What Are Fireable Offenses for Broadcast TV?

February 12, 2026 by

As one of the top TV news talent agents in the country for over three decades, Mort Meisner is an authority on what’s considered fireable offenses for broadcast TV.

He’s had to help a handful of clients over the years who have (inadvertently or otherwise) committed some of these offenses and were seeking guidance in starting anew. It hasn’t been easy.

As far as what is considered a fireable offense, there are two different categories. The first falls under breaches of employer/network policies and professional ethics. The second involves violations of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations – which have gotten a little more difficult to parse out in the past year.

Employer and Ethical Fireable Offenses for Broadcast TV

Since this first category is a more clear-cut, we’ll start here.

Any TV news talent – be it a reporter, anchor, meteorologist, or sports reporter – is subject to internal network or station policies. Failure to comply can lead to termination. The following offenses can be fair game for firing:

  1. Slander/Libel

Steering clear of slander and libel is Broadcast Journalism 101. Or it should be. Making malicious false statements for the sake of causing economic harm or tarnishing an individual’s or company’s reputation can mean major lawsuits for the station. And you can bet this is something they’re not going to tolerate.

  1. Breaching a Conduct Clause

Some on-air TV news talent have contract clauses that cover their behavior outside of work. These include big actions like public scandals and arrests. But they also cover what may appear as lesser offenses such as inappropriate comments on social media. For younger talent who have grown up on the internet, they’re not always aware of this pitfall.

  1. Poor Performance

Sometimes, newer or greener talent is under the impression that just because they have a contract, they can’t be fired. There are, of course, nuances to this. But consistent low ratings, frequent on-air mistakes, lack of productivity, and/or insubordination are all grounds for termination. This is especially true for non-union “at-will” talent.

  1. Misconduct in the Workplace

We hope it goes without saying (but are saying it anyhow), appalling behavior in the workplace is a fireable offense. Among the zero-tolerance offenses on this list are violence, sexual harassment, and time theft.

  1. Violating Journalistic Ethics

A well-educated and versed broadcast journalist knows that using more than one VERIFIABLE source is crucial for any story with a serious allegation. Additionally, conveniently leaving out key facts or engaging in political activities that compromise impartiality, and therefore the news organization’s credibility, can also lead to firing.

FCC Regulations Non-Compliance That Can Lead to Termination

The FCC, at the date of the post, at least, cannot directly fire individuals. But they can fine stations or revoke their license for certain violations. And this, in turn, translates to fireable offenses for both on-air talent and management.

Now, it’s important to note that here in 2026, we’re living in a time where the line between truth and reality is tremendously blurred. And there’s a wealth of mis-, dis-, and malinformation out there obscuring the facts.

So with that disclaimer in mind, we’ll look at what the key FCC has, in the past, considered violations that could lead to fireable offenses:

  1. Broadcasting False Information

No broadcaster should air false information about a crime or catastrophe if s/he knows the information is false and it could cause substantial public harm, such as diverting emergency services.

  1. Intentionally Distorting the News

The FCC claims it does not intervene in journalistic judgment and has considered intentionally slanting or rigging the news as a “heinous act against the public interest.” Documented evidence from someone with direct personal knowledge can prompt an FCC investigation.

  1. Broadcasting Obscene Content

Now that we got one and two out of the way, we land on the violation of broadcasting obscene content. But what is considered obscene? Well, to be ruled obscene, content must meet a three-pronged test. First, it appeals to an average person’s prurient interest. Second, it depicts sexual conduct in a patently offensive way. And finally, it lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. Again, making these judgments has become something of a grey area.

  1. Broadcasting Indecent or Profane Content

Indecent content that depicts sexual or patently offensive activities is considered indecent. Profanity is defined as content that’s grossly offensive enough to be considered a public nuisance. Indecent and profane content is prohibited on broadcast TV between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

  1. Contest Violations

Finally, stations are required to accurately disclose the material terms of any contest they run and conduct it as announced. Misleading or rigged contests can lead to FCC fines. This one seems pretty straightforward. Go figure.

Are You a Broadcast Journalist Seeking Guidance?

The world of broadcasting is a tricky one right now. Especially where federal oversight is involved. Even so, what are considered fireable offenses in broadcast TV, as they pertain to ethical workplace practices, have not changed much.

So if you’re a broadcast journalist who insists on doing what’s right and working with only a highly ethical and upstanding TV news talent agent, then contact Mort Meisner today.

