As others have said, get involved in things related to TV (tours etc) and maybe mention you're a member of a popular TV forum and are really interested in the media.
The way you have gone about asking your question is all wrong. Just because you want to be the next Jeremy Paxman, don't start by being rude to everyone you meet.
God help all of us if you ever become a real journalist.
If you won't take advice from other people on the forum and expect them to do what you tell them to do, then please, f*ck right off.
I thought I would post my experiences of trying to gain work experience in the media.
Generally, I've found that you have to try and differentiate yourself as much as you possibly can in order to gain the attention of editors and producers.
Ask yourself this... what exactly can you offer a media company that's different to what anyone else can offer? If you can answer this, then you need to tell that to whoever you're asking.
I've been very fortunate I suppose. I've managed to gain experience at local newspapers, local radio and suchlike. I'm currently in the process of organising experience at a shopping channel(!) (yes, they're corny - but fantastic experience in a live studio environment) and Sky News. Both of which are looking promising.
Remember, you have to sell yourself. That first step onto the ladder can be a big one - I'd suggest that you go for your local weekly newspaper (if you have one) - that's usually the best place to go initially.
Make sure you know who you're asking. It's no use asking for work experience at the Daily Post or whereever if you don't read the paper. You need to know the company and their values and style. Have a look at their website - see who works there.
This will enable you to kiss ass a bit - something that I have found is unfortunately a must!
If you do fail to get any response from anybody - then just ask if you can have a look around at how they work for an afternoon. Keep asking. The worst they can possibly say is no.
As AJ has said, you're much better off - especially at your age - starting with the small compnaies which will enable you to build up both your profile and your CV.
Try a local newspaper or radio station - TV will be impossible to get into at your age as there are just many others that are older with more relevant experience.
Does your school have a Work Experience week where everyone goes out to different places?
Mine did and I emailed 96 Trent FM - my local station - to ask if there was any chance of a placement there. I was lucky as they said yes - and my school arranged the details for me. This was fantastic for me as I was just starting out and it made me realise I wanted to work in the media. I was now in contact with Jo and Twiggy - the breakfast show presenters - who invited me back from time to time to man the phones for them.
Although it sounds like a crap job it was a foot in the door - and I now work for a big media company in London making TV Shows - a dream come true.
Good luck - and remember - we all have to start somewhere.
Jay and AJ, Thank you VERY much for your information, I very much appreciate it.
Unfortunately my school doesn’t arrange work experience at all - they don’t even provide a week for me to do it - I have to do it in my own holidays. This of course makes it harder for me to successfully ask people without even the backing of my schools name!
You're welcome Dave - I know how hard it is to get started in the media.
Maybe you could talk to one of your teachers - maybe your form tutor about this - I'm sure they would be thrilled with your initiative and try and help you with advice and guidance.
The way you have gone about asking your question is all wrong. Just because you want to be the next Jeremy Paxman, don't start by being rude to everyone you meet.
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Jaimé Alexandéz posted:
If you won't take advice from other people on the forum and expect them to do what you tell them to do, then please, f*ck right off.
My advice is to try your local newspaper, either the free one or the weekly that you pay around 50p for. That's what I suggest to the students at the school where I work who are interested in journalism as I think that you will stand more chance with a lesser known paper than a wide national, but the thing to remember is that journalism is very competitive and so it will be rather hard to get involved.