Should i go into television?

Question

Im 17 years old and about to go into my senior year of high school and still debating on what i want to do. My mom said that I may be good at working in the television/broadcasting industry, but i know nothing about it. Anyone know a little about it or have any advice? thanx :)

Answer 1

I took a Broadcasting degree at San Francisco State several years ago.  Never got to work at it, though.  Very tough field to break into, even if you know someone.  But the education has been valuable all of my life, as I was taught how to LEARN.  Good luck to you.

Answer 2

It's a great profession and a lot of fun, however, at the moment, the industry is going through a lot of changes and is still trying to figure out what it will become.

Consumers are using media differently now.  TV is not only competing with other stations, they are competing with print, the internet, and cable / satellite are spreading the viewership thinner.  Fewer viewers means less revenue and less revenue means fewer jobs.

That said, a person that can do more than one thing has a better chance of being successful.  For example, Broadcast Engineers are now expected to cover not only traditional engineering, but also Information Technology, and Health & Safety compliance, too.  Production people are expected to be able to write, shoot, edit, maintain web sites and participate in creative for print and outdoor campaigns.  Sales people must sell multiple platforms including internet and multiple channels.  News departments are shrinking.  Some stations are experimenting with "one man bands" where the reporter reports, shoots, edits, and files his story electronically from the field.

So, your best bet is to get an education in the particular area in which you want to work, seek internships during your schooling and then be ready to work.  Network during your internship.  

TV has NEVER been a 9 to 5 job and it's not going to be in the near future.  Entry level positions require hard work.  It will pay off, but you have to prove your worth.

I hope this helps.  Please return and select a Best Answer from all of those submitted.

Answer 3

well i don't think so bc my friend is in acting and it's harder once you turn 10 but under that age and your gonna be in college next year you've got a lot going on and um... oh ya and you have got some competition and a whole lot of it i mean their is about 40 thousand people auditioning for the same thing as you there is going to be at least 5 better than you. so do something like being a director you meet famous people and u can do what ever you want to do.

Answer 4

It all depends what type of work you will be doing.

Reporter?

Broadcaster?

Producer of mini segments?

Writer?

Actor?

Engineer?

Legal?

As you can see, the industry includes almost any profession.

In any case, study something you enjoy doing and then the right job will come.