By Jena Seidemann
Student Life Editor
SAN DIEGO – Rookie. That is what I am. That is what I will probably always be until I have been in this field for as long as CBS News 8 San Diego broadcast journalist Larry Himmel, which is 35 years.
Conventions are a wonderful time to grow. You really do get what you put into it, and in my second JEA/NSPA convention, I had the absolute honor of listening to Mr. Himmel’s speech on Friday at the JEA/NSPA Spring National High School Journalism Convention at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront and having five minute chat down the stars as he left for his reporting duties that night.
I am going to give you a few bits and pieces of his advice to youngsters and add my two somewhat knowledgeable cents to it.
Number One: Do your Homework
Being knowledgeable is KEY to journalism. If we are supposed to seek truth and report it, it is best we know it. Right? Also, knowing a little bit about your subject matter shows you A. care and B. helps you get into the deeper stuff. Those who tell the best stories are the ones that know the basics but build to make the best. We must strive to be the best, or we can achieve nothing.
“Do a little homework and find out a little about the person or subject matter you are going after. Know something about them so they are flattered that you took the opportunity to learn something,” Himmel said. “Whatever you can to find that common ground with them. Once you find some common ground, they will open up to you. “
Number Two: Conversations lead to connections and in turn more stories
Himmel has been in the business for years. Everyone around San Diego recognizes one of the most iconic news reporters in the area, and with that he can find those gem-like stories in the rough.
However, for myself and any other high school journalists, it is imperative that you take the time to talk because there could be your next story.
I once covered the 40th anniversary of the landmark case of Roe vs. Wade. If I had not talked to my news editor one day, I would have never have been able to contact Henry Wade Jr., the son of the district attorney in the case, Henry Wade. It was a crucial piece of my story. Taking that away would mean less depth to the story.
When Himmel goes to interview the 100-year-old fireman, the oldest in San Diego, in the next couple of days, he will ask the fire fighters family if there is anyone else that he can speak to. If the pros do it, you should to.
Number Three: be compassionate, tenacious and personable
The best way to have a source open up is to be human. Many times, the best quotes come from raw emotion. This will only happen if you can “get loose and comfortable” with the people in the story. That being said, showing vulnerability is not weak, but it attracts your audience. They want to listen to people they can relate with.
In 2007, wildfires in San Diego destroyed the homes of thousands of people, including Himmel. One of his stories featured himself watching his burning house. Viewers got to see and experience how Himmel felt.
Number Four: It is OK to screw up. Be confident in your abilities
Appeasing every joe is a joke and not to mention, impossible. There are seven billion people on this earth. What is best is to be confident in your abilities and roll with it. There will always be a learning curve. If you are not where you want to be, hard work will get you there.
“First you learn how to write fast, then you learn to write fast and well,” Himmel said. “Sometimes, in the beginning, it is just about getting it done, beat the deadline and then you get a little better at it and then you take a deep breath and say maybe I can this differently or turn this around. The good thing about the jobs you do no matter what aspect, you do it daily and you get better at it.”
Also, if you are not confident, that vibe is going to radiate from you. People can tell how you feel. We, as journalists, set the tone for our interviews and stories. Make sure it is a good one.
Number Five: Find the rare stories and be versatile
Himmel does any and every job, and that is why he is an award winning journalists. I always say, “Do not let your byline define you,” and it is true. Staying in your comfort zonewill only hold you back.
“I am not a meteorologist. I just filled in when someone got sick last at the minute. It gets you skills, ad lib skills and you learn a little bit about the weather,” Himmel said. “I do sports, weather, and do whatever they need. I even anchored. The more calling cards you have the better. You never know where the job offers is going to come from.”
I have learned, in my two years of journalism that we will always be some sort of newbie, even the most experienced. Journalism is one of the most dynamic and advancing fields with new techniques coming at you left and right.
Until I die or quit journalism (if that ever happens), I will not and cannot stop learning.
