23 - How to Become a Network News Anchor w/ Shelby Bracho
Have you ever dreamed of being a nightly news anchor and wondered how to put yourself on that path? If so, then join me on this episode of Mentors and Moguls featuring my guest Shelby Bracho, a weeknight news anchor who shares with us her tips and pathway towards success on the network news scene. Listen in as she pulls back the curtain on a day in the life of a reporter, the best ways to get a foot in the newsroom door, and the most rewarding aspects of her job experience.
As someone who was at first resistant to a career path in news media, Shelby explains how her entrance into the field began with a random media class she enrolled in that made her slowly fall in love with the work. From this class, she received her first internship in the news and met her mentor Tanya Hart. Because of this beginning, Shelby recommends that everyone take advantage of all opportunities put in front of them because you never know where they will lead you.
Shelby discusses the challenges of working in the news industry such as its non-stop nature, competitiveness, and how critical people can be of news anchors, noting that women especially are put under a magnifying glass when it comes to their appearance. However, she explains that the best way to overcome these trials is by remaining calm and blocking out the noise so you can stay focused on the core of the job: telling people’s stories, which she has found to be the most rewarding aspect of her work.
Shelby shares that from her experience in the field, she has found that people are ultimately more similar than they are different. She believes reporting and interviewing help to connect a community and is work that not only shares information but can also offer emotional comfort and foster stronger human connections.
For those who may also be interested in a career in the news field, Shelby discusses what a day in the life of a reporter is like, noting that there is no typical day. Instead, you always have to be ready to roll with the punches and adapt. She also offers career advice, emphasizing that the most important step to landing a job is putting together a strong newsreel to represent you and your work. She then recommends sharing this on social media, especially LinkedIn, where you can follow all of the major media companies and begin making connections with news directors. She additionally suggests subscribing to tvjobs.com, which is a website where all news jobs are posted.
If you’re interested in a career as a news anchor or reporter, tune in to today’s episode of Mentors and Moguls to hear more about Shelby’s personal journey and the day-to-day as well as long-term advice she offers for those looking to enter the field and step in front of the camera themselves.
What You’ll Learn in This Podcast Episode:
On today’s episode, you’ll learn about the life and career path of weeknight news anchor Shelby Bracho. She shares with us what to expect from a career in front of the camera, the best ways to enter into the news field, the most rewarding parts of reporting, and more.
Links:
Follow Shelby on social media @shelbyonthemic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shelbyonthemic?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelbyonthemic/
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