Dan Shepherd: The Facts about Freelance Journalism

By Ashley Griffith

ORLANDO, Fla.,--Dan Shepherd, Freelance Field Producer, visited Valencia Community College Thursday to give Journalism students an insight into his career as a freelance field producer.

Shepherd has gone from photographer for NBC and CBS to freelance producer for a variety of clientele including NBC news, CNN, ESPN, The Today Show, Good Morning America, ABC News, CBS news and The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Shepherd graduated from Oklahoma University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism in 1986. He claims “persistence in this industry is important,” so while in Oklahoma, Shepherd actively pursued and obtained an internship for his first-hand experience in Journalism.

Shepherd landed his first job in Tulsa as a photographer/tape editor for KJRH (NBC) from 1984 to 1987, which included daily coverage of news, spot news, live-truck operations and video-tape editing.

“Be ready for anything in this business,” said Shepherd. Staying true to his word, Shepherd moved from Tulsa, Oklahoma to Orlando, Florida and landed a job at CBS from 1987 to 1990. While the responsibilities were the same as his previous job, Shepherd claims “local TV is a great training ground.”

Shepherd worked for CBS in Orlando then Tampa, Florida for 7 years.

In 1994 Shepherd began freelance work in Orlando. He was a photographer, audio, and field producer for a variety of clients including NBC News, ABC News, CBS News, A&E Biography, Home Depot TV, and Discovery Channel Canada.

Freelance journalism, while constant work is never guaranteed, is Shepherd’s preferred area of work. Freelance gives you a variety of clients and more freedom in the business.

“You get to do some cool stuff,” said Shepherd.

So how does one land a career as a freelance journalist? “It takes time,” said Shepherd. You have to develop relations with many clients, so you can get work; therefore, staying in contact with former associates is a must.

Although Shepherd’s career requires much traveling, he prefers working freelance as opposed to employment at one news station. Also, many times working freelance involves “making more money,” said Shepherd.

Shepherd’s career has certainly been rewarding. He has received two Emmy nominations: one for his coverage of the 9-11 Terrorist attacks, and the second for his coverage of 2005 Hurricane Katrina.

Shepherd clearly has a passion for the journalism industry, and his achievements have been recognized. “This business changes on a dime, you never know,” said Shepherd.