Do You Have a Truly Committed TV News Talent Agent?

October 5, 2026 by

For an exceptional TV news anchor, reporter, sports reporter, or meteorologist to make it in the industry, they need more than just great stage presence. Having a committed TV news talent agent makes a huge difference.

Even with more than 30 years under his belt, nationally-renowned TV news talent agent Mort Meisner is as engaged with his clients as he was when he first started, going the extra mile to place them where he knows they will shine.

And when it comes to recognizing true talent, he may well be the best in the industry. He’s found more than his fair share.

A Roster of Success Stories

Being a TV news talent agent can be grueling work – both mentally and physically. Mort has always thrived in this environment. His untiring enthusiasm, passion, and vision for his clients have long been recognized in the industry. And he has the success stories to prove it.

Craig Nigrelli

When Mort first started his agent business, he met Craig Nigrelli. Though he was a little rough around the edges, Craig had aspirations of becoming an anchor. He also had an agent who didn’t believe in him. Recognizing Craig’s talent, Mort believed he could do it. So Craig fired his current agent and signed on with Mort, who got him a morning anchor job quickly.

Over thirty years later, Craig is now a successful anchor and reporter at Straight Arrow News after anchoring in markets such as Omaha (for more than a decade), Kansas City, Albuquerque, Buffalo, Sarasota, and Wichita. And Mort is still his agent.

Megan Lee

One of Mort’s favorite stories is that of Megan Lee. Mort always praises the qualities of humility, patience, and perseverance as key stepping stones for being able to make it in this cutthroat industry. From the moment he met her, he saw that Megan had these in droves. And she wanted to work in her hometown market of Detroit.

Yet, she also possessed the humility that reminded her that at the beginning, she would need to work her way toward that market. Coachable, teachable, and always willing to learn, Megan worked with Mort to achieve that goal. Three years (and several jobs in smaller markets) later, she landed a job at WXYZ in Detroit.

Aaron Parseghian

Similar to Megan, Aaron Parseghian came to Mort with a dream of working in his hometown. When Aaron signed with Mort, he was in Grand Rapids and shared with Mort his desire to work in Boston. Mort knew he wasn’t quite ready and advised Aaron to accept a position in Tampa. This paid off.

Aaron spent 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. Meanwhile, he listened to Mort’s advice and guidance every step of the way. 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. He eventually landed at CBS-owned and operated station WBZ in Boston.

Irika Sargent

Not everyone knows they want to be in broadcast journalism right out of school. As Mort became more established as an agent, he was frequently approached by those not in the industry looking to change jobs. Irika Sargent was one of those people.

At the time that Irika reached out to Mort, she was an attorney who was interested in becoming an anchorwoman. Mort recognized that she had all the necessary elements to make it as an anchor. He also recognized that it would take some time and told her that she’d have to take a major pay cut. Fortunately, Irika was willing.

So Mort helped her land a job in a small market in the south. From there, she moved up to Houston, then eventually Miami. She is now in Chicago where she’s the top female anchor both in background and credibility.

Allen Devlin

When Allen Devlin reached out to Mort a few years ago, he was already a reporter at the NBC affiliate in Greenville, South Carolina. His goal was to get back to his hometown of Atlanta, though. So he reached out to Mort.

Demonstrating serious natural talent, Allen had already won several prestigious awards. So he and Mort got to work on his reel. In addition, Mort was able to take advantage of his multiple contacts at the CBS affiliate and other stations in the market. Soon enough, there was a bidding war for Allen’s services.

Several stations in the Atlanta market and beyond were courting Devlin. He landed seventeen interviews and received nine offers. He ultimately accepted one in his hometown of Atlanta. Then in 2024, he joined the CBS News New York team in New York City. And Mort is still his agent.

A Committed TV News Talent Agent for Every Client

Mort Meisner has always recognized talent, and he continues to be a champion for news talent all over the country, fighting every day to ensure they get the benefits and the pay they deserve.

So if you’re a broadcast news anchor, reporter, sports reporter, or meteorologist ready to experience the benefits of working with a truly committed TV news talent agent, contact Mort today!

