I echo all the other excellent suggestions given so far, they will ensure that realistic goals are achieved, and disappointments avoided.
Excellent communication with your news director is a must to keep things rolling smoothly. If I'm in the building (I'm a busy guy sometimes) try to talk to our ND each day, bringing them both the good and bad, of what’s happening. Communicate everything, no matter how trivial... small items usually reveal a bigger picture down the road.
News directors are busy people also, so I try to condense issues into bullet points for them to digest and decide. If they want more info, they'll ask.
Thomas E Morales
Chief ENG Videographer
KCOY & KKFX Television
Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, CA