Best job in broadcasting?

Grapevine,

Sounds like you've worn many hats in your career. In your opinion, what's the best gig you ever had? And could you rank broadcasting jobs according to which is the most fun?

-Curious

Wow, what a great question. Yes, I've done just about every job in TV news except the one I consider the worst (Assignment Editor) and even worked in radio for awhile. (Talk shows are fun.) In my opinion the job that is the absolute most fun is the one that's hardest to get.

Doing play-by-play. Hands down, not even close, this is the absolute best gig you'll ever find in radio or TV. I was fortunate enough to do a few years of minor league baseball and four years of college basketball, and there is no greater "rush" in the business. Live shots and big stories don't even compare. When you've got a down-to-the-wire game and a great broadcast partner in the booth (and I've had a few), your heart tries to escape your chest. You're basically getting paid to do what you do on the couch with your friends watching games at home. And, to make things even better, some PR person for the team brings you food. The problem with getting these jobs is that most of them are handled by former jocks or sons of former broadcasters. (see Buck, Joe; Schaap, Jeremy; and a hundred others.)

Next on the list, feature reporter. I did this for a long time and it was always something new. Photogs enjoy shooting features cause they can take their time and get creative as well. The problem is that most stations don't have this franchise anymore. Very low stress, and you don't have to worry about silly things like facts too much. Plus, you don't have to chase the scanner.

And after those...

-Network field producer (What I do now on a freelance basis. Always a big story, the network people are extremely nice and professional, and, what a concept, the equipment ALWAYS works.)

-Sports Anchor/ Reporter

-News Anchor

-Franchise Reporter (consumer, troubleshooter, health, etc.)

-General Assignment Reporter

-Weather Anchor (This can get old and boring... let's face it, you've either got severe weather or not much to talk about.)

-Producer

Jobs that are no fun at all...

-Anything to do with a morning show. (Unless you're a vampire, you'll have no life and your whole existence revolves around trying to fall asleep.)

-News Director / Assistant ND /Executive Producer (You could be Ghandi and half the staff will still hate you.)

-One Man Band (Don't get me started)

-Assignment Editor (Like having homework all the time. I'd rather sit through a Celine Dion concert than do this for even one day.)