Fast Facts
Name: Sydney Gray
Market: N/A
Current Station: N/A
Current Title: Anchor/Reporter
Preferred Title: Anchor/Reporter
Experience:
Agent Name: Steve Koles
Agent Phone: (248) 545-2222
Agency: Mort Meisner Associates
Sydney Gray
June 25, 2025 by
Challenges Broadcast Journalists Face in Today’s Media Environment
June 5, 2025 by
To say that today’s media environment is hyper-partisan is an understatement.
And many people are stepping away from TV news outlets and turning to social media platforms that further promote divisiveness with dis- and misinformation.
This climate has certainly increased the challenges broadcast journalists face.
Challenges Broadcast Journalists Face
The timing is far from ideal. Disengagement comes at the same time that Chat GPT and other generative AI are upending the norms of how content is generated and by whom. Plus, platforms are ridding themselves of the fact-checkers who once kept information relatively safe.
As such, broadcast journalists are digging into how to respond to this so that people can access important information they need to make informed decisions. The following actions are essential (but far from easy these days) for broadcast journalists to take.
Don’t Resort to Clickbait Journalism
Given the withdrawal of viewers, there’s an appeal to attract them with clickbait headlines or overly in-depth reporting. This is a guaranteed way to get noticed by TV news talent agents. But for all the wrong reasons. And you can be sure you’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.
Maintain Objectivity
Broadcast journalists are under fire to present a fair and balanced story. Unfortunately, this often results in giving equal weight to claims that aren’t substantiated. And the number of fringe viewpoints seeping into the mainstream is ever-increasing – making the line between news and opinion blurry.
To maintain objectivity, broadcast journalists must prioritize factual information from verifiable sources when presenting both sides. Using clear and concise language also goes the distance in sensationalizing or editorializing a story.
Present Multiple Perspectives
Well-rounded reporting is crucial in establishing the credibility of a story. Even so, providing a variety of viewpoints without proper context can create confusion and undermine that credibility. Broadcast journalists must be able to identify credible sources based on relevant expertise and a proven track record. Any opposing views presented should be in the context of factual information that highlights areas of disagreement and consensus.
Allow the Facts to Speak for Themselves
Broadcast journalists – and in particular investigative journalists – serve a critical role in maintaining a democracy. They do this by uncovering truths and holding institutions accountable. In this polarized environment though, such reporting is often dismissed as biased based on the target of the investigation.
This is why broadcast journalists must uphold the highest journalistic standards and ensure that evidence is well-sourced and verified. In this way, they can allow facts to speak for themselves.
Are You a Broadcast Journalist Seeking Representation?
Broadcast journalists play a critical role in a healthy democracy. But the challenges broadcast journalists face in this divided landscape make their jobs all the more challenging.
If you’re an anchor or news reporter who’s committed to unbiased reporting, you need a TV news talent agent who shares this vision.
Mort Meisner is that agent. Contact him today to see how he can make you a name to remember (for all the right reasons) in broadcast journalism.
Amanda Ruiz
June 3, 2025 by
Fast Facts
Name: Amanda Ruiz
Market: N/A
Current Station: N/A
Current Title: Reporter
Preferred Title: Reporter
Experience: 8 years
Agent Name: Mort Meisner
Agent Phone: (248) 545-2222
Agency: Mort Meisner Associates
Contact
Matt Petrillo
May 27, 2025 by
Fast Facts
Name: Matt Petrillo
Market: N/A
Current Station: N/A
Current Title: Reporter
Preferred Title: Reporter
Experience: 10+ years
Agent Name: Mort Meisner
Agent Phone: (248) 545-2222
Agency: Mort Meisner Associates
Contact
FAQs About Mort Meisner Associates
May 20, 2025 by
If you’re a TV news anchor, reporter, meteorologist, or sports reporter, you’ve probably heard of Mort Meisner Associates.
Mort is one of the most well-known and experienced TV news talent agents in the business.
So if you’re on the lookout for representation that’s a cut above the rest, we’ll answer the most FAQs about Mort Meisner in this post.
FAQs About Mort Meisner Associates
First of all, we want to start by saying that if you sign up with Mort Meisner Associates, you will be working one-on-one with Mort Meisner himself. Despite the name of the agency which sounds vaguely like one of those large law firms named after a big-time attorney who would never represent you, this is not the case with Mort.
He will be your guy.
So What Makes Mort So Special?
Mort has over 20 years of newsroom experience. He’s had direct experience as a major market news director, assistant news director, investigative producer, managing editor, and/or assignment editor is a great place to start.
Recognized as an industry expert, Mort is frequently quoted with regard to the news media and is cited in college textbooks on the subject. Many of today’s decision-makers, news directors, and general managers, worked with or for Mort during the span of his career. Relationships drive this business and since Mort has the advantage of knowing so many key players personally, he can reach them directly and get honest feedback on talent.
What Else Makes Mort Unique?
Mort thrives on the connection he has with his clients. Truly. You could call anyone on his impressive roster and they will verify this. With Mort, you’ll never be passed off to an administrative assistant. You’ll always be in the know about who’s viewing your reel and any interest it’s generating from station managers.
Even after Mort places talent, he’ll continue to critique your work and provide guidance to keep you on the right path to reaching your goals. He’ll use his experience and knowledge of the industry to negotiate on your behalf. Since he has a knack for breaking through all the noise of this industry, he’s able to secure you with the most beneficial salary and perks, signing bonuses, and professional development opportunities.
How Does Mort Find Job Openings?
Anybody can search websites for job openings.
