Have you ever watched the evening news, saw the perky anchor deliver the stories and thought, "I could do that?" Ever wanted to see your own face on that screen sitting next to a handsome co-anchor named, "Steven Sawyer"? If you have, it's important to know that this dream is very attainable.

Stephany Fisher, main anchor for CBS 46 in Atlanta shares her journalistic experiences with Girl Zone, and how she went from the girl watching the news to the girl delivering it to one of the busiest cities in America.

GZ: What school did you attend?
SF: Washington State University in Pullman, Washington.

GZ: What is your educational background? Did you major or minor in journalism?
SF: I majored in Communications and minored in the Theatre Arts and Drama.

GZ: Did you always have your sights set on journalism?
SF: I've always enjoyed journalism. I love telling and writing stories! I first became interested in becoming a reporter in high school.

GZ: What was your first job?
SF: Morning anchor and reporter at the NBC affiliate KNDO in Yakima, Washington

GZ: What is a day like in the life of Stephany Fisher?
SF: I arrive at work at 2:30 in the afternoon and head straight to the afternoon editorial meeting. There, we discuss what stories are being covered in the early evening newscasts and decide what stories to cover for the 11:00 news. I then write for the 5:00, 5:30, and 6:00 newscasts, tape promotional teases, and do my hair and makeup. After the 6:00 news is over, I tape more promotional teases, and grab some dinner. I then write for the 11:00 news, answer viewer mail and e-mail and prepare to anchor the late news. At 11:35 p.m., we have a post editorial meeting to discuss any problems we encountered during the day and then it's time to head home.

GZ: How would you describe the atmosphere at the tv stations that you've encountered?
SF: Hectic, loud, exciting, and a heck of a lot of fun!

GZ: If you were asked to rate your job on the exciting scale, 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest, how would you rate it? Why?
SF: I'd give it a 9 on most nights. It's always exciting to be first to discover information and deliver it.

GZ: What does it take to succeed in the field of journalism, whether it be television, radio, or print?
SF: Excellent written and verbal skills. A fearless personality. Tough skin.

GZ: In your experience, what sets one journalist above another?
SF: Willingness to learn. A love of writing and sharing stories. A great sense of humor. An empathy and understanding for people from all walks of life.

GZ:What is the most difficult aspect of being a journalist?
SF: The pressure of the constant deadline. I would love to have more time some nights to better craft a story.

GZ: If you were asked to place one sentence about journalism in a time capsule, for a group of girls to uncover in the year 2020, what would you say in one sentence about journalism?
SF: Journalism is a privileged profession, protected by the First Amendment that informs, educates, and enlightens.

Is Journalism for You?
Determining Your Niche in the Field of Journalism

Journalism is a very broad field that encompasses a multitude of career opportunities. Many people tend to think of only television news anchors and reporters as journalists, when in fact, journalism covers all areas of media.

Areas of media include newspapers, magazines, television, radio, public relations, and technical writing. Journalism involves collecting and researching news to present through these media outlets.

If you choose to go into journalism, the area of media you pursue will most likely reflect your personality and career goals. For instance, would you rather do talk radio than see your mug on the evening news? Or would you prefer writing for newspapers or magazines above life in the coveted spotlight? It's important to know that as a journalist, there are various media outlets you can pursue and that you never have to settle on just one.

COLLEGE

The American Society of Newspaper Editors recommends getting a broad, extensive education. ASNE says that majoring in journalism is not a must, however, a minor in journalism is a great start. ASNE says, "Some students choose to concentrate on a field they want to write about-business, science, the arts, politics, for example-and take journalism courses as electives or work on the student newspaper." Skills courses such as graphics, design and media law are great resume and experience boosters for a career in journalism.

PREPARATIONS

Before you begin preparing for a future in journalism, you need to know what you can do today. Early strategies include:

• Interning at a newspaper
• Creating a portfolio of your writing and published works
• Working for the school paper, yearbook, or magazines
• Gaining knowledge of community and its needs
• Perfecting your public speaking
• Developing good writing skills
• Developing word processing skills
• Demonstrating flexibility and strong interpersonal skills

The chances of becoming a journalist are not one in a million like the chance of becoming the next Britney Spears. But you must remember that it takes hard work, determination, and skill to make it as a journalist in any area of media you choose. Start planning today. Start those internships, those newspaper gigs and practicing with your hairbrush in front of a mirror. Take note of various techniques of journalists you see. E-mail them and ask questions.

Stephany Fisher, anchor for CBS in Atlanta, Ga., sums it up with three things you need to succeed in the field of journalism: "Excellent written and verbal skills. A fearless personality. Tough skin."

LINKS
High School Journalism Link
Journalism Link
American Society of Newspaper Editors Link
News Articles on Journalism
Media stereotyping of women
Female images in the media