Back to Blogging

I haven't been posting lately. That's because I've been on work placement for the last three weeks at Shaw TV. It was such an amazing experience and I learned a lot. And you know how I learned so much? By taking criticism. And not just taking criticism, but seeking it out. Asking for it at every turn, even if I didn't want to hear it sometimes. 

No one likes to take criticism. It's not natural to ask, "what's wrong with what I did?" But I think to become a better journalist it is necessary, so I've trained myself to ask for criticism on my work as much as possible. I know that writing for TV is a new skill for me, so the only way I can learn is to know what I need to improve on is my thought. 

As our broadcast journalism instructor and real life TV reporter, Joanne Kelly, has said to us, "If you think you've done a perfect story you might as well leave the business." I even remember John Lu from TSN telling us that he wasn't satisfied with his stories until a couple years into his career. 

As the perfectionist I am, I have to admit that I almost didn't believe them, but I definitely understand their advice now. If I do think a story is perfect, I can always ask for some feedback to find out why it is most certainly not. 

And I have to admit, I think that's why I love TV writing so much. It can always be better. There can always be a better quote or image or stand up. I think it makes working in TV an exciting career because there's always more to learn and higher to strive. 

So, as uncomfortable as it can feel, I encourage every journalist to ask for critiques on their work. And on the other side, don't forget to recognize your colleagues work too. A little compliment can make someone's day after all the criticism they're asking for all day.