When you first think of television stations what first comes to mind? FOX? CNN? ABC? NBC? Each of these broadcasting stations is constantly in competition with each other, striving to the station with the most viewers. As one of the largest networks on television, CNN has always been considered a large competitor, as it has held the number one slot amongst all other stations.
As founder of CNN, Ted Turner used innovation (such as the idea of creating the first 24-hour news channel) to keep his network at the top. Although known most commonly for starting CNN, Ted Turner also founded Turner Broadcasting, which includes networks such as TBS, TNT, and TCM. At first, Turner struggled with starting CNN, as it cost twice what he originally anticipated and was not generating enough revenue. Although CNN is now considered the top cable news channel, it struggles to top Fox News in having the highest number of average viewers. In order to keep competition high against Fox, CNN uses “star anchors,” a practice in which Turner does not advocate. Outspoken and proactive, Turner is known as “the mouth of the south” in his interactions with the media. He once claimed in a question-and-answer session it was “ "not necessarily a bad thing" that Fox ratings top CNN and other cable news networks. "Adolf Hitler was more popular in Germany in the early '30s than the people that were running against him… So just because you're bigger doesn't mean you're right."” This demonstrates Turner’s blunt style, which has, in turn, given him a slightly controversial reputation. Although he was not always looked positively upon because of these types of comments, Turner communicated often with the media and his company in order to discuss his business affairs.
Turner effectively led his company through two mergers, first with Time Warner in 1995 and also with AOL in 2001. In 2004, Turner published an article entitled, “My Beef With Big Media,” in which he publicly denounces other large networks that try and push out other entrepreneurs, such as himself, from succeeding. He stated: “To get a flavor of how consolidated the industry has become, consider this: In 1990, the major broadcast networks--ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox--fully or partially owned just 12.5 percent of the new series they aired. By 2000, it was 56.3 percent. Just two years later, it had surged to 77.5 percent.” Throughout the rest of his article, Turner exemplifies how he was able to lead his company into one of the most World-wide recognized names, but as the industry has changed over time, he worries that others following in his footsteps won’t have the room to succeed as he did.
As a pioneer in the broadcasting network field, Ted Turner has communicated effectively the status of his company since the beginning. Although often considered crude and controversial, his remarks are always upfront and honest. CNN and his other networks continue to prosper and be regarded as the one of the nation’s top news channels.
http://money.cnn.com/2003/02/20/news/companies/aol_turner/index.htm
http://www.japantoday.com/jp/news/326053
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Turner
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2004/0407.turner.html
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Thursday, February 22, 2007
A Level 5 Leader
Jim Collin's describes a level 5 leader as one who is selfless, has professional will, and personal humility. It has been said that Peter Jennings has been a leader in the broadcast journalism industry since he became the youngest anchor at age 26 with ABC Networks. Through the years, Jennings established himself as the number one foreign correspondent for ABC, often working overseas to be in the midst of crises.
In an article posted on the journalistic website, poynter.com, it was written that "He carried a copy of the U.S. Constitution in his back pocket and his responsibility as a journalist next to his heart." This demonstrates that as a leader and innovator in the journalistic community, he regarded his position and place as a reporter as first and was extremely dedicated and committed to his cause. In addition, Jenning's presence "inspire[s] every anchor ... to be as passionate about the product, as connected to content and as uncompromising about excellence as he was" (poynter.com). As a leader and inspiration to others, Jennings used his zest for reporting and investigating to influence others and gain the reputation that he has. ABC News considers Jennings to be one of the most independent, distinguished, and successful broadcast journalists to have ever worked at their network. ABC recognized that "in broadcast journalism, Jennings had a reputation for putting the most complex and difficult issues on the agenda when others largely ignored them," which is why Jennings was one of the few to have his own special primetime show, Peter Jennings Reporting, in addition to his position as a reporter in World News Tonight. Along with Collin's ideals of a Level 5 leader of selflessness and commitment, his efforts towards his career were noted by other networks in addition to ABC, where he worked. He was reviewed in magazines such as TV Guide, which called him "the center of gravity," as well as in the Washington Post where it was written that "Jennings, in his shirt sleeves, did a Herculean job of coverage." This was after he reported the events of September 11, when he was on air for over 60 hours that week, more than any other anchor. Jennings always looked to the future to take on news stories that were difficult, challenging, and new.