He WILL do everything in his power to get your dream placement.

Filed Under: Blog

Milestones for Women in Broadcast News

September 18, 2026 by

With the advent of television came the natural evolution of broadcast news. Yet, the screen in the early days of TV news was dominated by men.

While it’s no big surprise that women in broadcast news were essentially non-existent during the genesis of TV news, there were a few trailblazers over the next half century who started making their mark.

These were the women who opened doors and made it easier for today’s female broadcasters to navigate an industry that’s still somewhat fraught with sexist overtones.

Trailblazing Women in Broadcast News

The first female television news anchor appeared in 1947. Dorothy Fuldheim served in this role at WEWS in Cleveland, Ohio and she continued her broadcasting career into her 90s. A year later, in 1948, Pauline Frederick was hired by ABC News, making her the first full-time network television news standard female correspondent.

The 1950s were relatively quiet for women in broadcasting as the country settled into traditional male and female roles across many industries. But the times they were a changin’ as views shifted through the 1960s.

In 1972, Susan Stamberg was the first woman to anchor a nightly news show on NPR’s All Things Considered. A couple of years later came the legendary Barbara Walters. After working for years behind the scenes, she was officially named the first female co-host of NBC’s The Today Show in 1974. Then in 1976, she moved to ABC News as the first female co-anchor of a network evening news program.

By the 1980s, some of the women in the industry were growing frustrated with rampant sexism in the industry. When Christine Craft was demoted at KMBC-TV for being “too old, too ugly, and not sufficiently deferential to men,” she took it to the courts. She won her landmark case in 1983 while shedding light on the industry’s discrimination. Ten years later, in 1993, Connie Chung would become the first Asian-American (and second woman) to co-anchor the CBS Evening News – a major weekday network evening broadcast.

The Sexism Was Exposed, But Still Exists

By the 2000s, women had a lot more opportunities. In 2006, Katie Couric became the first woman to serve as a sole weeknight anchor on the CBS Evening News. Meanwhile, Gwen Ifill and Judy Woodruff were the first all-female nightly network news anchor team when they were brought on as co-anchors of PBS NewsHour in 2013.

Even so, female TV news talent continue to face obstacles that their male counterparts do not. They’re much more harshly criticized, as both management and viewers judge women broadcasters on their hair, makeup, clothing, and weight in a way that men are not. As a result of this, they often struggle with balancing authority and expertise against societal expectations of them.

The situation is even more imbalanced on social media, where female broadcast journalists experience a disproportionate number of threats, vicious statements, and even targeted gender-based abuse.

In addition, since men continue to hold the majority of the management and decision-making roles in the newsrooms, women’s needs are often misunderstood, minimized, ignored, or overlooked. This is also problematic in situations where the women are still handling the brunt of household and caregiving activities outside of work.

Then there’s the age-old double standard of ageism. While men get ‘more distinguished’ with age, older women feel increasingly pressured or marginalized when stations begin to seek younger on-air personalities.

An Experienced TV News Talent Agent Helps

When it comes to witnessing the sexism and hypocrisy for women in broadcast news, TV news talent agent Mort Meisner has seen it all.

In his 30+ years of experience as an agent, he’s fought to protect his female clients from these imbalances and abuses. And continues the battle.

So if you’re a woman in the broadcast journalism industry who feels that you’re not getting the right kind of attention to further your career, contact Mort today. He doesn’t shy away from calling BS when he sees it.

Filed Under: Blog

The Most Common Pitfalls for TV News Talent When Choosing a Job

August 28, 2026 by

Are you a TV news anchor, reporter, sports reporter, or meteorologist on the hunt for a job? Having a skilled TV news talent agent is key to avoiding the most common pitfalls for TV news talent who are seeking work.

Because of their vast knowledge of the industry (and, more importantly, the people in it), agents can help you home in on the best deal. Especially when you have multiple offers.

A well-connected TV news talent agent will have relationships with station news directors and general managers that give him or her access to information that could affect your decision.

