Television Journalist Onboarding Checklist

Television Journalist Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Television Journalist starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Media onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Television Journalist, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Television Journalist onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Television Journalist Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to the company: The new television journalist should be given a comprehensive introduction to the company, including its history, mission, values, and organizational structure. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated onboarding specialist.

2. Orientation to the newsroom: The new journalist should be provided with a tour of the newsroom, including an introduction to key personnel such as editors, producers, and fellow journalists. This task is usually performed by a senior journalist or a newsroom manager.

3. Familiarization with equipment and software: The new journalist should receive training on the various equipment and software used in the industry, such as cameras, editing software, and teleprompters. This task is typically performed by the technical team or a designated trainer.

4. Understanding the editorial guidelines: The new journalist should be given a thorough understanding of the company’s editorial guidelines, including ethical standards, fact-checking procedures, and legal considerations. This task is usually performed by the news director or an experienced editor.

5. Research and background knowledge: The new journalist should be encouraged to conduct research and gain background knowledge on the industry, current events, and the company’s target audience. This task is typically self-driven, but guidance and resources can be provided by senior journalists or the research department.

6. Shadowing experienced journalists: The new journalist should have the opportunity to shadow experienced journalists in the field or in the newsroom to observe their work processes, interview techniques, and storytelling methods. This task is typically arranged by the newsroom manager or a designated mentor.

7. Story pitching and assignment process: The new journalist should be familiarized with the process of pitching story ideas and how assignments are given out within the newsroom. This task is usually explained by the assignment editor or a senior journalist.

8. Interviewing techniques and ethics: The new journalist should receive training on effective interviewing techniques, including how to ask probing questions, maintain objectivity, and respect interviewees’ privacy. This task is typically performed by a senior journalist or an experienced interviewer.

9. Writing and reporting skills: The new journalist should receive guidance and feedback on their writing and reporting skills, including how to structure news stories, write engaging headlines, and meet deadlines. This task is usually performed by an editor or a designated writing coach.

10. Understanding the production process: The new journalist should be given an overview of the production process, including how stories are edited, fact-checked, and prepared for broadcast. This task is typically explained by the production manager or a senior producer.

11. Ethical considerations in journalism: The new journalist should receive training on ethical considerations specific to the field of journalism, such as avoiding conflicts of interest, maintaining impartiality, and handling sensitive information. This task is typically performed by the news director or an ethics committee.

12. Safety and security protocols: The new journalist should be educated on safety and security protocols, including how to handle dangerous situations, protect sources, and maintain personal safety while on assignment. This task is typically performed by the newsroom manager or a designated security officer.

13. Networking and relationship building: The new journalist should be encouraged to network and build relationships with colleagues, industry professionals, and potential sources. This task is typically self-driven, but mentorship programs or networking events can be organized by the HR department or a designated mentor.

14. Performance evaluation and feedback: The new journalist should be informed about the company’s performance evaluation process and provided with regular feedback to help them improve their skills and meet performance expectations. This task is typically performed by the newsroom manager or a designated supervisor.

15. Ongoing professional development: The new journalist should be encouraged to engage in ongoing professional development, such as attending industry conferences, workshops, or online courses to enhance their skills and stay updated with industry trends. This task is typically self-driven, but the HR department or a designated mentor can provide guidance and resources

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Television Journalist checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Television Journalist up to speed and working well in your Media team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.