Cyrus Norcross’ Post

Woohoo!!!! I've been working on this for more than a year and now the big day is almost here!!! For the last few years, I've wanted to write a book to help journalism students and those new to the profession. I realized that when MMJs and Reporters first start their careers, there rarely is anyone who will help them and give them the kind of feedback they really need. Most times they are left to figure it out, in what is an extremely complicated and pressure-filled job. They are literally out there on their own. It leaves them frustrated, overwhelmed and second-guessing their career. It also leaves stations open to broadcasting mistakes and even lawsuits. So I sat down to write a new age reporters' handbook. Something that may not solve any of these problems, but will at least help give new journalists a REAL WORLD foundation. I tried to incorporate all the things I've learned in more than 30 years into one easy-to-read book that deals with how to be a reporter and mmj. There's not a lot of theory here, but instead, tangible things people can do to excel at storytelling and get along at work. Everything from story meetings, coming up with ideas, gathering elements, interviewing, writing, improving live shots and stand-ups, covering breaking news, anchoring, whether you need an agent, how to get along with your boss and co-workers, and how to land that first job or get that next one with a deep emphasis on STORYTELLING!! If you know me or we've worked together, I could use your help when this book is officially released in a few weeks. Help me get the word out. I've made a lot of mistakes in my career so hopefully others won't have to. I'm proud of the pages within and know they will be a great help to those interested in becoming or those who already are broadcast journalists. We need you more than ever!!

Underrated Journalism Skill #3: READ EVERYTHING In journalism, one of the most valuable skills that directly relates to marketing is the art of reading everything. Some of my most captivating stories didn't come from assigned topics but from immersing myself in the community's daily life. For instance, during my time covering small cities and towns in Maine, I made it a habit to visit local general stores with community bulletin boards. There, I'd spend 20-30 minutes daily reading through the postings. Amidst the lost pet notices and job listings, I often stumbled upon hidden gems. One memorable instance was when a homeowner sought the previous residents after discovering old love letters during renovations, hoping to reunite them with their rightful owner. These insights weren't just anecdotes—they were windows into the community's heartbeat. This skill of thorough observation and reading allows marketers to uncover untapped insights and compelling narratives that resonate deeply with their audience. #JournalismSkills #MarketingInsights #CommunityEngagement #Storytelling #ObservationSkills

One unexpected moment changed the entire course of my career — and my life. When I was in graduate school training to be a minister, I had no idea my path was about to shift. One morning, on my way to class, I bumped into a classmate who had just been named editor of the school paper. He asked if I’d consider becoming the sports editor. At the time, journalism wasn’t even on my radar. But I said yes. That single decision led to a role as associate editor, and eventually, a 35-year journalism career filled with awards, impactful stories, and moments I’ll never forget. I often wonder — did he plan to ask me, or was it just a spur-of-the-moment idea? Either way, that moment changed everything. When you think about your legacy, it’s these seemingly small moments that often hold the greatest meaning. If you’re not sure where to start in preserving your story, begin with the moments that mattered most. My Legacy Blueprint is designed to help you uncover those moments. It’s simple, free, and the first step to sustaining your legacy. Download your copy from the link in my profile, or message me to get started.

Here are 10 key things you need to become a journalist….. 1. Sense for news – The ability to identify what’s newsworthy. 2. Curiosity – A natural interest in discovering and understanding new things. 3. Research skills – Knowing how to dig deep into a topic and verify facts. 4. Strong writing skills – The ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and engagingly. 5. Critical thinking – Analyzing information objectively and questioning sources. 6. Adaptability – Being flexible to cover a variety of topics and adjust to the changing news cycle. 7. Ethics and integrity – A commitment to truth and fairness in reporting. 8. Digital and social media skills – Understanding how to use online platforms for reporting and sharing stories. 9. Interviewing skills – The ability to ask the right questions and listen carefully. 10. Persistence – Staying determined, even when facing obstacles like deadlines, rejection, or difficult stories. #journalism #Media #Workculture #Mediajobs #Mediafield #Jobsinmedia #Journalist #Reportersdiary #Anchoring

After more than a decade in journalism, I’ve officially moved on from what was once a dream job. It’s been three months since I last edited a newspaper, and I’m still processing that chapter, but one thing is clear: I’m incredibly grateful for the skills I gained and the people I got to meet. Journalism taught me how to think fast, write on deadline, talk to almost anyone, and tell meaningful stories. It introduced me to incredible people and took me to places I never expected. I was lucky enough to interview bullriders, nurses, cowboys, boxers, skiers, snowboarders, small business owners, athletes, sailors, firefighters, police officers, artists, ranchers, ski resort owners, CEOs, social media influencers and countless other interesting and passionate people. But all of that came with sacrifices. Financial and otherwise. It's not really a job, it's a calling. You miss out on a lot in this industry — holidays, time to recharge, even just being fully present in your own life. The constant cognitive load of deadlines, chasing sources, and crafting stories can take more than it gives back if you’re not careful. For young journalists (or anyone considering the field), I’ll say this: Be very intentional about what you want from your career and what you're willing to give up. That's always been true of journalism. It's even moreso in 2024. The work can be rewarding, but it asks a lot in return. Have a backup plan (or two). And don’t discount the importance of your time, your mental health, and the moments you can’t get back. To my former colleagues and the true journos still doing the newsroom grind: the work is vital. And to those considering their next steps: it’s OK to explore new paths.