The Most Common Pitfalls for TV News Talent

If you’re a talented TV news personality facing several offers, it can be overwhelming. There’s a tendency to focus on the wrong things when considering which position to take. The following are examples of this:

  1. Not Understanding How Far to Push An Offer

The first offer is rarely the best. But folks without an agent (or with an inexperienced one) are tempted to accept it flat out because they don’t know this.

A TV new talent agent KNOWS how far an offer can be pushed. Hair, clothing, and makeup that were once included are no longer part of the deal. The same can be said for relocation costs. An agent knows how to get companies to shell out compensation for at least part of these expenses when they hedge against paying them.

Another benefit of an agent is that they will advise most talent under the age of 30 to secure a deal that’s no longer than two years in duration. This is because by the time the third year comes around, the salary will no longer be enough. At that point, the agent would set up a renegotiation for more. (An exception is for a frontline anchor who is being offered significant money and terms.)

  1. Choosing Based on Climate

Sure, it may be appealing to live in a place that’s warm and sunny all year. But any good agent will tell you that this should not be the driving force behind deciding which offer to accept.

For example, you may be drawn to accept a position in a city like Phoenix because it’s warm and sunny all winter. Yet, once you arrive, you may notice the pay isn’t consistent with the cost of living. Management in desirable climates knows there are plenty of talented people who will be willing to take positions and sacrifice the best deal for good weather.

  1. Permitting Their Agent to Accept a Deal on Their Behalf

If you’re somewhat new to the industry, you might be eager to allow your agent to accept a deal on your behalf without fully understanding all the tenets of the deal. This should NEVER happen. A morally upstanding agent would not allow this. Every deal should be in writing before both the agent AND the talent sign off on it.

Guidance Matters

Avoiding the most common pitfalls for TV news talent comes down to enlisting an experienced and ethical talent agent.

An experienced TV news talent agent will recognize your true potential and be willing to coach you to help you find the best job for the most money.

Bottom line, having an agent will likely get you at least 15-20% more than you would get on your own. So contact us today!

Filed Under: Blog

Is There a Future for TV News Talent?

August 11, 2026 by

With budget cuts, job consolidations, and transitions to streaming, there’s no denying that the traditional broadcast news industry is changing. But that doesn’t mean the market for news, talk, and interview content is shrinking.

If anything, it’s increasing.

And that means there is definitely a future for TV news talent. It’s just not going to be in following the linear broadcast model that has prevailed for the past fifty years. Folks entering the industry now will need to be amphibious multimedia creators.

The Drawn-Out Death of TV

TV news talent across the spectrum has been managing the drawn-out death of TV in a myriad of ways. While some have simply resigned to lower paychecks in an attempt to hang on to their lucrative deals, others have pursued better time slots paired with digital extensions to net themselves bigger contracts. Particularly from networks eager to break from diminishing pay TV revenue.

Over the next few years, there will likely be hybrid deals that will allow for TV news talent to keep one foot in each bucket. And as mentioned above, the marketplace for news, talk, and interview content is actually expanding. This is good news for seasoned TV news vets who are willing to take advantage of platforms like YouTube, SiriusXM, and even Netflix, where much of this content has shifted.

Breaking Off on One’s Own

Of course, there are anchors, reporters, and sports reporters who are looking completely beyond the world of television to find success on the other side. But it isn’t easy.

First of all, an established TV news anchor can net a 6-, 7-, or even 8-figure salary. And that doesn’t even include all of the benefits and perks. One of those perks is an entire staff of producers and crew members who make everything possible.

What some of these folks are discovering is that the costs to hire a modest production team and build a video podcast setup that meets the current standard can run up to $1 million. So not only is the move a risky one. It’s expensive. And those who make the shift quickly realize that they have to work much harder than they did before.

Some Additional Not-Always-Obvious Pitfalls

The reality is, TV news talent who have found success in digital almost always have a strong point of view. And this runs counter to the idea of staying even keel as a news personality. So an anchor who is uncomfortable with this may have a tougher time succeeding in the digital environment. They need to go in with the expectation that a straight news creator economy show is going to present differently than a point-of-view or interview-type of creator economy show.

