. From the start, he turned my goal of reaching a top 20 market into reality, quickly lining up interviews and securing an offer in Tampa that he successfully negotiated up.

When I set my sights on an even bigger goal, returning to my hometown of Boston, Mort was relentless. He made sure I was in front of the right people, coordinated interviews, and kept pushing through every hurdle until we landed the right fit.”

Of course, even though Aaron had developed an impressive reel, there still needed to be an actual opening in Boston.

Landing the Job in Boston

In the final year of Aaron’s contract in Tampa, Mort worked tirelessly with his ear to the ground trying to find not just any job in Boston, but the right one for Aaron. Meanwhile, Aaron continued to hone his skills and deepen his experience as a reporter.

Mort knew eventually they’d find someone in Boston who would fall in love with Aaron. As it turned out, two stations were interested in him. But there was only one job that was right for Aaron. The stars aligned and Aaron is heading back home where he’ll begin the first week of August at CBS-owned and operated station WBZ in Boston.

Aaron and Mort both credit the hard work each put into landing Aaron this well-earned and well-deserved position. It’s a true testament to teamwork.

Looking for a TV News Talent Agent Who Will Put You First?

As Aaron says of nationally-renowned TV news talent agent Mort, “I’m incredibly grateful for his unwavering dedication and hustle, and I look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come.”

If you’re a reporter, meteorologist, or sports reporter aiming for a new market but feeling stuck, contact Mort today.

And get ready to see what he can do for you.

Filed Under: Blog

National Vs. Local Broadcast News – Which Is Right for You?

July 1, 2025 by

If you’re considering working as a broadcast news anchor, reporter, meteorologist, or sports reporter, you may have questions about national vs. local broadcast news in terms of getting a job.

In both cases, having the ability to deliver an interesting story in a concise and compelling way is an obvious requirement. And you need to have the personality and the flair to resonate with your audience.

But there are some distinct differences between being a national news personality and a local one.

Local Vs. National Broadcast News

Even though the industry is evolving and adapting to the presence of online news, it still attracts bright and driven people on both the local and national levels. So which is right for you?

Broadcasting both locally and nationally is exciting work. This will give you a chance to be right in the action. Working in a newsroom, your job is dictated by deadlines. And you want to deliver the best story within the parameters of those deadlines.

When you’re not on camera, you’ll need to possess advanced research and writing skills as well as creativity and storytelling abilities. In addition, in both cases you’ll continue to broaden your knowledge on all sorts of topics and you’ll likely learn something new every day. There are some differences though.

Reach and Scope

National broadcasters have an audience of millions and can therefore have a part in shaping public opinion that could have a positive impact on society.

Meanwhile, as a local journalist, it’s your job to know what’s happening in your community and the people who keep things running. This makes you more deeply connected with where you live and the people around you. You know the intricacies of your community in a way that most don’t.

Opportunity to Meet Interesting People

As both a local and a national broadcaster, you will have the chance to meet interesting people. As a local news broadcaster, you’ll interview a wide range of diverse people who hail from a variety of backgrounds in your community. At the national level, you may be interviewing some very well-known and influential people who are changing the societal landscape.

This is an invigorating aspect of the job for those who are highly social. It’s energizing to be around and hear the stories of people from all walks of life.

Recognition

A national broadcast journalist is more likely to be recognized because of the sheer scope of their audience. But local broadcasters are quickly recognized in their communities where they’re making a direct impact.

In both cases, broadcasters interact with public figures, government officials, and other experts to expand their professional network.

Chance to Travel

Local broadcast news journalists have more of an opportunity to be out and about in the community than national broadcasters. It may not be every day, and it varies from job to job, but chances are you’re not going to be sitting in the same spot 40 hours per week.

At the same time, if you’re not as inclined to be out on the streets and would rather be part of a fast-paced environment and team that delivers timely and crucial information on a more erratic schedule, national news broadcast journalism may be more up your alley.

Ready to Explore a Possible Career in TV News?

If you find the perks of being in local broadcast news appealing, be sure to check out our blog on how to pursue these careers.

And if you’re already established in the business and are looking for a highly experienced TV news agent to take you to the next level, contact us today.

We’re all about the integrity in the news.

Filed Under: Blog
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