But because Mort is so well-known in the industry, he has connections with news directors and management and is aware of job openings before they get posted. And since he is a long-established and respected agent, he’s regularly contacted by station talent recruiters and search firms inquiring about talent that would fit their needs.
In addition, he regularly attends industry events and conferences to stay familiar with the top networks, large broadcasters, and even local executives. He makes the extra effort to put himself out there so he knows what decision-makers want when they set out to hire talent.
Will Mort Help With My Reel?
Of course he will! Although it may not seem like it, 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.
When it comes to creating and critiquing reels, Mort is a true pro. He knows there are various “tricks” reporters can use to make their reels memorable to the average hiring manager and will help you produce a reel that will make you more marketable.
As a veteran in the industry, he does have certain recommendations he offers news talent depending on their career goals. The requirements for an actor reporter, for instance, will be different than for a regular reporter or a hard news reporter.
Will I Be Competing Against Mort’s Other Talent for the Same Job?
Some agencies send one composite reel that features multiple clients for a job. Mort is not down with this. He believes in marketing you specifically for a job and not just lumping your reel in with other Mort Meisner Associates talent. Mort takes pride in matching talent with jobs that are tailored for them – based on the specifications of both the talent and the hiring manager. That’s why he focuses on sending out individual talent reels.
Now You Know!
We hope the answers to these FAQs about Mort Meisner have left you more informed. Whether you’re an aspiring broadcast meteorologist or a seasoned anchor, you should be getting the most from your TV news talent agent.
Your agent should be doing more than just placing you. He or she should be offering you guidance every step of the way.
So if you’re ready to see firsthand what Mort Meisner can offer you, contact him today.
TV News Talent Agent Mort Meisner Has Always Recognized Talent
May 7, 2025 by
Exceptional TV news talent has more than just great stage presence. While that’s a necessary component, there has to be far more than that.
That’s why talent agent Mort Meisner is frustrated that the industry is moving away from hiring singular talent and replacing it with teams.
And when it comes to recognizing true talent, he’s one of the best in the country. He’s found more than his fair share.
A Couple of Success Stories
When Meisner first started his agent business, one person who stood out among others was Craig Nigrelli. When Meisner met Craig, he had aspirations of becoming an anchor. He also had an agent who didn’t believe in him.
Meisner recognized he was rough around the edges, but believed he could do it. So Nigrelli fired his current agent and Meisner got him a morning anchor job quickly. Of the large pool of talent he now represents, Nigrelli continues to have Meisner represent him and is an anchor in Wichita.
As Meisner became further established as an agent, he was frequently approached by those not in the broadcasting industry looking to change jobs. Irika Sargent was one of those people.
Several years ago, she reached out to him and said she was an attorney who was interested in becoming an anchorwoman. Meisner recognized that she had all the necessary elements in place 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, Sargent was willing.
From there, she started in a small market in the south, moved up to Houston then eventually Miami. She is now in Chicago where she’s the top female anchor both in background and credibility.
Mort Meisner Has Always Recognized Talent
Of course, an agent isn’t solely responsible for a client’s success. There are always going to be those who have more natural talent than others. They’re just hard-wired for it. Still, no matter your level of talent, having an experienced agent can give you distinct advantages.
When Allen Devlin reached out to Meisner 3 1/2 years ago, he was a reporter at the NBC affiliate in Greenville, South Carolina. Demonstrating serious natural talent, he’d already won several prestigious awards. His goal was to get back to his hometown of Atlanta though. So he reached out to Meisner to figure out how to make that happen. Devlin had a fantastic reel that Meisner oversaw.
With that, Meisner 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 Devlin’s services.
Recognizing true talent, several stations in the Atlanta market and beyond were courting Devlin. He landed seventeen interviews and received nine offers. He ultimately accepted one of those offers in his hometown of Atlanta. Since that time, he has continued to grow as a reporter and has become an outstanding anchor. Meisner continues to be his agent.
Championing 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.
For a deep dive into how Mort started his career and became a true agent of change, you can read his memoir, Enough to Be Dangerous.
And if you’re a broadcast news anchor, reporter, sports reporter, or meteorologist ready to experience the benefit of working with one of the most experienced and well-connected TV news talent agents in the country, contact Mort today! He WILL do everything in his power to get your dream placement.
Jeff Pegues
April 22, 2025 by
Fast Facts
Name: Jeff Pegues
Market: N/A
Current Station: N/A
Current Title: Anchor/Reporter
Preferred Title: Anchor/Reporter
Experience: 20+ years
Agent Name: Mort Meisner
Agent Phone: (248) 545-2222
Agency: Mort Meisner Associates
Contact
Rachel Aragon
April 21, 2025 by
Fast Facts
Name: Rachel Aragon
Market: N/A
Current Station: N/A
Current Title: Reporter
Preferred Title: Reporter
Experience: 10 years
Agent Name: Mort Meisner
Agent Phone: (248) 545-2222
Agency: Mort Meisner Associates
Contact
Shanila Kabir
April 16, 2025 by
Fast Facts
Name: Shanila Kabir
Market: #41
Current Station: WFOX/WJAX
Current Title: MMJ/Reporter
Preferred Title: Reporter/MMJ
Experience: 5 Years
Agent Name: Steve Koles
Agent Phone: (248) 545-2222
Agency: Mort Meisner Associates
Contact
Nick Bradshaw
April 11, 2025 by
Fast Facts
Name: Nick Bradshaw
Market: #5
Current Station: Spectrum News
Current Title: MMJ
Preferred Title: Reporter/MMJ
Experience: 10+ Years
Agent Name: Steve Koles
Agent Phone: (248) 545-2222
Agency: Mort Meisner Associates