In addition, there’s now the presence of “clipping.” This is when unscrupulous content creators clip, slice, and dice cable news segments and podcasts and publish them to platforms such as TikTok and YouTube shorts, where they reach a wide audience, but require no context. It’s an ugly practice that leaves many not knowing what’s real and what’s not.

Required Skills for the Future for TV News Talent

For future TV news talent to thrive, they’ll need to master several key areas.

First, they’ll need to establish a personal brand. The most successful journalists view themselves as a standalone business that needs to build a loyal audience. They do this through newsletters, social media, and independent video channels. Which leads us to the second key area.

Future TV news talent will need to know how to seamlessly pivot from reading a teleprompter to conducting interviews, hosting podcasts, and writing engaging digital copy. This is the aforementioned amphibious multimedia creator.

And finally, with the increasing dominance of AI, they will need to possess notable human empathy and judgment. This is an area where AI fails and cannot establish trust. It doesn’t know how to make split-second ethical decisions during breaking news, build deep community relationships, or empathize in sensitive situations. These are all required for powerful TV news broadcast journalism.

Is It Time to Get an Agent?

If you’re in the TV news industry, you know firsthand about all the changes that are happening. It can be daunting.

With a highly experienced TV news talent agent like Mort Meisner to guide you, you’ve got nothing to fear. He’s got his thumb on the pulse of this ever-changing industry at all times.

So contact Mort today to see what he can do to forward your career. He has the skills, the connections, and the know-how to make it happen.

Filed Under: Blog

Are You Ready for a TV News Talent Agent?

July 25, 2026 by

If you’ve been a TV news anchor, reporter, sports reporter, or meteorologist for any amount of time, you may be thinking it’s time to hire a TV news talent agent.

You’re probably right.

Hiring an experienced and well-connected TV news talent agent is going to be a boon for your career. But there are a couple of key questions you need to answer first:

  1. Do You Want to Go Big, or Stay Local?

Many new reporters or anchors are shooting for the big time. They want to broadcast on a national network, along with the lifestyle that goes with that.

Others would prefer a smaller market and possibly one closer to home. They may be starting a family. Or they have a significant other who is rooted in his/her job. Leaving family and friends for a large network doesn’t appeal to them. Plus, they recognize there is power in local news.

For those who are insisting on major markets, affiliates, or network destinations and who are willing to go wherever they need to go to get that, an agent is indispensable. An experienced agent will be well-connected and can send your tape all over the country to give you the best shot at a new job.

Yet, agents are also happy to represent those seeking local work. For example, if you’re at a local station that’s also in a major market, you’ll want an agent to negotiate your next deal at that station. S/he can also get you a meeting at another station across town if needed.

Once you know whether you’re aiming for local or national news, the next question is this:

  1. How Long Have You Been Working in TV News?

If you’re fresh out of school and brand new, chances are you don’t need an agent. This isn’t a given, though. A skilled agent can spot real talent and determination and will take on brand new talent if they show promise and are willing to do the work. A TV news agent is willing to coach such individuals to help them find the best first job for the most money, while also helping them help themselves so they can attain a great second job.

In addition, if someone who demonstrates true potential attended a college or university with a broadcast journalism school that produced daily live and professional-looking newscasts, they may already have a solid reel. This will help too. But even in cases where there isn’t a reel, an agent can use his or her connections to help promising new talent build one.

Meanwhile, candidates who have already gotten their feet wet working their first TV news job should definitely consider an agent. S/he can offer you so many advantages that you just won’t find out there on your own – regardless of how well you navigate the internet. An experienced TV news agent who has connections with station news directors and general managers is going to have access to information that no website will ever have. Plus, by the time you see a job posting on the internet, it’s typically gone. A TV news agent can share your info and reel long before that happens.

Which leads us to what is probably the most important question:

Where Can You Find a Trusted TV News Talent Agent?

