Be a Journalist, They Said…
What it actually takes to be a reporter
Bio
I’ve been in journalism since 2010, working my way from production assistant to morning anchor. When I entered the business, I was prepared to be a reporter. What I wasn’t prepared for was navigating the industry, and that’s what this book is about.
Ten years in, I’ve worked at five stations, have been nominated for two Emmys, and have covered local, national, and international news stories.
My greatest achievement is getting the respect of my viewership, and I do so by being a human first and a journalist second. Whether I’m sitting one-on-one with a widow whose husband died after a hit-and-run, or speaking to a student who hid in a closet during a school shooting, I approach every interview with humility, respect, and humanity. It’s that humanity that lead to my Emmy-nominated coverage of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Humanity coupled with hard work lead me to becoming an anchor by 30. My book is about how I got there, what I experienced, and how you can avoid the pitfalls no one warned me about.
Join the #BeaJournalistTheySaid family on social media, and purchase the digital download or physical book through Amazon.
“When I graduated college, I felt prepared to be a multimedia journalist. My Journalism Department had more than prepared me for that. What I wasn’t prepared for was navigating the business, and that’s a whole school within itself.”
— Kirstin D. Marriaga
The Book
I’m hoping you’ll learn from my experience of over a decade, covering tragedies like Hurricane Maria, the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the aftermath of the Pulse Nightclub shooting, and countless others.
All in all, this book is everything you need to know about entering and growing in the news industry, in five chapters.
First, I break down the process of reaching out to a News Director, how to stand out during an initial phone call, what to look for during a station visit, and what to negotiate before you sign your first contract.
Second, I provide transparency about what your first contract term will look like, how to survive it, and how to move on to your next market.
Third, I teach you how to navigate the industry overall, how to make friends, avoid enemies, and approach the most dire situations with humanity, so you can succeed, not only as a journalist, but as a human being.
Testimonials
“Kirstin D. Marriaga is an outstanding journalist. Her personal experiences as a Hispanic woman working in television newsrooms offers unique and real insight for anyone considering or thinking of a career in journalism…“Be a Journalist, They Said...” is a book I will recommend to aspiring journalists.”
Tom Doerr
WINK News & Noticias WINK News Director
“As someone who pursued a degree in journalism to become a reporter, I believe Kirstin’s book genuinely answered what it takes to do just that. reading the account of someone I know going through similar hardships has helped me decide that I can and will come out as a stronger person in the end, just like Kirstin.”
Lauren Miceli
Floor Director
“Be a Journalist, They Said... Is a fantastic account of what it’s really like to be a journalist. I highly recommend this thoughtfully written and thoroughly readable book. Being a student who is looking for a job in the journalist/reporter field, I found this book extremely informational and eye opening. I will continue to use it as a reference in my own professional work. ”
Tayla Blake
Broadcast Student
Contact
Do you have questions about getting into the industry?
Feel free to reach out anytime!
Contact me
beajournalisttheysaid@gmail.com