New study shows higher pay
By John Lytle, Drake University
Iowa broadcast journalists' salaries made a small gain this past year, according to the IBNA's annual survey of news directors.
Median salaries as of Jan. 1st increased three percent, to $40,000. Television respondents typically earned more than radio respondents, and salaries correlated to market size.
During the same period, the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported Iowa’s per capita personal income increased 5.2 percent, to $35,023.
Respondents completing the four-page questionnaire distributed by Web and Postal Service during February believe they are underpaid by a median (half more, half less) $5,000.
IBNA has regularly surveyed its “working broadcaster” members since 1987.
Participation has declined as FCC-inspired deregulation led to consolidation of many local radio news operations and elimination of others.
Thirty-four broadcast journalists responded to the 1988 survey. This year 24 forms were returned.
Twenty-year gains
Salaries of IBNA survey respondents doubled for radio journalists and nearly tripled for TV journalists since 1988. Inflation nationwide was 80.5 percent during the 20-year span.
Television news directors were the highest paid category, and TV respondents were generally more satisfied with their pay than their radio colleagues. Several higher paid respondents noted that their current pay is fair for their responsibilities.
New technology
As ratings for traditional newscasts slide, broadcasters continue developing innovative ways to reach their news and information audiences.
“It is a challenge every day to make sure we are providing great local news content on multiple platforms, including online, cell phone, podcast, over the air, etc.,” wrote KCRG-TV, Cedar Rapids, news director Becky Lutgen Gardner. “Someone on a cell phone doesn’t want the detail that someone online may want.”
A small market radio news director agreed “keeping up to date with technology like texting, instant messaging, etc.” to serve his listeners “in a manner they desire” is a major challenge.
E-mail John Lytle at: john.lytle@drake.edu
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