If you’re ready to hire a TV news talent agent, start asking other TV news reporters or anchors for recommendations. In addition, attend conferences and take advantage of networking. Meeting your prospective agent face-to-face will give you a good feel for whether he or she is right for you.

During your search, there’s a good chance that you’ll either hear the name Mort Meisner, or meet him in person at a conference.

Because with over 30 years of experience in broadcast news, he’s the premier TV news talent agent. Mort knows the people and players that fuel this industry. And he’ll use those connections to get you the job you want. So contact Mort today.

Filed Under: Blog

A Day in the Life of a National News Anchor

July 20, 2026 by

Students choosing to study broadcast journalism are often gunning for the position of national news anchor.

A national broadcast journalist is likely to be recognized because of the sheer scope of their audience. And they interview some very well-known and influential people. Plus, there’s the high of being in a fast-paced environment and on a team that delivers timely and crucial information.

But what you may think you know about the day in the life of a national news anchor can be deceiving. It’s so much more than just being on camera.

What Is a Day in the Life of a National News Anchor Like?

On-air delivery is only part of the gig. National news anchors spend the day (or the late night/early morning in the case of morning anchors) doing research, writing, and producing. Their job demands that they constantly monitor the news so they can collaborate with editorial teams and adapt to any breaking developments.

And let’s admit it. These days, there are a LOT of breaking developments.

Before the Broadcast

Before the cameras roll, national news anchors get right to work researching and preparing for their segment. They review news wires, read scripts, and rewrite content so that it aligns with their voice and style of speaking. For those working the morning shift, this can start as early as 1:30AM. Evening news anchors typically start their day mid-morning.

In both cases, they will participate in editorial meetings to pitch story ideas, propose the angle of the day’s (or night’s) biggest headlines, and coordinate with field reporters.

As the time for broadcast nears, they need to ensure they have all of the information they need. Then they attend to hair, makeup, and wardrobe.

The Broadcast

The actual broadcast consists of sitting at the anchor desk or standing in front of digital monitors. Depending on the segment, they may read teleprompter scripts and/or receive real-time information, updates, or breaking news from executive producers through an Interruptible Fold Back (IFB, or in-ear audio earpiece).

In many cases, they will also conduct live interviews with experts, politicians, celebrities, or on-the-scene correspondents.

When the show goes to commercial, they don’t get a break. During these ‘lulls’, national news anchors not only review notes for the next segment, but are in constant communication with the control room in case they need to update scripts to reflect any breaking news.

Post Broadcast

Once the main broadcast has ended, a new round of work begins as the focus shifts to post-production and audience engagement.

Along with diving into social media to interact with viewers, read feedback, and post digital videos to keep their audiences informed, national news anchors often record promotional teasers for the next day’s broadcast or cut-ins for streaming platforms.

After that, morning anchors are involved in post-show meetings, pitching stories for the next day. Then they head home with the intention of getting to bed by 6:00 or 7:00pm. Evening anchors, on the other hand, dedicate this time to fine-tuning scripts for later news editions, or pre-recording special segments.

Are You Considering a Career as a National News Anchor?

Now that you have a better sense of a day in the life of a national news anchor, you may be setting your sights on a broadcast journalism degree. Or you might be running away screaming.

If it’s the former, we encourage you to give it your all!

And once you graduate and are looking to start establishing yourself, contact TV news talent agent Mort Meisner. He can help you work your way to the top.

Filed Under: Blog

The Pros and Cons of AI in Broadcast Journalism

June 25, 2026 by

You’ve probably heard someone lately saying something to the effect of, “I had AI do my notes for billing and it helped a lot!” You may have also heard someone express a concern about losing their job to AI.

Both of these sentiments are heavily presented these days. And it’s hard to know where to stand with AI. Especially if you’re in the latter camp and worrying about lack of employment and relevance.

TV news talent is no exception. It may seem that a TV news reporter, anchor, or meteorologist couldn’t be replaced. But these days, it seems anything is possible. So we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of AI in broadcast journalism.

When Is AI in Broadcast Journalism Helpful?

