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.