Life After TV News

TalentBlvd hosted an Exclusive Virtual Q&A for Verified Premium members. CEO/Founder Mike McNamara moderated the discussion with TalentBlvd mentors Cristina Mendonsa and Heidi Goitia. These multimedia veterans shared their story of how they made the pivot from TV News & Radio. Their journey and advice can help you throughout your career!

Cristina Mendonsa is an award-winning broadcaster and brand storyteller. She is a Former Anchor at ABC News and is now a Morning Show Host for iHeart Radio. Cristina is also an entrepreneur. She is the CEO/Founder of Mendonsa Media and specializes in media training, consulting, social strategy, documentary production, and online curriculum creation.

Heidi Goitia was a morning show anchor for more than a decade at the CBS affiliate in Arizona. After being part of a reduction in force (RIF) during the  COVID-19 lockdown, she transferred her skills to a role that allowed her more time and flexibility with her children. Heidi is the Public Relations Supervisor at The Ferraro Group and she shares with us how she applies her multimedia skills to excel in her current PR position.

The signs for the time to transition

An important piece of advice to keep in mind while working in any role is to use your skills in parallel while being careful of your contract. In other words, learn a skill or practice a side hustle that doesn't affect your main job.

In Cristina's case, this came in handy when she began noting changes in the studio. From seeing new managers and news directors coming in every year, to a philosophical shift in the company throughout the U.S. The layoffs followed and she prepared for its imminent arrival to her studio.

Eventually, she received the news that all journalists dread. Cristina was told that the company was going in a different direction and her contract would not be renewed. 

Understanding what's next

After the mass layoffs in her company, Heidi Goitia asked herself an important question before moving on to her next career move: "How do I want my life to look?"  Journalists rarely stop to think about this when working in the fast-paced environment of broadcasting. 

Find your purpose

Cristina felt that she played an important role in the community as a journalist. She missed meeting people and sharing their stories, so she implemented this into her purpose. She was motivated to start her own business after a realization, "The job that I want doesn't exist",

Transfer your skills

Broadcasters transfer skills in ways that you don't realize. Use your current position to learn more skills, for example, producing can be very transferable. As a journalist, you have a wide variety of human interactions and tight deadline deliverables. This means that you transcend quick turnarounds and interviewing all types of personalities. If your skills are technical and you are a pro with the camera, then you can explore video production. The possibilities are wide.

Maintain relationships and network

Consider who, from your current team, would you like to include in your next project. Maintain and nourish all the relationships, especially during life after TV news, and continue networking. Cristina worked with her TV connections who empowered her to build a business. In summary, build a team and have a plan.

Resources for Life After TV News

• Cristina recommends reading the book "Pivot" by Jenny Blake
• Mike suggests becoming a member of the American Broadcast Association
• Heidi's suggestions are to become a volunteer or member at boards and charitable organizations - these are the key players in the community. It's also helpful to make a list of people who you admire and get a mentor.

While you contemplate the idea of life after TV news, remember you can always go back to TV news. It's important to consider your options for what's currently the best career path for you. To help through major career decisions, TalentBlvd offers mentorship sessions for Verified  Premium members with many leaders in the broadcast industry, including Cristina Mendonsa, Heidi Goitia, and Mike McNamara.. Learn more of the benefits of a 'Media Talent' membership at: https://talentblvd.com/media-professionals

We’re here to help you along your entire career journey!

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