hether you're a reporter, a digital content creator, or a photographer: many who work in the news industry understand there are several pros and cons.
When the public watches the news everything looks like it is going smoothly, but many people don’t understand what goes on behind the scenes to make the shows perfect. This kind of work environment involves stress, excitement, annoyance, but also happiness.
If you're looking to pursue a career in the news industry as a digital content creator then consider reading these pros and cons to make sure it's the right career path for you.
Pros
Being able to witness history firsthand: In the news industry you get the news as soon as it happens whether it is a local story that your station has been following for years or a national story that came out of nowhere. The rush of knowing that you could be witnessing history is amazing.
The excitement you feel after reporting breaking news accurately and efficiently: I don’t think I will ever be able to accurately explain the rush I feel when breaking news happens. It’s an adrenaline rush and since I'm on the web side of things, I must get the news out as accurately and quickly as possible.
"The most amazing feeling with a local breaking news story is when you get the news out to the public before any other news station in your city." - Sierra McLean
No day is exactly the same: If you desire a job that is consistent and has no surprises then the news industry is definitely not for you. There are tasks that I have to finish throughout each shift, but there is always something that sidetracks me. Whether that be a surprise press conference from the governor or breaking news that the President tested positive for COVID-19. Each day is never the same in the news industry.
Cons
The pressure that comes with breaking news: As satisfying as this job is there is still a lot of pressure that comes with it. As a digital content creator, breaking news brings the most pressure. Not only do we need to be accurate, but we also must be quick. This means writing an entire story with all the facts and posting the story on social media as quickly as possible.
The stress that comes from working in a newsroom: If stress is something you don’t handle well then the news industry is also not for you. The majority of my shifts are stressful, which takes a toll on me during my time off from work. The hardest thing for me to do is to separate my work life and my personal life.
The Facebook comments and messages that we receive: If you want to work in the news industry then you need to have tough skin. People love hiding behind computer screens and realizing that they can comment or message just about anything without any consequences. This means one of the main tasks of a digital content creator is to monitor comments and messages. This makes me use my personal judgement on whether or not a message or comment needs to be reported to the management team.
When thinking about pursuing a career in the news industry I hope these pros and cons come to mind to help you with your decision! If you have a passion for news then the pros will outshine the cons!
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