As a leader, Jennings continues even after his death to be an inspiration to many up and coming broadcast journalists. His charisma and persona enabled him to work with many and be well liked. Balancing personal humility and professional will allows Peter Jennings to be classified as a level 5 leader, an executive in his field. To this day, Jennings is still the youngest anchor to ever be hired by a network and boasts more awards than any other journalist. As he has shown, one must be aggressive, take risk and action, in order to succeed and be an innovator in his/her field.
http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=34&aid=87149
http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/story?id=126542
http://www.wikipedia.org
In an article posted on the journalistic website, poynter.com, it was written that "He carried a copy of the U.S. Constitution in his back pocket and his responsibility as a journalist next to his heart." This demonstrates that as a leader and innovator in the journalistic community, he regarded his position and place as a reporter as first and was extremely dedicated and committed to his cause. In addition, Jenning's presence "inspire[s] every anchor ... to be as passionate about the product, as connected to content and as uncompromising about excellence as he was" (poynter.com). As a leader and inspiration to others, Jennings used his zest for reporting and investigating to influence others and gain the reputation that he has. ABC News considers Jennings to be one of the most independent, distinguished, and successful broadcast journalists to have ever worked at their network. ABC recognized that "in broadcast journalism, Jennings had a reputation for putting the most complex and difficult issues on the agenda when others largely ignored them," which is why Jennings was one of the few to have his own special primetime show, Peter Jennings Reporting, in addition to his position as a reporter in World News Tonight. Along with Collin's ideals of a Level 5 leader of selflessness and commitment, his efforts towards his career were noted by other networks in addition to ABC, where he worked. He was reviewed in magazines such as TV Guide, which called him "the center of gravity," as well as in the Washington Post where it was written that "Jennings, in his shirt sleeves, did a Herculean job of coverage." This was after he reported the events of September 11, when he was on air for over 60 hours that week, more than any other anchor. Jennings always looked to the future to take on news stories that were difficult, challenging, and new.
As a leader, Jennings continues even after his death to be an inspiration to many up and coming broadcast journalists. His charisma and persona enabled him to work with many and be well liked. Balancing personal humility and professional will allows Peter Jennings to be classified as a level 5 leader, an executive in his field. To this day, Jennings is still the youngest anchor to ever be hired by a network and boasts more awards than any other journalist. As he has shown, one must be aggressive, take risk and action, in order to succeed and be an innovator in his/her field.
http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=34&aid=87149
http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/story?id=126542
http://www.wikipedia.org
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
The "Ideal" CEO
An "ideal" CEO is one that embodies many characteristics in order to provide leadership and direction for his/her employees. Broadcast journalism is a field in which a CEO must lead with confidence and direction. In such a broad field, one must lead a tight organization. If working under a CEO in this field, I would want my leader to direct and challenge me so as to find new stories to investigate. Always looking for a challenge, I need to be presented with topics that would push me as a journalist and help shape me into a better interviewer. A CEO would also be involved and help guide his/her employees. CEO’s should provide insight, advice, and guidance as to how to approach different tasks and interviewees. With their help and involvement, the cohesion of the company will grow and become stronger. In addition, it is the responsibility of the CEO to provide an environment conducive for work and innovation for the employees. The leader needs to delegate in such a way that he/she does not disrupt the natural balance of the relationship between the employees. Using creativity and enthusiasm, the CEO can provide motivation and a sense of fun in the workplace, allowing the employees to feel as though they are being useful to others. Also, I need a CEO that will be involved, challenging, and provide constructive criticism in order for me to be the best broadcast journalist possible. In this way, I will gain confidence and become more professional while investigating and interviewing.
CEO’s not just in broadcast journalism should encompass all four of the lines of development: personal, organizational, cultural, and knowledge. Although all four are extremely vital to being an effective CEO, the personal and cultural quadrants are the most integral in a field such as broadcast journalism. One must know himself, manage time, and be able to communicate effectively in order to lead others. In addition, a CEO must understand culture and society in order to broadcast stories that the people want to hear and are interested in learning about. If one does not know his/her audience, there will be no viewers and the company will decline. The CEO must create a need and foresee trends in order to best run they company. Working on the shorter lines of development is a priority for all to become the best they possibly can be. By incorporating the four quadrants of leadership into his/her style, my CEO will be the best leader possible and in turn, lead me to be a strong broadcast journalist.
CEO’s not just in broadcast journalism should encompass all four of the lines of development: personal, organizational, cultural, and knowledge. Although all four are extremely vital to being an effective CEO, the personal and cultural quadrants are the most integral in a field such as broadcast journalism. One must know himself, manage time, and be able to communicate effectively in order to lead others. In addition, a CEO must understand culture and society in order to broadcast stories that the people want to hear and are interested in learning about. If one does not know his/her audience, there will be no viewers and the company will decline. The CEO must create a need and foresee trends in order to best run they company. Working on the shorter lines of development is a priority for all to become the best they possibly can be. By incorporating the four quadrants of leadership into his/her style, my CEO will be the best leader possible and in turn, lead me to be a strong broadcast journalist.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Broadcast Journalism
Hi everyone and welcome to my blog! I look forward to this upcoming semester and learning further about leadership and organizations. I have chosen an area of concentration in broadcast journalism. Shows like Good Morning America, the Today Show, 20/20, and Dateline are all examples of how the news and current events are relayed in the media. Having grown up watching these shows, I have developed an interest in this field and admired their prominant leaders, such as Barbara Walters, Katie Couric, and Peter Jennings.
