Five Things The Media Can Learn From Erin Burnett
I am not a media baron. Nor am I a journalist. However, I’ve been featured in the Detroit News, Nashville Business Journal and on many popular web sites for my work in tech and new media. I’ve engaged billionaires such as Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer, and I interview folks I’m sure you’ve heard of. Of course, none of this stuff is really important. Who cares, right? Well, the media should.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve observed many personalities in the media on a local and national scale: Rush Limbaugh, Lou Dobbs, Bill Bonds (Detroit, WXYZ), Peter Jennings, Charles Gibson, etc. Jennings struck a chord at the center of emotion. Gibson made every morning uniquely American on television. Limbaugh cracked jokes and mocked personalities. Now, there’s a new breed of young and fresh faces delivering the news we care about. Unfortunately, I can only think of one which I’m quite fond of: Erin Burnett.
I’m not fond of her because she’s attractive. No, it’s more than that. It’s not her engaging eyes, either. Not even her hair. It’s her non-traditional approach as an anchor and personality. She isn’t bloated (of her own ego), but balanced. She avoids being too confrontational on air, while still delivering the bottom line.
Overall, her unconventional qualities are refreshing. So, here are five things the media can learn from Erin Burnett:
1. Humility goes a long way — Erin, in my opinion, is one of the most humble and grounded female anchors on television today. One thing that’s a turnoff for me are the “divas” and “darlings” of media. It’s easier to connect with Erin than her competition — hence her rising “star power”.
2. Television experience isn’t always necessary — Erin has proven her success as a reporter/anchor without a journalism background. Previously, Erin worked behind the scenes at CNN as a booker and writer.
3. It’s about engaging people — Erin makes it a point to engage her audience. It’s not about “Erin Burnett”. Is this why Squawk Box’s ratings are up 79% since last year? I think so. We need more personalities like her.
4. Confrontations are useless — “Divas” tend to be confrontational on air when interviewing subjects. It just doesn’t work, and at times, it appears “forced”. Erin pulls off the tough stuff with ease — and without being confrontational.
5. Keep it simple — No fluff, no tricks. Erin delivers the financial and breaking news throughout the day like a natural — only because she keeps it “real”. Treat her well, CNBC.