For as much as it is often demonized (and we’ll get to that), AI can be helpful across many industries. The same is true for broadcast news.

The natural language processing tools in AI can summarize lengthy documents, highlight important quotes, and translate content into multiple languages. This makes journalism more accessible to global audiences. It can also be used to personalize content for readers to increase engagement.

AI also has the ability to process vast volumes of data from documents, videos, social media, and transcripts way faster than traditional methods. It can also identify patterns, anomalies, and correlations in those large datasets to provide more comprehensive reporting. Furthermore, AI can streamline tasks like trend analysis, transcription, and keyword searching. Freeing up journalists from these tasks enables them to focus on more in-depth investigations, powerful storytelling, and fact-checking.

Speaking of which…

The Cons of AI in Broadcast Journalism

Broadcast journalists are faced with an increasing wave of dis- and misinformation. This has weakened trust between audiences and those reporting the news. As such, many people have turned to social media, which is completely unverified for their news and information.

Combine this with the fact that news outlets are under significant financial strain with lessening advertising revenue and reduced subscriptions, and some outlets are making editorial compromises they may not have considered in the past. This can include prioritizing trending content over public-interest reporting. Even if the trending content isn’t always fact-checked.

All of this is made worse by AI because it can be used to generate false content, images, audio clips, and even voices that make it difficult for audiences to determine what is real. Then, newsrooms are flooded with this disinformation or misinformation and simply don’t have the resources to fact-check it all. This just further deepens the chasm of mistrust.

AI has advanced so far that in early 2024, a seasoned professional journalist from France was targeted with a deepfake that manipulated his article headline AND his voice. The altered content distorted his reporting and spread disinformation that undermined his credibility. While AI is busy harming reputations, it’s also threatening the safety and effectiveness of reporters who focus on public interest.

And automation isn’t just coming for the journalists and reporters. It could replace editors, designers, and distribution staff as well – thereby eliminating broadcast journalism as we know it.

All Is Not Lost

With content so easily altered and public skepticism on the rise, it can be difficult to know where you stand as TV news talent. How will AI in broadcast journalism impact you?

There’s no way to tell, at this point. But TV news talent agent Mort Meisner believes that maintaining clear oversight and accountability is where it begins. And he’s been in this industry for over three decades, so he’s seen it all.

If you’re a broadcast journalist who’s curious about working with a TV news talent agent who will do what it takes to ensure that AI doesn’t undermine the credibility upon which journalism depends, contact Mort today. You’ll be blown away by his expertise.

Filed Under: Blog

The Power of Perseverance in TV News Broadcasting

June 11, 2026 by

Every so often, long-time TV news talent agent Mort Meisner likes to share particularly inspiring stories about his clients.

One of his favorite stories is that of Megan Lee. Mort always praises the qualities of humility, patience, and perseverance as key stepping stones for being able to make it in this cutthroat industry. And Megan has these in droves.

She is a true example of the power of perseverance in TV news broadcasting.

Neighborhood Connection

Megan grew up in Royal Oak, Michigan; a community that neighbors his. Around the time she was a freshman at Central Michigan University, Megan’s father approached Mort at a well-known donut place that Mort frequented every morning to buy coffee and a donut for his assistant.

“Hey there, Mr. big shot agent,” he said, familiar with Mort’s status as one of the best agents in the country. “I wanted to let you know that in about three or four years, my daughter is going to be a potential client for you!” Mort had heard this line before. But always the gentleman, and forever on the lookout for real talent, he decided to stay in touch with what might pan out to be a great lead.

It was.

Megan gained extensive experience during her time at News Central 34, a CNN and CBS affiliate at Central Michigan University. A half-hour nightly newscast, broadcasting in multiple counties in Michigan, News Central 34 offered Megan the opportunity to work as a sports anchor as well as a general news anchor. And by the time Megan graduated CMU, Mort recognized that Megan did, indeed, have what it takes to make it in the industry. And he took her on as a client.

