Charting Your Life Beyond TV News

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A few times a week, FTVLive sends out a 100% free newsletter to the people who subscribe. We give you links to stories and information, and did I say that it was totally free?

This our entry to Thursday’s FTVLive Newsletter. If you want to subscribe there is a simple link down below.

Hello Friends,

Let's be honest. The whispers in the newsroom are getting louder. With every announcement of another merger or "synergy-driven restructuring," the ground beneath our feet feels a little less stable. If you're watching the consolidation wave crash across the local TV landscape and wondering what's next, you are not alone. For many, the thought of jumping ship—finding the lifeboat—is no longer a distant hypothetical, but an active consideration.

So, where do you go?

You know the well-worn path. We’ve all seen former colleagues and TV news people take the leap. They land in Public Relations, handling crises for companies instead of reporting on them. They become Communications Directors, shaping the messaging for a major brand. Or they trade the scanner chatter of the newsroom for a role on the other side as a Public Information Officer (PIO) for the local police or fire department.

These are all respectable, often more lucrative, paths. They offer stability, regular hours, and a chance to use the skills we’ve spent years sharpening. There is absolutely no shame in taking that route.

But what if you're not ready to give up the hunt? What if the idea of leaving journalism entirely feels like a betrayal of who you are?

There is another way. You can build your own lifeboat. The digital landscape has empowered individual journalists like never before. You can continue your career, but this time, you're the executive producer, the news director, and the talent. Platforms like Substackallow you to build a loyal, paying subscriber base for your writing and investigative work. A dedicated YouTube channel can become your new broadcast platform, letting you break stories and produce long-form video packages without the constraints of a 90-second time slot. Many have already gone this route, building a brand based on trust and niche expertise, answering to their audience instead of a distant corporate office.

The skills you've honed under the relentless pressure of daily deadlines are more valuable and versatile than you might think. If neither the corporate path nor the independent journalist route feels quite right, consider these other fields where your experience is a massive advantage:

  • Corporate Storyteller / Brand Journalist: Companies are desperate for high-quality video and written content. You are a professional storyteller. You know how to find the human element, shoot compelling video, and write engaging copy. Many large corporations now have in-house studios that rival small TV stations, creating content for marketing, internal communications, and social media.

  • Media Trainer: Who better to teach a CEO how to handle a tough interview than someone who has conducted hundreds of them? Your on-camera experience and understanding of how to frame a message make you a natural at preparing executives and officials for the media spotlight.

  • Content Strategist: You're not just a reporter; you're a producer of content. You understand what audiences respond to, how to package information, and how to tell a story across different platforms. Businesses need people with these exact skills to plan and execute their digital marketing and content strategies.

  • Non-Profit Advocacy and Grant Writing: Non-profits thrive on their ability to tell compelling, emotional stories to drive donations and awareness. Your ability to interview subjects with empathy and craft a powerful narrative can be an invaluable asset in fundraising and campaign-building.

  • Documentary Production: If your passion has always been the long-form story that never fit into the A-block, this is a natural next step. Your skills in research, interviewing, shooting, and editing are the core components of documentary filmmaking.

The future of our industry is uncertain, but your future doesn't have to be. Whether you decide to paddle toward the shores of corporate communications, build your own independent news operation, or apply your skills in an entirely new field, remember this: you are more than just your job title. You are a skilled communicator, a relentless investigator, and a calm presence in a storm.

Those skills are in high demand everywhere. Know your worth.

Sponsored by OTA Talent