Changes, Challenges, Experiences and Journalism I came from print media to social media journalism during the COVID period. At that time, it was a two-way challenge for me. Firstly, I had to align myself with the pace of online journalism, and secondly, the COVID wave was making things worse for a journalist. However, what made me stay there? I remember that during that period, most newcomers to the industry had left journalism because they were facing numerous challenges and hurdles. Why haven't I left? Why have I started enjoying online journalism? When I analyze that situation today, what didn't make me run away from the challenges is my passion and love for my work. But most importantly, if you are solution-oriented and love to face challenges, then it is made for you. I believe that if you have this dedication to your work, you may fall many times, but you can't lose. Another thing that is very important, where you can have a different opinion from me, is that a journalist should be a little obsessed about their work and should also be a bit insane. In this field, you have to set aside your fear and not think about the result beforehand. You have to rely on intuition, instinct, figures, and facts. #Journalism #News18india #Media #Jobs #CorporateSector #OnlineJouranlism #SocialMedia #BrodcastJournalism

Journalism skills are superpowers in disguise. Don’t believe me? Just ask a journalist. 😂 All jokes aside, though, critical thinking, networking, adaptability - these aren't just reporter tools. They're career catalysts. As a sportswriter turned marketer turned digital experience pro, I've seen former journalists thrive in: • Corporate communications • Content strategy • Data analysis • Project management The ability to distill complex info into compelling stories? Pure gold in any field. To my fellow journalists facing uncertainty: Your skills are more valuable than ever. The world needs your unique perspective. What unexpected ways have you applied your journalism background? #CareerTransition #JournalismSkills #marketing #DigitalExperience

Once a journalist, always a journalist, I say! It's why former journalists make time for other journalists, like these 6 panelists did for a Society for Features Journalism webinar earlier this week. They shared their expertise on how to market your journalism skills in other careers. These 9 takeaways — including knowing your skills, strengthening your network, and preserving your health — are so helpful and thoughtful. It's a great reminder that while in our full-time jobs, we often don't have the time to step back and assess what we've learned, where we excel, and how we're unique. So even if you're not looking for a career change right now, I encourage you to set aside some time to assess the specifics of your value. It will be time well spent! #journalism #career #careeradvice #journalist https://lnkd.in/gA6sjVuE

🌟 Step into the World of Journalism with Me! 🎙️ Hello LinkedIn Family, I am thrilled to share my latest reel, showcasing my journey and efforts in the dynamic field of journalism and news anchoring. As professionals in this ever-evolving domain, we strive to refine our craft, connect with our audience, and deliver impactful stories. 🎥 [Include a brief description of the reel’s theme, e.g., "In this clip, I present breaking news on [topic] with an emphasis on clarity and engagement."] Growth is a continuous process, and feedback is the bridge to improvement. Here are a few aspects I’m focusing on: ✅ Enhancing my on-camera presence and expressions. ✅ Sharpening voice modulation and clarity for better storytelling. ✅ Improving real-time adaptability and handling live updates. 💡 I would love to hear from you! What key qualities do you look for in a journalist or news anchor? How can we, as media professionals, better serve and engage our audiences? If you have any specific feedback on my delivery, tone, or presentation,Let’s create a conversation around the importance of effective communication in journalism. Together, we can elevate the standards of news reporting and storytelling! Thank you for your time and support. 🙏 📢 Watch the reel and share your thoughts! #Journalism #NewsAnchor #MediaProfessionals #Feedback #ContinuousImprovement #Storytelling https://lnkd.in/dXEXEkUU

"Every famous journalist you admire started somewhere—often with a passion for storytelling and the determination to be heard. But how do you go from being a good journalist to a recognized brand in the industry?" Here’s how! - Share Your Knowledge Post about the news you cover, your ideas, and useful tips. Let people see your expertise! - Talk to Your Followers Reply to their comments, ask questions, and join chats with other journalists. Make connections! - Be Consistent Use the same photo and bio everywhere, like on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. People will remember you better. - Post Interesting Content Share stories from your work, tips about your job, or fun facts about journalism. This makes people trust and like you. - Use Hashtags Add hashtags like #JournalistLife or #BreakingNews to get more people to see your posts. - Show Videos and Pictures Post small videos or pictures from your fieldwork or reporting. They get attention quickly! - Be Real Share your real-life struggles, successes, and thoughts. People like to see the human side of journalists. - Check Your Growth Use tools on Instagram or LinkedIn to see what posts people like the most. - Work with Others Team up with other journalists or media companies. It helps you reach more people. - Teach Something New Explain news or difficult topics in an easy way. People will see you as a smart and trustworthy source. Ready to become a famous journalist? Start posting today! Which tip will you use first? Tell us in the comments! For more info explore www.5wh.com   #Brand #5WH