Megan’s Early Days

Megan landed her first job out of college as a multimedia journalist with WKBN in Youngstown. After about three months there, she became the evening weekend anchor. This was a great starter market, and rather than pushing Mort to place her in a bigger market, she stayed there for nearly two years and learned the ropes.  

From Youngstown, she then went to Milwaukee at WTMJ and joined the news team as a multimedia journalist in July 2023. She typically reported for the 10 p.m. newscast and worked hard for nearly three years to become one of the very best reporters in the market.

Mort could see that he had a bona fide shooting star on his hands.

The Power of Perseverance

Young, energetic, smart, and resourceful, Mort knew that Megan would eventually be able to work in a bigger market like Detroit. And this was appealing because it was her hometown. But he also knew that she needed to go through the growing pains in Youngstown and Milwaukee to get there. And she listened to him.

Her humility reminded her that at the beginning she was not quite ready for that market. Yet, she was coachable, teachable, always willing to learn, and to persevere. And it paid off.

With Megan’s contract ending at the end of this summer, an opportunity was presented to her in the last month by WXYZ in Detroit. Both WTMJ and WXYZ are owned by Scripps Broadcasting. There was likely some concern that when her contract ended, another Detroit station might scoop her up. So WXYZ moved aggressively. They made a very generous offer for Megan to come to their station, and she accepted.

Both Megan and Mort were thrilled. And as far as Megan’s dad? As Mort says, “He was right! He did have a budding star on his hands. And I’m honored to now have Megan as my client and dear friend.”

Megan began her next exciting chapter in broadcast journalism in Detroit on June 3rd, 2026.

Are You a Rising Star in TV News?

If you’re looking to advance your position as a TV news anchor, reporter, sports reporter, or meteorologist, and you know the power of perseverance, Mort Meisner would love to hear from you.

Contact him today to discuss how he can help you to achieve the market you desire in the location you’d like to call home.

Then get ready to make it happen.

Filed Under: Blog

Understanding the Placement Process with a TV News Talent Agent

May 22, 2026 by

The world of broadcast journalism is diverse. There are so many possibilities when it comes to placement. So you want to work with a TV news talent agent who can get you placed where you wish to be geographically, but also in the market size where you should be.

This requires finding an agent who is willing to be your partner. One who understands that the key to success is rooted in mutual understanding, trust, and respect.

The placement process with a TV news talent agent should work for both you and your agent. So don’t settle for anything less than an agent who’s real, honest, and to the point at every juncture.

What to Expect in the Placement Process with a TV News Talent Agent

As you begin your placement interview with a TV news agent, he or she should be focused first and foremost on your strengths and what you want in your career. He or she should also request a DVD, resumé, and, in the case of on-air talent, a photo. This is standard.

From there, the process looks like this:

  1. Signing a Contract

If both you and the agent feel you’re a good match, an experienced agent will ask you to commit to the placement process with a clearly written contract. Carefully read this agreement to ensure that it lays out the commitments and obligations of both parties. If you don’t feel it’s equally beneficial to you, clarify this with the agent. Anyone you hire should believe you and we operate under an assumption of mutual trust and commitment.

  1. Diving into Development

Your DVD is going to be your first impression with a prospective employer. So you want it to be flawless.

Working with an agent with decades of experience will make a difference in terms of your development as TV news talent. Your agent should be willing to thoroughly review your DVD and then, using his/her years of expertise, analyze your performance and offer pointed and practical suggestions to develop a DVD that is competitive and ready for release.

  1. Taking Advantage of Networking

As they say, it’s all about who you know.

Once again, an agent with vast experience in the broadcast industry is going to offer more advantages in this department because he or she will already be connected to a vast network of professionals across all markets and at all levels of the industry. This means your resumé and DVD are seen by the right people. If your agent is highly connected, a prospective employer may see a DVD before an open position has been formally posted because he or she will know where there is movement in the market before word gets out.

Your agent should also be making weekly contact via e-mail or telephone to ensure that you know what activity is taking place on your behalf.

