The Evolution of a Journalist: From Newsroom to Entrepreneur

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I began my journalism career in 2004, and it didn’t take long to realize that the industry was undergoing rapid transformation. Newsroom layoffs, budget cuts, and staff downsizing became the norm. Whispers of "impending cuts" morphed into annual realities, with each year bringing fewer resources, fewer colleagues, and mounting pressure to do more with less.

As the landscape shifted, the tone of the industry changed dramatically. We transitioned from merely reporting the news to defending its very existence. I vividly recall being handed scripts to read on-air, urging viewers to "support local journalism." Imagine reporting on global events while simultaneously campaigning to save your own job. It was a humbling experience, revealing the precarious nature of our profession.

That’s when I realized I needed a Plan B.

The Birth of a Side Hustle

About eight years into my 15-year tenure as a reporter and anchor for Canada’s largest private broadcaster, I quietly began building a real estate-focused marketing agency. In the newsroom, side hustles were frowned upon, and some managers even prohibited them. It was a strange contradiction: everyone recognized the industry was shrinking, yet no one was allowed to prepare for what lay ahead.

Despite the risks, I forged ahead.

Over time, my agency grew in the background. Eventually, it reached a point where I no longer needed the newsroom. I stepped away and fully embraced entrepreneurship.

What surprised me most was how many of my journalism skills became foundational to building and running a successful business. Here’s what translated and why it matters for anyone navigating uncertainty in their career today.

Deadlines Build Trust

In journalism, deadlines were non-negotiable. If your segment wasn’t ready by airtime, it simply didn’t air. This real-time pressure trained me to deliver consistently. More importantly, it instilled a sense of responsibility, knowing that others depended on my work.

In business, this mindset is a competitive advantage. Meeting deadlines—whether for clients, collaborators, or yourself—builds a reputation for reliability. In a world rife with flakiness, that trust is both rare and invaluable.

Clarity: The Underrated Communication Skill

As a journalist, my job was to distill complex topics—legislation, economics, crime statistics—into clear, digestible narratives. This skill seamlessly transitioned into my business endeavors. Clients don’t seek more information; they crave clarity. If you can explain concepts in straightforward language, you’ll capture attention and foster loyalty, even in crowded markets.

Reading the Room: A Business Essential

Every newsroom has its own unspoken energy. Some days are tense; others are collaborative. I learned to read body language, anticipate reactions, and adjust my tone accordingly. Sometimes, I learned the hard way by saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. But eventually, I honed this skill.

This emotional intelligence became crucial in business. Whether I’m in a sales call, client pitch, or team meeting, I rely on my ability to gauge the atmosphere. Knowing when to speak, pause, or pivot is essential for building rapport, closing deals, and leading effectively.

The Power of Visual Presence

In television, how you present yourself is part of the job. Lighting, clothing, posture, and eye contact all matter. This training in visual communication carried over into my business life. Whether on a Zoom call, recording video content, or meeting clients in person, I consider how I show up. It’s not about superficial polish; it’s about understanding that presence builds credibility. People make snap judgments, and being intentional about your appearance—energy, tone, body language—is integral to your brand.

Asking Smart Questions for Better Outcomes

Great interviews don’t stem from a journalist talking excessively; they arise from asking insightful questions. Listening, digging deeper, and helping subjects reveal their truths are vital skills.

This ability translates directly to business. Whether onboarding a client, hiring a new team member, or troubleshooting a campaign, asking thoughtful, open-ended questions leads to richer insights. The better your questions, the more valuable your results.

Content Creation: A Daily Practice

Before "content marketing" became a buzzword, journalists were creating content daily. Writing headlines, filming segments, recording voiceovers, and editing clips were all part of the job. This daily practice built a strong content muscle.

When I transitioned into business, I found that I could write quickly, shoot video, and identify compelling story angles. This made building a content-driven agency much easier and helped me communicate my value consistently through blogs, videos, emails, and social media.

Storytelling: Bridging Facts and Emotion

At the heart of every newscast is a story. This need for narrative is even more pronounced in business. People don’t buy based on data; they buy based on belief.

Whether crafting a brand strategy, writing a sales page, or scripting a webinar, I constantly ask: What’s the story? What’s the tension? What changes by the end? Who’s the hero? Storytelling isn’t fluff; it’s structure. It’s how you help people care.

Research: Building Credibility

Journalists are trained to dig for sources, verify facts, and back up every claim. This instinct to validate before publishing translated seamlessly into my business practices.

When making marketing recommendations, I don’t rely solely on gut feelings. I cite trends, pull performance data, and reference case studies. This research-backed approach builds trust and instills confidence in clients regarding their investments.

Writing: A Business Superpower

In journalism, writing is a daily task. Scripts, voiceovers, headlines, tweets, and captions all require precision. You learn to write concisely and impactfully, matching your voice to your audience.

In business, this skill has proven invaluable. Clear, persuasive writing enhances everything from website copy to email campaigns, pitch decks, and client reports. In an era where much content is AI-generated and generic, authentic human writing stands out.

Working Under Pressure: The Ultimate Team Test

Television production isn’t a solo endeavor. Every show relies on producers, editors, camera operators, and anchors working in harmony under tight deadlines. If one person falters, the entire team feels the impact.

This experience taught me how to lead under pressure and how to hire individuals who can thrive in challenging situations. In business, things often go awry. Clients change direction, launches falter. The ability to remain calm, adapt, and keep moving forward distinguishes professionals from amateurs.

The Bottom Line

When I left journalism, I believed I was stepping away from a dwindling industry. What I didn’t realize was that I was entering a realm I had been preparing for all along. Entrepreneurship wasn’t the opposite of journalism; it was its evolution. The skills that propelled my success on-camera became instrumental in my business journey.

If you find yourself in a profession that feels uncertain, take a closer look. You’re likely building skills that will serve you long after your current role ends. You might be gathering the very tools you need for your next chapter.

Don’t wait for a crisis to initiate your Plan B. Start building it now, even if it’s in the margins. That quiet side project, weekend freelance gig, or small experiment could be the key to your security when traditional employment can no longer provide it.