Reporter resume tapes and the web

Last year, we pointed out that very few resumes on the jobs bulletin here at the RTNDA side of the NAB convention showed any web experience. But this year, at least one-third of the resumes list online experience. Some resumes are even for web producer positions!

Splendid. Now the next step is tape critiques. There’s an over-dependence on resume tapes in TV news. It’s drummed into every young reporter’s head: make sure you edit a collage of your best anchoring and live shots at the top, because your appearance and delivery on camera matters the most. In the new world, it’s just a number of factors. In this spirit, I approached the RTNDA sign-up desk for one-on-one resume tape critiques and I asked, “Do you offer web critiques?” The answer, of course, was no, but the gentlemen promised, “Next year.” Which I responded, “I’m holding you to it.”