Small market mentality will keep you in a small market

This week I spent three days working for NBC on that Alabama multiple murder story. I'd guess there were probably close to one hundred media people covering this. At one point while we were setting up for a briefing I couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between the network crews and those from the small markets. I was so fortunate to work with photographers, audio people, producers, a sat truck operator and a reporter, all of whom were totally professional. Standing next to me was some hundred pound gal right out of college loaded down with gear like a Sherpa, trying her best to be a reporter while worrying about being in focus.

But that's not the difference between the network and a small market. It's all about attitude.

One thing I love about doing work for NBC is that they are so polite and professional, but they've very appreciative as well. It seems that any time someone from the network calls you while you're on the scene, the first thing said is, "Thank you so much for helping us." On the way to the story I heard, "Thanks for dropping what you were doing and getting there so fast." On the way home I got another call thanking me. When I arrived I found three emails from network people thanking us for doing a solid job.

And it's not just management. I can see the arrogance of some small market people, a sharp contrast to those who work for the network. Some of the biggest egos I've ever encountered have been in small markets. If you think the network reporters are prima donnas, you're not even close. They're always pitching in, taking care of hotel arrangements for everyone, doing as much leg work as anyone, asking if anyone needs something to eat or a cold drink while making a snack run. Most of us are middle aged, we've been through the wars, and we have no desire to go there again. In three days working with a dozen bone tired people operating on two hours sleep, I never heard a cross word or a raised voice.

Contrast this with local newsrooms today. If your News Director isn't screaming you've got a co-worker sharpening knives and aiming for your back. Reporters are competing with one another instead of trying to do a better job than those at the other stations. Producers are on a power trip trying to order field crews all over the place. The result is a product that is often less than the sum of its parts, when it should be greater.

You wanna make it to the network? Bury the small market attitude if you have one and rise above it all. Put the product ahead of yourself. Be the team player and don't worry about who gets the credit. Help your co-workers and if one makes it to the network, you might tag along on the coattails.

Have a network mentality, and you'll have a better chance of getting there. You might also just do a small part in turning this business back to what it used to be.