Rick Saleeby is a veteran journalist and broadcaster primarily based in New York. He has greater than 20 years of expertise in information manufacturing and sports activities journalism.
Rick earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication Arts from St. John’s College, the place he additionally minored in Enterprise Administration. His profession started at Information 12 Interactive, the place he labored as a producer and video graphics editor.
Rick’s expertise expanded when he joined Information 12 Connecticut as an Affiliate Producer and Sports activities Producer. In 2004, he moved to FOX Information Channel, working as an Affiliate Producer and Author for reveals like “Studio B” and “The FOX Report” with Shepard Smith.
Rick spent the vast majority of his profession at CNN, the place he labored for 15 years. As a Senior Producer, Senior Copy Editor, and Head Author for “The Lead with Jake Tapper,” he performed a key position in managing breaking information and crafting participating tales. His work earned him a number of business recognitions, together with Peabody Awards and Emmy nominations.
All through his profession, Rick has been recognized for his integrity, adaptability, and keenness for storytelling. He advocates for moral journalism within the digital age and is dedicated to upholding excessive requirements in reporting. Outdoors of labor, Rick enjoys sports activities, health, and journey, at all times in search of new methods to attract inspiration from the world round him.
Rick Saleeby continues to be a revered determine within the business, influencing the following technology of journalists together with his expertise and insights.
How has broadcast journalism modified over the previous 20 years?
The modifications have been immense. After I began, broadcast journalism was extra structured round conventional information cycles—morning, afternoon, and night information. As we speak, the 24/7 information cycle and social media have reworked how information is consumed. Pace is prioritized, and journalists are anticipated to ship information in real-time throughout a number of platforms. The rise of digital media has additionally introduced a shift from long-form, in-depth items to extra short-form, attention-grabbing content material. There’s extra stress to provide quick, nevertheless it’s vital to not sacrifice accuracy for velocity.
What recommendation would you give to somebody beginning out in broadcast journalism as we speak?
First, at all times be curious and keen to be taught. This business is evolving quick, so it is advisable to keep up-to-date with the newest tendencies and know-how. Second, don’t be afraid to begin small. Each expertise counts, whether or not it’s working at an area station or writing for an internet platform. Lastly, concentrate on storytelling. Regardless of how briskly issues transfer, storytelling continues to be the muse of excellent journalism.
What abilities ought to aspiring broadcast journalists develop to succeed?
Adaptability is essential. It is advisable be snug working throughout totally different media platforms—TV, digital, social media. Grasp the fundamentals like writing and enhancing, but in addition develop technical abilities in video manufacturing and information analytics. And naturally, sturdy communication abilities are important. The flexibility to attach along with your viewers and clarify advanced subjects in easy phrases will set you aside.
How can younger journalists stand out in such a aggressive subject?
Be genuine and construct a private model that displays your voice. In a crowded area, having a singular perspective is what’s going to make individuals take discover. Be constant in your work ethic and at all times try for accuracy and equity. Networking can be essential. Construct relationships with mentors, colleagues, and professionals within the business who may help information you alongside the way in which.
What challenges do journalists face as we speak that weren’t as prevalent 20 years in the past?
One of many greatest challenges is the rise of misinformation and faux information. Journalists now should spend extra time verifying sources and guaranteeing accuracy, as false info spreads sooner than ever. Moreover, the shift in the direction of extra sensationalist, “rage bait” content material has made it tougher for in-depth, considerate reporting to get the eye it deserves. Navigating the steadiness between what the viewers needs and what they want is tougher now.
How vital is it for journalists to adapt to new applied sciences within the digital age?
Extraordinarily vital. The way forward for journalism is digital, and the flexibility to adapt to new applied sciences is important for staying related. This consists of all the pieces from utilizing social media successfully to understanding how AI and data-driven instruments can improve reporting. Journalists who can mix conventional abilities with technological know-how could have an enormous benefit.
What’s one factor that hasn’t modified in journalism regardless of all these shifts?
Integrity. Regardless of how a lot the business modifications, being truthful, honest, and correct will at all times be the cornerstone of journalism. Audiences could be consuming information in another way now, however they nonetheless count on journalists to uphold the reality. Ethics and accountability are timeless rules in our subject, and they need to by no means be compromised.
What’s your recommendation for dealing with the fast-paced nature of the business?
Group is important. You want to have the ability to juggle a number of duties without delay—whether or not that’s reporting, enhancing, or prepping for the following story. I’ve developed routines through the years to handle stress, like taking moments to breathe, refocus, and prioritize. Staying calm beneath stress can be key. The business strikes shortly, nevertheless it’s vital to remain grounded and never let the chaos have an effect on the standard of your work.
How do you see the way forward for broadcast journalism?
I believe we’ll proceed to see extra integration between digital and conventional media. The problem will probably be discovering a steadiness between fast, participating content material and in-depth, investigative reporting. There’s at all times going to be a requirement for good storytelling, however journalists might want to embrace new applied sciences and be adaptable. I’m hopeful that there will probably be a resurgence in high quality journalism, as audiences start to prioritize reliable sources over sensationalism.
What’s the very best piece of recommendation you’ve acquired in your profession?
All the time keep curious and don’t be afraid to ask questions.” Journalism is about discovery, and the second you cease being curious is the second you cease rising as a journalist. Continue learning, maintain questioning, and maintain pushing your self to seek out the reality in each story.
