A new journalist's experience with social media

By Jordan Weber

@JordanCWeber

Below is an interview of an on-air reporter and anchor for Bright House Sports Network, Brooke Bennett (@FitnessBrooke). She started as a freelancer in April 2009, was offered full-time October 2009 and was out 12 weeks due to a car accident. Her first day, on a 3-year contract was January 4th. (9months) 

What social media platforms do you use?

Twitter and Facebook.

When, how, and why did you start using these types of social media?

Twitter June 2008(that is really great for me) Facebook…oh it was maybe Spring 2007.

About how much time a week do you spend using social media for work?

Maybe an hour a day…give or take.

Why do you use social media?

It is a great way to promote what we are doing at our station, stories and too you can get story ideas. It is a great way to follow the happenings in sports in our area. Outside of my TV job…I also have a few other avenues that are of interest to me, it benefits me there too. Of course my swimming, health and fitness…and a goal of mine; I am currently working on a cookbook.

Does your employer require you to use social media?

They like that we do…not required. But of course it is under watch at all times.

Did your employer offer training?

For social media, NO! In my field for appearance on camera and editing, YES.

Does your employer have a policy about how its journalists use social Media? If so, can you describe the policy or share it?

Nothing strict, we are told to use our best judgment and that we are always representing our station even in our off hours.

How do you measure results?

Don’t really…everything is just really a bonus =)

Have you been satisfied with the results of your efforts?

Yes, I have new fans all the time and brining more people to our website and to our channel.