Local anchorman gives tips to success
by Pam Garrett, reporter

    Most successful anchors are storytellers, a local news anchor told SE students recently.

    Mike Synder, an anchor on Channel 5 since the early ’80s, offered advice to students interested in breaking into the news industry.

    Describing his job as being very rewarding, Snyder said that without viewer support, he would not be the success he is today.

    “If you take from the community that made you a success without giving back, you are no different from a thief,” he said. “I give back to the community by doing fund-raisers and other events.”

    Synder enjoys reporting inspiring stories on local people who overcome the odds or make a difference in the lives of others.

    Although most anchors simply read the news in front of a camera, Snyder travels all over the world to do interviews and report stories.

    Breaking into the industry requires networking, Snyder said.

    “A journalism degree means nothing without knowing someone on the inside,” he said. “Every day Channel 5 gets at least a hundred video tapes of people wanting my job.”

    Many of the tapes are never viewed.

    “If you know someone on the inside, he/she can take your tape directly to the producer and increase your chances of getting a job,” he said.

    Snyder advised those interested in the news industry to do internships or co-op to experience what it is like to be a reporter or an anchor.

    Internships will also be necessary to network and get inside connections. Snyder also suggested students start from the top not the bottom.

    “Don’t be afraid to call the CEO of a company to tell him/her that you are interested in interning for them,” he said.

    Snyder pointed out that such fear of executives is unfounded.

    “They are just like me and you and would like to have someone talk to them like a regular person for a change,” he said.

    Plus, getting to know a CEO has advantages.

    “A letter of recommendation from the president of a company holds a lot of weight,” he said.