Taking Care of Yourself as a Journalist

Most graduate students would complain about the same main thing—not getting enough sleep. However, a lot more comes with taking care of yourself in the broadcast news industry. In a mandatory broadcast and digital journalism class called Performance, students are taught how to deliver their voices on-air and talk freely when reporting. Throughout the semester, students are reminded  to take care of vocal cords. Finding a reporting voice might take time starting out as a reporter or anchor, but the more practice the better. It is best to stay away from milk, coffee, alcohol and juices the day you are tracking or reporting live. These beverages tighten your vocal cords. Also, it is best to stay away from very cold and hot drinks. The best beverage for your voice is, simply, water.

Besides beverages, it is important to sleep. In the newsroom, employees often work odd hours and sometimes overnight shifts. Not having enough sleep and stamina definitely shows on-air as an anchor or reporter, and it is hard to stay focused on news stories. Whenever there is an opportunity to sleep, take it.

If you live in a place like Syracuse, it is important to stay warm when reporting outside. Hand warmers and foot warmers are essential. Also, wearing a scarf, gloves, hat and thick jacket is a good idea. However, it is not recommended to wear distracting accessories. Ladies, this also goes for jewelry. If you do not know if a clothing item or accessory is too distracting to go on-air, ask yourself if it will distract your viewers from the story you are telling.