As someone who has considered moving to a small market to report TV news, I think the tips below — shared at the Aug. 11 Surviving Small Markets panel – are helpful for TV reporters looking to secure their first or second gig.

SPEAKERS: Priscilla Luong, Morning Reporter, FOX-25, Jam Sardar, TV News Director WLNS; and Maria Hechanova, Morning Reporter, WLNS-TV

Jam Sardar:

• “If it says ‘no phone calls,’ don’t call.”

• If you’re going to call, call in the morning.”

• “Make your stand-ups creative.” Use motion, multi-parting and framing.

TRYING TO GET TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Maria Hechanova

• “Finding the second job is a job in itself”

• “I8 months is when you need to start going through your air-checks”

• “Don’t be in such a rush to get out of your first market.”

• “Wait until the latter part of your contract to start your revised tape.”

Jam Sardar:

• “If you stay in a place for one year, you can jump 40 markets. If you stay for two years, you can jump 80-100 markets.”

• “Pick the job that’s right for you. It’s not the market size.”

•  “Don’t be afraid to go for 160’s, 170’s, 180’s [market]”

• “I wouldn’t get too caught up in the market size. If there are going to be good stories and opportunities, it’s a good job.”

Priscilla Luong:

• “Don’t be afraid to be in your first market for more than two years. That’s when people know you and trust you and with your stories.”

— Vinita Singla