How to Be TV Critic - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 8, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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The rise of streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime has had a drastic impact on the television industry. This shift away from traditional cable networks has caused a decrease in viewership and advertising revenue, resulting in a decrease in TV production budgets. Consequently, TV critics have had to reassess their role in the industry and adapt to the changing landscape by creating content that is tailored to streaming services.

This includes creating reviews for individual episodes, analyzing a show's overall arc and production values, and providing an overall assessment of the quality of the show. As a result, TV critics have become even more important in helping viewers find quality content in the ever-growing streaming landscape.

Steps How to Become

Develop a Passion for Television. To become a TV critic, you must have an avid interest in television. You should be able to appreciate different types of shows, genres, and styles of storytelling. It's also important to stay up-to-date with current TV trends.
Develop a Writing Style. You should develop a writing style that is descriptive, yet also informative and easy to read. Pay attention to the details and make sure your writing is clear and concise.
Obtain a Degree in Journalism or Communications. A degree in journalism or communications can help you hone your writing skills and learn the basics of media criticism.
Get Experience in the Field. You should gain some experience in the field by writing for student newspapers, magazines, or online publications. You can also start a blog to build a portfolio of your work.
Network with People in the Industry. Networking with people in the industry is essential for becoming a TV critic. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and make connections with other media professionals.
Apply for Jobs. Once you have the necessary skills and experience, you can start applying for jobs as a TV critic. Look for openings at local newspapers, magazines, or websites. You can also contact TV networks directly to inquire about job opportunities.

In order to stay ahead and capable in the TV critic field, it is important to keep up with the latest trends and developments in television and media. This requires staying up-to-date on the newest shows, analyzing ratings and reviews, and regularly reading industry publications. networking with other critics, producers, and actors can help to build a strong base of knowledge, contacts, and resources.

Furthermore, staying well-versed in a variety of topics outside of television and media can help critics to provide a broader context to their critiques and bring a fresh perspective to the table. Finally, staying organized and up-to-date on deadlines is essential to ensuring reviews are timely, accurate, and consistent. By following these steps, TV critics can remain ahead of the curve and capable in their field.

You may want to check Theatre Critic, Art Critic, and Restaurant Critic for alternative.

Job Description

Research and analyze television programs, films, and digital media for review
Write reviews and critiques of television programs, films, and digital media
Monitor current trends in television and film production
Attend film and television screenings and provide feedback
Interview cast and crew members of television programs and films
Participate in industry events, such as film festivals and award shows
Liaise with television networks, film studios, and other industry stakeholders
Develop relationships with publicists to obtain exclusive access to upcoming projects
Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the television and film industries
Create content for print and online publications

Skills and Competencies to Have

Thorough knowledge and understanding of television and film genres, production techniques, and industry trends.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to think critically and analytically to assess television and film programs.
Proficiency with relevant computer software and information technology.
Ability to conduct research and gather data.
Ability to meet deadlines and prioritize tasks effectively.
Strong organizational skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with industry professionals.
Understanding of copyright laws and regulations.
Knowledge of current media trends and technologies.

Being a successful TV critic requires a number of key skills, including being able to think critically, write clearly and concisely, and assess the quality of a show. Critical thinking allows one to analyze the different aspects of a show, from the acting and production values to the writing and plot development, in order to form an informed opinion. The ability to write clearly and concisely is also essential for a TV critic, as it allows them to communicate their opinion in an articulate manner.

Furthermore, a critic must be able to assess the quality of a show effectively in order to make an informed judgement. This requires an understanding of the genre and a knowledge of what makes a successful television show. these skills are essential for any aspiring TV critic to possess in order to be successful in their career.

Music Critic, Movie Critic, and Style Critic are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What makes a TV show successful in your opinion?
How do you keep up with the latest trends in television?
What do you consider to be the best and worst TV shows of the last decade?
What is your process for reviewing a new show?
How do you balance objectivity and subjectivity when critiquing TV shows?
What do you think are the key elements of a great TV series?
How do you think television has evolved over the years?
What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful television critic?
Do you have any favorite TV shows or genres that you like to review?
How do you think social media has impacted the way people watch and critique television?

Common Tools in Industry

Content Management System (CMS). A content management system allows a user to create and manage content on a website easily. (e. g. WordPress)
Social Media Management Platform. A social media management platform allows a user to schedule, monitor, and manage their social media posts. (e. g. Hootsuite)
Image Editing Software. Image editing software allows a user to edit and manipulate photos or graphics. (e. g. Photoshop)
Video Editing Software. Video editing software allows a user to edit video clips and create video projects. (e. g. Adobe Premiere Pro)
Research Tools. Research tools enable the user to conduct thorough research for their work. (e. g. Google Scholar)
Writing Tools. Writing tools provide useful grammar and spelling checking, word count, and other helpful features for writers. (e. g. Grammarly)
Project Management Software. Project management software helps to keep track of tasks, organize teams, and prioritize projects. (e. g. Asana)

Professional Organizations to Know

Television Critics Association
Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
Writers Guild of America
Directors Guild of America
Producers Guild of America
Broadcast Film Critics Association
International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
Association for International Broadcasting
National Association of Broadcasters
American Society of Cinematographers

We also have Cultural Critic, Video Game Critic, and Wine Critic jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Showrunner. The showrunner is the main creative force behind a television series, responsible for overseeing all aspects of the show's production.
Pilot Episode. The pilot episode is the first episode of a television series and usually introduces the characters, establishes the premise, and sets up the main plotlines for the rest of the series.
Series Finale. The series finale is the last episode of a television series and often ties up loose plotlines and resolves character arcs.
Television Network. A television network is a company that produces and broadcasts television programs, such as ABC, CBS, NBC, or Fox.
Ratings. Ratings are numbers that measure how many people watch a particular television show.
Story Arc. A story arc is a narrative structure in which the plot of a television show follows a rising and falling pattern over multiple episodes.
Prime Time. Prime time is the hours between 8pm and 11pm when most people watch television, and it is when most popular programs are broadcast.
Advertising Slot. An advertising slot is an allotted time during a television show during which commercials are aired.
Cancellation. Cancellation is when a television show is ended before its natural conclusion, usually due to low ratings or budget concerns.
Syndication. Syndication is when a television program is broadcast on multiple networks or channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the most popular TV Critic?

The most popular TV Critic is Rotten Tomatoes, with over 33 million monthly visitors.

What is the purpose of a TV Critic?

The purpose of a TV Critic is to provide an independent and unbiased review of television programs, providing viewers with an informed opinion on whether a particular show is worth watching.