  1. Getting Placement

Of course, achieving successful placement is the goal for both you and your agent. Depending on where you are in your career, this may sometimes mean not getting to the biggest market right away. Or you may have to start in a geographical location that isn’t ideal while you continue to develop your skills. An experienced agent will guide you in this decision.

Even more importantly, your agent should also understand that their job doesn’t stop once you are successfully employed. This placement should mark the beginning of a long and mutually beneficial relationship. A successful agent continues to work with you on your career development process, requesting a DVD on a monthly basis to keep you moving forward. Your advancement should be their top priority.

Does Such an Agent Exist?

Yes! With more than 30 years in the business, Mort Meisner has the connections, the know-how, the expertise, and the passion that drive him to be one of the foremost agents in the country.

So if you’re ready to work with an agent who will put YOU first, contact Mort today.

And you could soon experience the placement process with a TV news talent agent who truly cares.

Filed Under: Blog

Does Your TV News Talent Agent Possess the Skills for Effective Crisis Management?

May 11, 2026 by

If you’re a successful broadcast TV news anchor, reporter, or meteorologist, then you probably have a TV news talent agent looking out for you.

After all, 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.

But one of the more overlooked benefits of an agent is having someone who can easily and effectively put out fires. Does your agent have the skills for effective crisis management?

Required Skills for Effective Crisis Management

Long-time TV news talent agent Mort Meisner is an expert in crisis management. With over three decades of experience under his belt, he’s learned and then honed many qualities that have helped make him successful in crisis management. And this is a necessary skill set when working in broadcast news.

In dealing with a crisis, he strives to be the following:

  1. Fair-Minded

For Mort, being fair-minded means considering every viewpoint, concept, or idea carefully. Yet also understanding that each position and viewpoint does not have the same merits. In considering every side of the argument, he can see that there are multiple potential courses of action in responding to a crisis. From there, he tests out the most viable options to determine their merits, as well as possible shortcomings.

  1. Courageous

Being fair-minded shouldn’t be confused with just rolling over, though. Mort also sees the value in challenging conflicting ideas. Particularly those that are strongly supported or rejected. From his many years of experience, he’s learned that every idea must be challenged to ensure it stands up to scrutiny. After all, this is the only way to ensure that he can keep growing and evolving in his crisis management techniques. For Mort, no concept is ever beyond questioning.

  1. Empathetic

Mort’s ability to understand another person’s thoughts, perspective, or situation is partially learned, but partially built in. He’s a naturally empathetic soul who always seeks to understand another’s viewpoint before challenging it. He recognizes the power of acknowledging times in the past when he held one belief, but then changed his mind when presented with a more compelling point of view. He understands all too well how people can stay mired in beliefs that don’t serve them because they are comfortable or familiar.

  1. Persevering

Crisis management demands time and patience to develop a foundational understanding of the situation. But it also requires dogged persistence and perseverance to grasp the situation, then hone the necessary cognitive skills to address the problem.

  1. Autonomous

First, managing a crisis requires the ability to be presented with new evidence and points of view, then freely ask questions, adjust perceptions, and challenge beliefs based on these. And that means a crisis manager must have autonomy. During a crisis, Mort strongly encourages an environment where non-judgmental and open discussions can bloom. In this constructive and respectful environment, he culls the information and independently synthesizes the knowledge without confrontation and with a degree of wisdom. This contributes to more productive outcomes.

  1. Humble

Finally, humility is a core trait necessary for successful crisis management. And Mort has this in droves. He’s well-grounded in an understanding of his capabilities, while simultaneously grasping the limitations of his knowledge and skills. Mort does not purport to know or understand everything and strives for better solutions and answers than what he may have to offer. After all, he recognizes that perfection doesn’t exist and that some of the best lessons and solutions have come from recognizing his own mistakes.

How Well Does Your Agent Handle a Crisis?

Are you confident that your current agent possesses the skills for effective crisis management?

You can be certain Mort Meisner does. As a nationally-renowned veteran TV news talent agent, there’s not a crisis that he can’t successfully manage.

So contact Mort Meisner today. You can be confident that he’ll always have your back.

Filed Under: Blog
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