By Debbie Mitchell
When I read the news yesterday that former first daughter Chelsea Clinton was most likely going to renew her contract with NBC, I was a little surprised. Clinton's return was in question. When she originally signed up for a 90 day run on the new show Rock Center with Brian Williams she debuted to less than rave reviews. I was curious to see how she would do as an on-air talent. Chelsea Clinton had spent the majority of her life being the story and trying to stay out of the media. It was interesting that she was now going to be the center of attention to cover a story. Although she is not a trained journalist, Chelsea is a recognizable face that hopefully viewers can relate to.
But as viewers do you want your news from just a recognizable face or do you want experience behind a face? MSNBC president Phil Griffin raised a few eyebrows recently when he reportedly described his method for creating new shows and developing new talent to the Tampa Bay Times, "I'm sorry, I don't care about journalists. … I want fair-minded, smart people who understand the world and can interpret it," he said. "If they're journalists, great. This notion that you somehow you have to have done something to earn so-called journalists' credentials? Stop." I bet Griffin actually said what other news executives are thinking.
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| Melissa Harris-Perry Host, "Melissa Harris-Perry" Show |
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| Rachel Maddow, Host “The Rachel Maddow Show” |
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| Al Sharpton, Host PoliticsNation with Al Sharpton |
The major networks are not opposed to hiring outside the journalist box either. Former kidnap victim Elizabeth Smart was recently hired as special contributor for ABC News in 2011.
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| Elizabeth Smart, Special Contributor ABC News |
When I hear stories of these "new" to television hires I always think of the producers working for them. As good as talent may be on camera, it is the producers who work to get them ready for air. Producing is always better when you are collaborating with your talent, speaking and understanding the same "television language." to tell a story. So when as a producer you have to adjust the creative process to incorporate a steep learning curve something has got to give. These producers are under extraordinary pressure to be good at their job. They must make sure the story is accurate and creative, the talent informed and up to date about the story as well as their television world, all done while on a tight deadline. These days producers are also lighting, shooting video and handling audio in the field. God forbid somebody drops the ball and makes a mistake. The chances are good that talent won't be blamed.
Recently, I watched a late night showing of the 1987 romantic comedy Broadcast News based in a newsroom (rent it). It wasn't fair that poor Albert Brooks, as smart as he was couldn't compete with pretty boy anchor William Hurt who had Holly Hunter in his ear telling him what to do. The movie was released 2 years after I started working in television. Almost 25 years later it's funny how the movie remains timeless and while some things have changed in the business, other things have remained the same.
Do you care if for a journalist is reporting your news or is it acceptable for talent to learn on the job?
Do you care if for a journalist is reporting your news or is it acceptable for talent to learn on the job?
TV/Social Media Producer Debbie Mitchell is an emmy nominated producer who is a member of the Producers Guild of America (PGA). If you are a personality interested in television placement or connecting with brands follow Debbie Mitchell @TVProducerDeb or email Ready4Airtv@gmail.com .
Reinvention Rocks! Someone I know said that. And it is definitely what I believe. Sometimes you have to think outside the box to get new and better results. I don't know how well these people have stepped into their new roles, but I believe that if they are willing to take the chance and virtually take a leap in front of so many people, God Bless 'em!
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