Television Realities not Reality Television
By Jennifer I. Quinn, N2Arts Correspondent
Advice on breaking into television news
 

ow does a mouthful of maggots sound? If you said appetizing, then you might have a future in reality TV. But if you’d like a television career with longevity and integrity, then let’s face reality. Instead of eating insects, would you work weekends and weekdays in Laredo, Texas for $11,000 a year?

Steve Highsmith, a chief political correspondent for the WB network, knows an aspiring news reporter who took that job. It wasn’t much better twenty-eight years ago when Steve began reporting. Now, on an average night, 77,000 people watch Steve’s political reports. Steve Highsmith explains how he made the most of his talents, created opportunities, and followed his interests to achieve success.

At age thirteen, a phone call revealed Steve’s unique gift. “I’m not George,” Steve insisted when his dad’s boss started talking shop. He was developing a deep, masculine voice that made him sound older. His distinct voice got him in the door early in his career.

He recommends wannabe television personalities ask themselves if they have an attractive quality “Are people going to like listening to you, are they going to be okay to watch you?” Most people won’t scare away viewers. However, television requires some modifications. “I’m not talking about plastic surgery,” he says. Beginners should ask, “Can I get rid of the nose ring?” A conservative look will appeal to a wider audience.

Steve was appealing and ambitious. In high school he presided over the Junior Achievement Television Company. Steve met professionals and let them know he wanted to learn. Today, a student could do the same while interning.

“A lot of people get put on the assignment desk...and you can learn a lot there. But they never ask to do anything else.” Steve advises, “Don’t be afraid...say, ‘can I go out with a reporter one time?’ And that’s what I did in high school.” He traveled with reporters as they covered the news. Three months later they let him interview the district attorney for thirty minutes on television.

He attended Notre Dame University and got involved with college radio. A local station manager heard Steve on air and offered him a part-time job. Soon he was working fifty to sixty hours a week. It was not easy but he made the decision, “this is what I have to do and want to do.” He would start in the morning on the Notre Dame station, drive forty miles to work in Michigan, return to finish his day at a third station. After six months he landed a full-time position.

Steve’s talent and hard work made his radio career successful but it was his passion for politics that helped him transition into television. Steve recommends to young journalists “focus on something you are interested in...(that) you think is important.” He covered the elections for radio. His expertise was recognized and he was invited to participate in televised political discussions. A news director admired Steve’s work and offered him a full time job reporting news and politics on television.

When the president arrives in town Steve and his TV crew are there witnessing history in the making. He still finds his career interesting after almost three decades. He believes, “A large part of success in any business is being a good employee. And that’s seeking out work, working hard, not expecting things right away.” Ignore the allure of instant fame on reality television. Follow your interests, develop your talents, and create opportunities. 

Jennifer I. Quinn worked in television production for five years where she rose to the position of associate producer. She is also a certified teacher who has taught English and Communications to high school students. She can be reached by email at jennifer@jiqreview.com.