It’s the end of an era

Or so some would think…

Three years ago I joined business media as a change. Come on, who doesn’t like the idea of being on Television. Fame, money, glamour – glittering stars in my eyes, heady buzz in my head. I did get a bit of all those, but also a lot of others.

What was it like? Let me start with why I loved this animal they call media.

The Irreverence. Media grants immense power. Believe it. Heads of conglomerates who wouldn’t talk to anyone, will smile, fawn and be good to you, even if you are just a tiny little nobody in a news channel. You get entry to events, launches, meets. Just pick the phone and dial anyone. He will atleast give you a patient ear.

This extends to the workplace as well. A junior can shout back to senior editors, make her opinion heard, and as long as she is good, it's all good. Thus, newsroom fights are commonplace, but soon forgotten. Abuses, screaming, brawls is what we grapple with everyday. It took a while to get used to the constant buzz of activity, and now it will be harder to work in silence.

Casual. The work environment is unlike a regular workplace. Chai and food is ordered couple of times a day and we all pounce on it. Like a college canteen. We wear jeans and shorts underneath the formal jackets you see on TV (yes, that bit you heard is true!). And what a relief it is not to plan, manage and maintain an elaborate wardrobe of formal attire. You will never know, till you don’t have to.

Glamour. A bit of this as well. Always well turned out, hair done, makeup on. When you enter events like that and hobnob with those in the news, people notice you. And remember.

The rush. There is news every minute, every hour. If it’s in your beat, you better respond well, and fast. Although harrowing when it happens, it gives an instantaneous sense of achievement. More, when stocks react.

How? Read on.