Tom Henderson, a retired broadcast journalist turned gentleman farmer, shares his journey from reporting on national news to enjoying farm life. He reflects on the importance of having the right people upset for the right reasons in journalism. Tom recounts harrowing moments from a tragic plane crash and how it impacted news coverage. He discusses challenges in news leadership, the struggles of field producers, and the evolution of broadcasting in the digital era. With a light-hearted tone, he emphasizes the vital balance between career and personal life.
Tom Henderson emphasizes the importance of strong relationships in journalism, which are essential for gaining access to crucial information and building community trust.
He highlights the significant evolution of the broadcasting industry due to digital media, requiring newsrooms to adapt quickly while maintaining journalistic standards amidst rapid information flow.
Deep dives
Journey Into Journalism
Tom Henderson's journey into journalism began later than most, as he realized his strengths lay in language and humanities during his time at the University of Georgia. Initially, Henderson drifted through various jobs, including working in a textile mill, until he ultimately found his passion in broadcast journalism while volunteering at the university's radio station. He secured his first job at a radio station in Lafayette, Georgia, during a recession and quickly covered significant stories, including a dramatic ambush involving the Medellin cartel. This experience not only solidified his career path in journalism but also highlighted how captivating and impactful local stories could be on a national scale.
The Impact of Competition and Relationships
Henderson highlights the competitive nature of broadcast journalism, especially during the late 20th century, where relationships and reputation played crucial roles in news reporting. He notes that building rapport with officials and community members was essential for gaining access to information and providing comprehensive coverage. The competitive atmosphere fueled the urgency to produce fresh stories for multiple newscasts, demanding extensive creativity and quick thinking. As he transitioned from radio to television, these elements shaped his approach to news management and reporting, ultimately highlighting the necessity of strong interpersonal skills.
Navigating the Changing Landscape of Broadcasting
The broadcasting industry has undergone significant changes, particularly with the rise of digital media and social platforms, which have transformed how news is reported and consumed. Henderson discusses how live reporting has evolved from large satellite trucks to portable equipment that allows instant broadcasting from remote locations. This shift has required newsrooms to adapt quickly, focusing on delivering information across various digital platforms while confronting the challenges posed by immediate audience feedback on social media. The need to maintain journalistic standards amidst this rapid information flow has become a continuous concern within the industry.
Leadership Transformation in Newsrooms
As Henderson advanced in his career, he transitioned from an assignment manager to a news director, necessitating a shift in his leadership approach. The role of the news director encompasses more than just overseeing daily news coverage; it includes hiring key personnel and shaping the newsroom's overall identity and culture. Henderson emphasizes the importance of having a cohesive team that can handle challenges collectively, particularly during difficult times marked by personnel losses. This experience taught him that effective leadership balances maintaining strong relationships with staff while fostering a resilient and adaptable newsroom environment.
Tom Henderson is a longtime broadcast journalist who now spends his days as a gentleman farmer, where the most stressful part of his day now is tending to tomatoes.
Tom shares why journalists and reporters should want the right people to be mad for the right reasons, how he switched from radio to TV and then left his dream job to come back to Chattanooga, and how he brought the Channel 9 team together after a major loss.
Tom Henderson retired in 2021 from his role as News Director of Channel 9. You can connect with Tom on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/tom-henderson-9789356).