What It's Like To...

What It's Like To Be a TV News Anchor and Reporter


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When I was 28 years old, I packed up my things and moved to Billings, Montana to become a television news anchor and reporter.  I knew I was getting out of my comfort zone, but I had no idea how far.  The person who helped me through it--my colleague, Jonathan Marcus--is my guest on this episode.  We reminisce about our experiences working in local news; living in Montana; and realize that over the years we've both had the same idea: that we should write a screenplay or a novel--or something... because truly, as our experience working at KULR-8 showed us, the truth can be stranger than fiction.  From the one-armed cameraguy who prowled the Montana highways all night long looking for footage, to the inappropriate news director; from drinking on the job to getting hit on in local bars... you can't make this stuff up. And we didn't.  

In this episode:

  • How Jon ended up in Montana (02:21)
  • Elizabeth's initial impressions of the station (and of Jon) (04:04)
  • Some of the craziness that took place at the station (09:28)
  • How Jon saved Elizabeth her first time anchoring (13:10)
  • Being recognized around town (16:00)
  • Elizabeth's experience being critiqued for superficial qualities (23:03)
  • What should you do if you want to get into the business? (28:48)
  • Nerf ball in the newsroom + other stories (31:01)
  • Jon's excellent renegotiation skills (34:20)


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What It's Like To...By Elizabeth Pearson Garr

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