One of the best part of writing the Real Girl Ethics column means I get to interview my most impressive friends and share their awesomeness with the world. I chose Sarah for the issue with the “change” theme after she uprooted her life in the South to become a reporter and news anchor on NewsWest 9 in Midland, Texas. She’s testing her mettle in the world of professional journalism, and passing with flying colors.
Below, she answers a few questions about keeping it cool on camera and keeping up with the challenge of being camera-ready every single day.
Tell me a little about yourself.
My love of journalism was sparked during a high school internship and I haven’t given up since! I love waking up each morning not knowing how my day is going to turn out. During my time here in West Texas, I’ve covered everything from fires to recycling, murders to graduations, inspirational stories to heartbreaking ones – and everything in between. I love meeting new people every day and telling their stories — sometimes the stories are challenging and sad and other times they’re encouraging and uplifting.
Every day reporters get a clean slate. No matter what happened the day before, or how good your story was, each day is a fresh start and you have to prove yourself all over again.
What are the wardrobe challenges of being on camera for thousands to see literally every day? Is it daunting or an exciting opportunity?
One of my biggest challenges is variety. You can’t look the same every day or even every week – and that can be a little daunting! I try to add variety by changing the color of shirts and their styles underneath my suits. You can wear the same black suit every week, but make it look completely different by the way you accessorize. Scarves, necklaces, bracelets, and pins can add a new spunk to a boring old suit. I work in a smaller television market and we’re not paid as much as one might think – so finding ways of rejuvenating your suits is essential! Many of the girls I work with share clothes and go on bargain-hunting trips together.
I gotta know, do the other anchors wear jeans under the news desk? On location?
Hahahaha! Oh yes they do. In fact, a former anchor at our station would wear “jorts” (jeans cut up into shorts) every Friday! That’s a huge fashion no-no to me, and definitely unprofessional even underneath the desk. News reporters/anchors should always be ready to hit the streets because you never know when a huge story will break, and you definitely don’t want to be caught on camera in jorts. That’s just tacky.
I will admit, there are days when I wear jeans to work when I know I’m going to anchor. Sometimes you just need to have a casual day, but always always always bring an extra pair of dress pants with you!! That’s another point: My car is loaded with extra clothing – everything from rain boots to extra suit jackets, pants and clean shirts. You never know when you’ll have to tromp around in the dirt, cover flooding, or simply spill your morning coffee and you don’t want to end up on TV looking like a hot mess. Most recently I’ve leaned towards skirt sets — they help out in this 100+ degree Texas heat!!
Tell us some crazy stories. Any huge fashion faux-pas to avoid? Any terrible fashion things happened to you while covering a story? Any days you saw your outfit on camera and went “Oh no!”
This just happened to me this week: I wore a drape-y dress and a suit jacket to work and ended up getting sent to a story just as a storm blew in. The 50 mph winds were causing all sorts of Marilyn Monroe moments with that dress! Luckily I had a sympathetic photographer who helped me weight it down and he adjusted the camera to only show above my waist. Lesson learned: While you might enjoy wearing the flowy dress, it’s generally best to save it for the weekend!
I think I would feel vulnerable being on camera — being self-conscious about what you look like (bad hair days and all), what you are wearing, and what you are saying, being open to criticism. How do you stay confident and true to yourself?
This is a very image-driven industry. No matter how great of a reporter you are, everyone including your boss openly critiques your wardrobe, appearance, and style. Some stations will provide a wardrobe/makeup/hair allowance – mine doesn’t. I used to be a blond, but because of the high cost of highlights I recently decided to revert back to my natural light brown shade. My boss didn’t initially approve of my change, but has since changed his mind. I even got calls to the station asking why I changed my hair color.
It never ceases to amaze me how viewers will call in and give commentary on our hair and clothing. You have to take it with a grain of salt and realize that some people are just going to be cruel, no matter what. It’s something you just have to learn to laugh at. When you’re hired on at a TV station, they’re buying your appearance – especially if you sign a contract. Fortunately I was not under contract at the time and could make changes. Otherwise, I would have had to stay blond.
At the end of the day, you can’t worry on what other people say about you. What one person loves, another hates. It’s important to stay focused on *who* you are and the people you care about – that’s what gives me confidence.
Fashion tips for the aspiring reporters out there? Favorite stores? Make-up brands?
One of my favorite products is MAC Studio Fix Foundation/Powder. It’s an all-in-one! I don’t have to apply both foundation and powder, yet it provides amazing coverage. The compact is particularly handy when you’re on a live shot and have to quickly get ready in the field. It’s a lifesaver!
If you’re an aspiring reporter, my best fashion advice is to always dress and look professional. Don’t fall into the trap of wearing a button down and khakis. It’s always best to look as credible as possible and suits help to do that. My favorite suit stores are New York and Co. and Ann Taylor. They have classic pieces that you can mix and match! I also like sniffing out bargains at TJMaxx and Dillards – they have great sales! For shoes, I check Cato and Payless – when you’re out in the field (sometimes in the water or mud) you don’t want to get caught ruining a pair of expensive pumps!