Mort will provide effective guidance and advice while doing everything in his power to keep your career on the right path.

Filed Under: Blog

Striking Authenticity As a Broadcast Journalist

January 22, 2026 by

Ask avid viewers of the news and most will tell you they want authenticity in their reporters and anchors. Authenticity is not only refreshing, it’s magnetic.

Audiences don’t tend to remember polished performances as much as those with conviction, honesty, and clarity. They want their news delivered by someone who can stay true to their own voice.

So how can you achieve authenticity as a broadcast journalist where you balance your genuine self with your core journalistic ethics? We’ll take a look.

What Creates Authenticity?

In the simplest of terms, creating authenticity starts with being trustworthy. You want to be credible while posing tough questions with empathy. Stick with the facts and allow them to guide your narrative. As you consider the following, remember that actions speak louder than words.

  1. Establishing and Building Trust

One of the best ways to build trust is by being accountable. Especially these days. You’ll want to think about how you can develop sincere reporting that is unique to you and that will draw an audience. Always respond to questions with fairness and clarity.

In other words, when you establish yourself as trustworthy, you become a go-to source for your audience.

  1. Being Yourself

Experienced TV news talent agents will frequently encourage you to be yourself. What does this mean?

Speak clearly and with confidence. And don’t try to develop a certain affect by changing your accent or your voice. You want to stay relatable and make it easy for the audience to understand the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of a story. Finally, maintain eye contact with the camera.

In essence, don’t squelch your natural self but let it come through in your presentation.

  1. Emphasizing Accuracy and Integrity

Your credibility depends on your being accurate and acting with integrity. Transparency is rule #1 here. Verify the facts of your reporting by using first-hand and multiple sources that can corroborate. Demonstrate your core values by staying fair and respectful. And own up to any mistakes you make.

  1. Insisting on Objectivity

Be aware of your biases and attempt to mitigate them. Ask the hard questions with tact and empathy and avoid being confrontational. Always present multiple sides to reveal the truth.

Achieving Authenticity As a Broadcast Journalist

In a nutshell, establishing and maintaining authenticity as a broadcast journalist starts with knowing what you stand for and how to express it in an ethical way. It means you’re engaged with the audience’s concerns and that you’re fully present in interviews and live segments. You embrace your imperfections while upholding accuracy and transparency.

And last, but certainly not least, you strive to speak the truth. You research and prepare so you can better understand your community and build credibility within it. After all, solid facts allow you to deliver stories with confidence and make a real connection.

Get Help from a Top TV News Talent Agent

If you’re struggling with how to establish authenticity as a broadcast journalist, you’d be wise to seek advice from a TV news talent agent who’s helped countless others to find their voices.

Mort Meisner is that agent.

So contact Mort today. He’ll advise you on best practices to demonstrate your true self and experience real connection with your audience.

Filed Under: Blog

Where AI Is a Threat to Broadcast Journalism

January 8, 2026 by

Let’s admit it. AI has become the elephant in the room. Everyone is talking about it and many people fear it. TV news reporters, anchors, and meteorologists are not immune to this apprehension.

Almost everyone harbors some concern that AI will eventually render their jobs obsolete. As such, nationally renowned TV news talent agent Mort Meisner is often asked by his clients if they should be nervous about the effect of AI on broadcast journalism.

While Mort can’t see into the future, he is the first to acknowledge to his clients that AI is a threat to broadcast journalism. Just maybe not in the ways they’re thinking.

The Silver Lining of AI in Broadcast Journalism

Here’s the thing.

AI is not an altogether evil entity coming after everybody’s job. Major and minor news organizations are taking advantage of AI’s ability to do things like transcribe interviews, analyze datasets, and summarize large documents so reporters have more time to manage complex and creative work.

Its adeptness at quickly processing information allows it to help uncover stories that are otherwise hidden within huge volumes of data, which could be easily overlooked. In addition, it can produce graphics and pore over audience analytics, which, in turn, enables journalists to experiment with new formats and reach more diverse audiences.

Sounds pretty good, right?

Yet, AI Is a Threat to Broadcast Journalism

There’s no doubt that AI is a threat to broadcast journalism. First off, all of the above-listed benefits of AI translate to efficiency gains that could result in fewer jobs and increased pressure to produce content more quickly. This can compromise the accuracy of such content. Particularly if news organizations don’t recognize this pitfall.

