Tell Me...How Did You Get Into Television?

In today’s installment of our summer series How Did You Get Into Television?, where TV professionals tell us about about their entry into the television industry and give advice on how to survive, we look at the broadcast world.   This week we meet former news reporter, freelance on-air talent and PR maven Lyndsay Christian, who transitioned from the classroom to the newsroom and is making her mark in the Big Apple.

By Lyndsay Christian

How did you get into television?

My route was very non-traditional. Post-college, while teaching speech at my alma mater, I volunteered after school at the City of Houston’s Municipal Channel (think C-SPAN for a Mayor’s office). It’s now called H-TV.  I dipped my feet in various roles: editing, producing, writing.  The managers gave me an opportunity to interview the Mayor, develop shows and report/host.  Boom!  I was bitten by the TV “bug.”  My manager advised me that if I really wanted to pursue news, I needed to gain practical experience in a network-affiliated newsroom.  At that point, I decided to transition from the classroom to the newsroom full-time.  I took a writing test at Houston’s FOX affiliate.  The News Director was impressed and offered me an Associate Producer position, writing for the morning news show.  I worked overnights at FOX and daytime at H-TV.  I worked 16-hour days, Sunday – Friday, for a year and  a half. It was a major sacrifice that eventually paid off.  I leveraged my combined experience and applied for a Reporter Trainee position at Houston’s NBC affiliate.  I was hired and worked on-air for one year in an intensive reporter boot camp role, while gaining on-air exposure alongside veteran journalists.  I covered Hurricane Ike and city news.  I was also the “Education Station” reporter, which was an appropriate fit given my previous teaching experience. At the completion of year, I relocated to Tulsa, OK to work as a General Assignments Reporter for the FOX affiliate, KOKI.  After 18 months, I moved to NYC to pursue media on a grander scale – in television and PR.

What’s your job title today and what are your job responsibilities?

I wear several hats.  During the day I’m a Media Specialist for a PR agency with beauty/skincare/aesthetics clients.  I pitch media, nationally and regionally, to secure brand coverage in broadcast, print and online mediums.  I interact daily with producers, developing segments and with writers, developing meaningful stories. 

Off-duty I work as a Freelance Host/Reporter/Editor.  I host red carpet events, fashion shows and galas, several with philanthropic ties. This allows me to keep my reporter skills fresh.  I credit my “Husband-ger,” Bradford, for helping me to gain exposure nationally as he books my gigs and connects me to the appropriate organizations.  I’m currently developing a blogsite and am super excited to develop an online presence.

What has been your favorite television job to date and why?

I enjoyed working at H-TV because I wasn’t limited to one facet of news.  I was given free rein to write, produce and report/host; the creative process excited me.  I especially enjoyed reporting feature/lifestyle pieces that allowed me to express myself.

If you could go back and say anything to yourself at the start of your television career, what would it be?

Don’t take moments for granted. I was given an opportunity to start my career in a top 10 market, at a young age.  I regret not taking the bull by the horns and really running with it! 

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned during your years in television?

Develop tough skin.  Critics are tough.  Accept criticism graciously.  Learn from mistakes. Always look at the positives in every situation.

What is your biggest regret in your television career?

Not pitching my own entertainment segment! I’ve always (and still do) want to report E! style.  The content and style are more aligned with my personality. I’m not tossing the idea out of the window…

What’s your secret to having a happy career in television?

Freelancing allows me to interact with and entertain a variety of audiences while practicing my skills.

What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded in the competitive television field?

Prayer. 

What’s the most important lesson you would tell anyone pursuing television?

Internships are invaluable.  Practical experience will help you better understand television operations.  I always encourage college students especially to intern in newsrooms to gain knowledge, observe and shadow reporters and take full advantage of every situation.  There are veteran journalists who want to help young talent.

Which person taught you the most in your career?

I have a “village” of mentors who help me at every stop along the journey. H-TV: Carol Herrera, former news anchor and station manager, was very honest.  She taught me the appropriate way to hold a microphone during interviews, dress (don’t wear white on-air!) and report with conviction.  She embraced me at “green” stage as a reporter and planted in me seeds of wisdom, for which, to this day, I am so appreciative.  KPRC: Khambrel Marshall, former Executive Producer, current Meteorologist, proofed my scripts and helped me to refine my storytelling. My writing was too formal – he taught me the importance of conversational writing and reporting.  KOKI: Mia Fleming, former news anchor and founder of “A Million Reasons Why” (web series about celebrities who give), embraced me when I first arrived in Tulsa. She and I were two of three African-Americans on-air at the station, so we immediately formed a bond.  She showed me the ropes and supported me during my growth and transition as a journalist and young woman. 

I have found that working hard can take you far, but there are few other important tips for survival in any business, but mandatory in the television business. What are your top three tips for television survival?

• Immerse yourself in the news and current events.  Read national newspapers: The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today; log on to The Huffington Post and watch CNN.
• Watch playback of your work, critique yourself, practice.  This habit will help you become more confident in delivery.
• Build a vast network of contacts across all industries – local government, sports, PR, entertainment, etc. You never know when you’ll need to call a contact for an interview. You can successfully accomplish this via social media, too.  Develop a ridiculous rolodex.  Old school, yes, but you get the idea. It’s not what you know, but who you know!

What are you most proud of in your television career?

I’m proud of having started my journalism career in my hometown of Houston, a top 10 market.  I was very fortunate to have a full support system of family and friends (nearby!) in the beginning of the journey.

If you weren’t working in television, what other job would you have pursued?

Wedding Planner.  Seriously!  My mother, Ivy, worked as a wedding consultant years ago.  She founded her own company as a side gig to her teaching career.  I watched her work with couples to plan their special day, detail by detail, and ultimately execute their vision. I attended numerous weddings, serving as her little assistant.  I loved playing with tulle, folding programs and sprinkling rose petals on tables.  I am such a planner at heart, too.   I found so much joy planning our December 2012 nuptials and would love to help other brides and grooms in that experience. I love love!

When you think about a career after working in television, what does it look like?

I would serve as a consultant and mentor to up and coming journalists/talents.

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Thanks Lindsay!

TV/Social Media Producer Debbie Mitchell is an Emmy nominated producer who is a member of the Producers Guild of America (PGA).  She is currently a member of the James Beard Broadcast and New Media Awards Committee.  If you have a story idea  for "Our Take" or are a brand interested in Social TV, blogger outreach campaigns, or a blogger or personality interested in television placement follow Debbie Mitchell @SocialTVDeb and/or email SocialTVDeb@gmail.com

Tell Me...How Did You Get Into Television?  (Senior Producer)

Tell Me...How Did You Get Into Television?  (Cameraman)

Tell Me...How Did You Get Into Television? (Video Editor)

Tell Me...How Did You Get Into Television? (Broadcast Writer)

Tell Me...How Did You Get Into Television? (Freelance Producer)