As of November 4^th, 2012, I will be celebrating twenty-five years working as a TV journalist.  In all that time I’ve learned soooo many things from family, friends, and workmates. Some of those things apply to the art of journalism, and all of them apply directly to life. How can one survive and grow if one doesn’t learn every single day?

   Here are some of the things that “you’ve taught me.”

Julie Betchkal   “My wife is my first best fan…and critic.” (She can spot a jump cut from a mile away –- and she expects quality…To impress her these days I’ve got to bring my A Game…If I can make her laugh, or gasp, or sit up and take notice, then I know I’m on target…)

“Every hour of every day, walk around yourself and make certain that your image is a seemly one. ” (The biggest mistake anyone in this business can make is believe that they’ve got it all figured out…)

“Ignore the critics at your own risk.” (Sometimes you have to go with your gut instinct. Sometimes you work with what you’ve got. Sometimes you have to take risks. Sometimes you guess wrong…Every ounce of feedback I get is useful. How I perceive a story may differ starkly from how others see it. Journalism is an ongoing study in telling a story that centers on truth, while making sense to both reporter and viewer.)

 ”To get better at what you do you first have to get better at what you’re not doing.” (We tell a classic story here about former reporter Bill Osmulski. Julie was telling him about how her fellow teachers rarely break protocol by sticking their “nose” into another teacher’s classroom. Bill’s response; “How do they get better then?”)

Posted under Artist? Scientist? Philosopher? Camera Guy?