Plus, AI-generated misinformation and fabricated audio/video using a person’s likeness (i.e. deepfakes) make it challenging for people to know what’s real and build trust. This undermines the credibility of broadcast news, where trust is essential. What’s more, it uses predictive statistics to create content. The end result? Generic and unoriginal storytelling that lacks the empathy and critical thinking provided by human journalists.

Finally, AI models are trained on overwhelming amounts of existing news content. This content is often scraped without permission or compensation, which threatens the financial viability of news organizations. This is especially difficult for local broadcasters who don’t have enough resources to attempt negotiations with behemoth tech giants.

What It All Means

What most experts believe at this point is that AI is not a significant threat to human-led journalism. Just check out the first AI-generated anchorperson in China and see how steely and robotic he is.

AI does, however, pose a threat to news organizations that are blind to its impact and fail to adapt in a responsible way. So it’s important that news organizations focus on developing ethical guidelines for using AI as a powerful tool that works in tandem with and even accentuates the human elements of integrity, accountability, and reporting.

In other words, organizations that commit to doing what it takes to ensure that AI supports journalism rather than exploiting it are going to be far more trustworthy. They’re going to be the ones to watch, and the most reputable with whom to work as TV news talent.

Are You Nervous About the Future of AI?

If you’re a TV news reporter, anchor, sports reporter, or meteorologist, it’s normal to be concerned that AI is a threat to broadcast journalism.

But by working with a highly experienced TV news agent like Mort Meisner, you can be certain you’ll always be steered in the right direction and toward an organization that will be right for you.

So contact Mort today. And start making a real name for yourself in the industry.

Filed Under: Blog

How TV News Jobs Are Filled by Agents

December 16, 2025 by

If you’re a TV news anchor, reporter, or meteorologist, then you know how competitive and even cutthroat the world of broadcast news can be.

And while you may have landed your entry-level job in TV news through traditional applications or networking on your own, if you’re looking to advance your career, having an agent is crucial.

Most TV news jobs are filled by agents. This is especially the case for on-air talent. An experienced TV news talent agent is a valuable intermediary between news organizations and journalists seeking jobs with them.

The Process By Which TV News Jobs Are Filled by Agents

So what makes a TV news talent agent so indispensable? Well, agents can use their vast industry connections and leverage their expertise to help you achieve job placement BEFORE the positions are even advertised.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Acquiring Talent

In their search for solid talent (both new and seasoned), agents attend industry events to make connections and provide referrals. They also regularly monitor social media and digital portfolios to get a sense of whether you have the on-camera presence, writing skills, and overall ‘brand’ to make it in a specific role or position.

  1. Developing and Coaching

Acquiring talent is just the beginning. An experienced TV news talent agent who’s worked in the industry is able to see both your strengths and weaknesses. As such, they’re able to provide career guidance that includes feedback on your work, writing ability, and presentation skills. They may also suggest updating your demo reel and refining your personal branding to make you stand out more. And this isn’t for new talent only. An agent can spot when seasoned talent may need to refresh their personal brand.

  1. Identifying the Right Job

As mentioned above, one of the greatest assets a TV news talent agent has is his or her connections with news directors, general managers, and station group executives. When it comes to filling jobs, these are the decision makers. And they give agents insider access to potential job openings weeks or even months before they are publicly announced.

In return, an agent is able to streamline the recruitment process by providing news organizations with a curated list of their clients who meet the criteria and will best fit the job. So you’re far more likely to land a position where you will thrive.

  1. Placing the Talent

If a news organization expresses interest in you, it’s the agent who handles the negotiation of the terms of employment, including your salary, benefits, contract length, and relocation assistance. Because a skilled TV news talent agent is intimate with this terrain, he or she is typically able to navigate it better than a journalist flying solo. The result? Better compensation and terms for you.

  1. Staying Connected

While placement may seem like the endgame, it should not be. A truly good agent will continue to work with you. He or she will regularly follow up on your progress, offer advice, help resolve conflicts, and be vigilant in staying connected with you. If you have an agent who isn’t doing this, it’s time to find another.

Ready to See How a TV News Talent Agent Can Boost Your Career?

If you’re relatively new to the TV news industry and are feeling stuck, take advantage of the fact that so many TV news jobs are filled by agents.

Or if you already have an agent and they aren’t providing all of the above services, you may not be getting the best results.

Whatever the case, if you’re looking for the consummate TV news agent who’s been in the industry for over three decades, contact Mort Meisner today. And see what he can do to boost your career.

Filed Under: Blog

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.

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