You Have to Choose

When I was at RTDNA/NAHJ, I talked to a number of students that are looking to go into TV news.

A number of them asked for advice and I said the same thing over and over again.

You have to choose if you want to be a Journalist or an influencer, but you can’t be both.

When you choose to be a Journalist, you are putting yourself on a different level. You are becoming a public figure, but you are asked and should stay unbiased.

As an influencer, you can say what you want and not really worry about blowback.

I’m not knocking either job, but I’m telling you, you should not do both.

WTIC (Hartford) Reporter Taylor Dichello is one of those that is trying to be a Reporter and an influencer and it is hurting not only her, but her station’s credibility.

Here are some examples from her station branded Instagram:

So, for you guys headed into TV news, this is a good example of how not to do it.

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