5 Ways To Break The Glass
Ceiling In Your Newsroom
5 Ways To Break
The Glass Ceiling
In Your Newsroom
Written by News Gal
š September 10, 2019
I’m never going to move up at my current station. It’s like working under a glass ceiling.
My boss has made it abundantly clear that I am nothing more than a weekend anchor. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with being a weekend anchor, but for me, it’s not my ultimate goal.
I want to anchor Monday through Friday, and the fact that my boss says he will never promote me to that position really messes with my head.
I’m not alone. I know several people who are weekend anchors or reporters who feel like they will not get promoted at their station.
For me, it’s hard to be excited about my work because I feel like I am not working towards anything. Plus, when you know there’s no room for professional growth it makes you feel like you’re bad at your job. It also sucks when you see other people moving up, but you’re stuck in the same spot.
So… here are a few helpful tips I have to share for anyone who finds themselves working under a glass ceiling…
1. Ask why
If your boss says you’ll never be an anchor, or you’ll never be the lead reporter, ask why.
Once you know what the issue is, work on it.
I have a coworker who wanted to anchor and was told she didn’t have the “right look.” She changed her hair, and guess what? She is an anchor at our station now.
2. Make a great reel
Use your anger and disappointment to focus on putting together an amazing reel.
If your boss doesn’t see your talent, find someone else who does. I realize contracts make it hard to leave, but if you can transfer within your company and get a job you wantādo it!
3. Find a mentor
Reach out to someone who will be honest with you, and ask them if they think you’re ready for the position you want. What are their suggestions?
Sometimes talking with someone who has no connection to your station can be a big help. They can look at your work with an open mind and give you good advice.
4. Connect with corporate.
I have never done this, but a former coworker used it to her advantage.
She would email clips of her work to our corporate VPs every month. They would always respond to her. After a year, they moved her to a higher market.
If she had stayed at our station she never would have moved up. Corporate loves her, so she doesn’t care what any of her other bosses have to say about her career.
5. Get a new job
Not necessarily in TV.
If you feel like you’re in a dead end job, maybe it is time to get out. If there’s no room for the advancement you want, what’s the point?