One thing you shouldn't do is doubt your ability. You've got it, you just need a chance to prove yourself and that has more to do with running across a situation where your availability fits the need (as you know).
I would certainly keep checking all the sites on your list and jump on new additions immediately (which you probably are doing). After a little time has gone by, there's nothing wrong with resending your material to stations who have put out ads that you really fit with- or even calling them (provided there's not a "no calls" warning).
One piece of information that would be helpful is knowing why they've decided not to call you - were you just late? Is there something wrong with the tape? etc. The only way to know that is if you know someone at the station in the right position. Be on the lookout for Ole Miss alums who might help in that regard.
In the same way, they could be very helpful about job openings at their own station. Ask around, if they have contact with an Ole Miss person in a market you are interested in. You could call that person and ask if they know of any openings - not just at their station but at others in the market. They often hear about what's going on at competitors. One of the things working against you is that stations don't wait until ads get out for them to be thinking about who might fill the position. By the time you hear about, employees may have already alerted friends, who send in their material first.
Likewise, applicants with a local address might help.. if it's just an entry level position and a station just wants to fill a hole quickly and not spend the time to bring in people from other places. But if you are local, it tells the station you are not already in the business (unless you are with a competitor). Most places want the reporters to have some experience, and not just be in town sitting around, and perhaps, just someone who's changing careers. I wonder if your friend was on air or not. It seems to me other positions in the media would be more likely to be filled by a local than on air talent.
Rather than worry about local addresses, I might focus on giving reasons in your cover letter, why you want to come to that market. That gives them an idea as to why you may stay for a while and implies they might not have to retrain someone else so quickly. While you very well might leave soon, you don't want to give them that idea. I emphasized to CNN my desire to move back to the South from DC, my friends in the community, etc. They love the idea of someone coming to lay down roots in the town where the station is located or at least hire someone who will stay long enough for them to get their money's worth. Often these jobs are revolving doors.
I've read that it is not unusual to take as much as six months to find a TV job that really fits- and that's with the person having some experience in local markets. For you, the problem isn't so much getting there as it is being able to last long enough for it to pop up. Right now, you just need something to "fill the gap".
Stephen Goforth