Since 1991, Katie Couric has been a co-anchor for The Today Show. Over her tenure as a correspondent for The Today Show, as well as Dateline NBC, she has conducted numerous interviews with prominent leaders and other well-known figures. She is innovative in her interviewing style and has risen to become one of the most well-respected journalists of the day. In addition to her work for The Today Show, she has been granted the privilege to conduct independent prime-time specials. By 2006, she broadcasted CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, in which she was anchor and managing editor. In recognition for her work, Katie won two Emmys, an APA (Associated Press Award), the National Headliner Award, and the Sigma Delta Chi award given by the Society of Professional Journalists, just to name a few. Another honor bestowed upon Katie is that she is one of only five women to be repeatedly ranked as one of the world’s most influential people by Time Magazine.
Katie Couric is an example of one who embodies principles of a political archetype. She is constantly using relationships to enhance her career. By her interviewing such prominent figures in society, she gains credibility and a wider fan base. As a result, she uses her fame for good, taking advantage of her position to help others less well off than she. For example, she broadcasted her mammogram on The Today Show in order to help spread breast cancer awareness. As an influential leader in the broadcast journalism industry, she uses the media to help influence society by promoting awareness of a spectrum of issues. As technology grows and advances in today’s world, Katie uses it to her advantage in order to help the common good. As a leader, one must excel in personal relations, organization, knowledge, and culture. Without a doubt, Katie fulfills these four categories. She is often regarded as one of the best interviewers, as those she interviews are comfortable with her and often times request her specifically. She is patient and a good listener, always calm and composed. For example, it was only Katie Couric who was allowed to first interview Hilary Clinton when she became first lady. Furthermore, Katie uses knowledge in her work, keeping up to date with current events, researching adequately before her interviews, as well as having common sense, which has helped propel her upwards into such a high position. She manages her finances in a strict manner, and although she is one of the wealthiest women, she is never ostentatious or spends irrationally. Katie is also organizational in that she is extremely innovative and creative. She has captured a loyal audience due to her charisma and ability to relay the news, especially as she is able to relate the topics to her audience. Lastly, Katie embodies the cultural aspect of a leader. She is always looking to society to see what her audience wants to hear about. She looks to the future and maintains a vision in which enables her to stay on the edge of the time. Her style as a leader reflects her independence, strength of character, and adeptness in interviewing. Katie Couric will always be known as one of the first women in television broadcasting to lead a generation.
Since 1991, Katie Couric has been a co-anchor for The Today Show. Over her tenure as a correspondent for The Today Show, as well as Dateline NBC, she has conducted numerous interviews with prominent leaders and other well-known figures. She is innovative in her interviewing style and has risen to become one of the most well-respected journalists of the day. In addition to her work for The Today Show, she has been granted the privilege to conduct independent prime-time specials. By 2006, she broadcasted CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, in which she was anchor and managing editor. In recognition for her work, Katie won two Emmys, an APA (Associated Press Award), the National Headliner Award, and the Sigma Delta Chi award given by the Society of Professional Journalists, just to name a few. Another honor bestowed upon Katie is that she is one of only five women to be repeatedly ranked as one of the world’s most influential people by Time Magazine.
Katie Couric is an example of one who embodies principles of a political archetype. She is constantly using relationships to enhance her career. By her interviewing such prominent figures in society, she gains credibility and a wider fan base. As a result, she uses her fame for good, taking advantage of her position to help others less well off than she. For example, she broadcasted her mammogram on The Today Show in order to help spread breast cancer awareness. As an influential leader in the broadcast journalism industry, she uses the media to help influence society by promoting awareness of a spectrum of issues. As technology grows and advances in today’s world, Katie uses it to her advantage in order to help the common good. As a leader, one must excel in personal relations, organization, knowledge, and culture. Without a doubt, Katie fulfills these four categories. She is often regarded as one of the best interviewers, as those she interviews are comfortable with her and often times request her specifically. She is patient and a good listener, always calm and composed. For example, it was only Katie Couric who was allowed to first interview Hilary Clinton when she became first lady. Furthermore, Katie uses knowledge in her work, keeping up to date with current events, researching adequately before her interviews, as well as having common sense, which has helped propel her upwards into such a high position. She manages her finances in a strict manner, and although she is one of the wealthiest women, she is never ostentatious or spends irrationally. Katie is also organizational in that she is extremely innovative and creative. She has captured a loyal audience due to her charisma and ability to relay the news, especially as she is able to relate the topics to her audience. Lastly, Katie embodies the cultural aspect of a leader. She is always looking to society to see what her audience wants to hear about. She looks to the future and maintains a vision in which enables her to stay on the edge of the time. Her style as a leader reflects her independence, strength of character, and adeptness in interviewing. Katie Couric will always be known as one of the first women in television broadcasting to lead a generation.
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