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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
