What everyone else here has already said. Being paid 22 thousand a year just doesn't cut it at least for me. I went and spent far too much money on a broadcasting degree to work for 22 thousand a year, which is what stations are generally offering at least the stations that would take a look at me (I have no false impression that'd some top 20 market would hire me.) I'm just a solid shooter and editor, nothing special but I use a tripod, lights, get nat sound and know how to shoot a basic sequence. I can set up a live shot in about 5 minutes and slap together a package with only 5 or 10 minutes to air if I have to.....something I bet most photogs on this board can do as well. For those skills we get worked 60+ hours a week, paid McDonalds type wages, and often disrespected, not always, some stations value their shooters but it's hard to get over those paychecks for those hours and all the different skills we are expected to have.
I bought a computer, Final Cut Pro, a 3 chip sony DVCAM, lights, tripod, wireless mics and assorted other gear and just started my own business. I didn't really have a business plan or anything, I just figured I'd shoot weddings and local commercials, as well as freelance news if I am called. And basically I can set my own hours and my RATE OF PAY! Now I am not doing great by any means but I work a couple days a week and make basically the same amount of money as I did as a news shooter. As more news shooters see more options for their video and editing skills I think this problem may become even bigger for TV stations, but that's just my opinion.
