How to make yourself layoff proof

It seems that every single day we read stories about stations or groups cutting jobs. It's no secret that the industry is hurting, gas prices have blown up news department budgets, and many stations are looking for younger, cheaper people. And we often read of longtime employees, local legends, being given the boot.

While you have little control over the whims of the bean counters at corporate, you can shape opinions in your own station. And the key is flexibility.

Let's say a News Director has to cut his sports department from three people to two, and has to let one reporter go as well. The ND has narrowed his decision down to two reporters. But one of those reporters is a sports nut, and has on occasion filled in as a sports anchor or reporter and done a good job. Guess who is going dodge the grim reaper?

The era of specialists is going into a down cycle. It may return, but who knows? If you're a news person who only knows how to do one thing, you're going to be a little more susceptible to a layoff than someone who can wear many hats.

If you're a reporter, it's a good idea to take an interest in other areas, like weather. When you've got a little free time, spend it in the weather department and learn how things work. (A good, very basic guide is the USA Today Weather Book.) If you're a sports person, you should really take an interest in news, as sports jobs are disappearing faster than anything else. Knock out a news package once in awhile. If you're an anchor who never turns a package, you'd better start. If you're a producer, learn to manage the website.

Being flexible may not save you from a pink slip, but it will give you a better chance of hanging in there. And when you're looking for that next job, that flexibility will make you a more attractive job applicant.