Shira Lazar is the quintessential “it-girl” defining a new generation of broadcasters. She defines herself as a crossover personality/hybrid journalist which basically means that she is an on-air personality/journalist who uses old and new media to tell stories and stay connected. She frequently appears on Fox News Channel, CNN, and MSNBC and has worked on countless other programs such as Ashton Kutcher’s 24 Hours at Sundance as their social media maven and on Travel Channel’s upcoming Confessions of a Travel Writer. In other words, she’s on-air, online, and on her way to mega-stardom.
Why did you choose this as your career?
I love people, communicating, and sharing experiences and stories through media but I like being part of the action. Working as a broadcaster and journalist was the perfect fit. New media was also beginning to take shape and I used it as a way to take control and maintain my brand.
How did you get started?
I was studying Communications at Emerson College. My last semester I spent out in L.A. interning for The Ellen Degeneres Show and at night I was at a local radio station. The jock there took me under his wing and I started helping him with a morning show he was also working on. That’s when I realized I wanted to work on-air. Right before graduation one of the producers from Ellen brought me on as an associate producer for a morning show on local FOX in Vegas. I went there, came back to L.A. 3 months later, and decided I was going to pursue on-air full-time. Wireimage Video needed red carpet reporters and I jumped on board and started meeting other sites and outlets who needed hosts and the rest is history… (and you can say it’s all just the beginning?)
How did you end up where you are today?
It’s a mix of passion, hard work, patience, constantly challenging yourself and working on your craft, networking, maintaining integrity, and more. Staying grounded and accessible- I’ve been paid a lot to nothing to work. But I love what I do and as long as I’m available, I feel like I’d learn something from a certain experience and meet new people, I’ll do it. It’s important to have a vision, but at the same time be open to whatever comes your way. It’s the most random opportunities that sometimes go the longest way.
What are the biggest perks of your job?
Meeting new people constantly, experiencing new things constantly, traveling, sharing stories and positivity, and the ability to use mass media to create an impact, change, and inspire action.
Biggest drawbacks?
Getting so close to an opportunity that you believe in and nothing happening- but that’s life- happens in every field! You always have to pick yourself up and keep going. Be aware and move on!
What’s the biggest misconception people have about people in your profession?
Some people think I’m an actor sometimes, which blows my mind. I’m in front of the camera but I look at myself as a crossover personality/hybrid journalist. It’s my definition of an on-air personality/journalist who uses old and new media to tell stories and stay connected, it’s a new breed of broadcaster.
Also, people sometimes question my presence in the technology/online space at times- I tell people you don’t necessarily have to report on tech daily to be in the tech space. Technology is essential to what I do- I use technology to connect, advance the conversation, and tell the stories I need to tell.
Name 3 characteristics a person must have to be successful in your field.
- Passionate
- Hard Working
- Interested in the world around you
What’s been your biggest accomplishment?
Working with a website, LXTV from the beginning and being on the team when it was acquired by NBC. It’s amazing to see something develop before your eyes and to be part of the team.
In ten years, where do you see yourself?
Who knows – but I would love to have a home doing a daily interactive show with a big network, and use my voice as a pioneer in new media and millennial culture. I’m an entrepreneur in many ways, so I also would like to use my brand at a certain point to create a kick-ass site. Also use my brand to give back and connect people with relevant issues/causes and individuals that are creating an amazing impact.
What’s a typical day like for you in your job?
Always different- some days I might be shooting all day and some just running around in meetings.
How do you balance your career and personal life?
That’s sticky because more and more they’re coming together. A lot of work I do online brings in my personal life. I believe in being myself. That’s also important for the work that I do- being real and accessible. I enjoy bringing people on experiences with me through my video blogs. I always think- is this experience funny, interesting, inspiring- would I want to share it with friends? If so, I document it and share it online. Those things behind closed doors (if you know what I’m saying) can be left there.
How do you think that social media can help/hurt young women in their careers and personal lives?
It’s hard being a woman in this space sometimes- a lot of times if you’re a woman who blogs and lifecasts, you’re put in the category of egoblogger, online socialite, etc (even if you have a gig or job). I always say you can do all that and the PR, but you need to balance it out with credible content. If you only have PR on your side, people start wondering what exactly you’re really doing and questioning why exactly you’re in this space. You need to always continue creating content. You can’t rely only on buzz and PR to maintain your brand.
Best piece of advice you’d give to other women your age about life.
Maintain your integrity, stay true to yourself, and never give up!
You’ve interviewed tons of celebrities so we’re dying to know who was your favorite?
Robin Williams, Queen Latifah, Steve Wozniak, Anthony Hopkins, Jodie Foster- the list goes on. My favorites are those classic celebs and individuals who are true standout talents in their field but are still completely cool to talk to.
What are your favorite hotspots? (ie: vacation spots, cities, restaurants, stores, whatever)
- Ultimate vacation spot- Anini Beach in Kauai, Hawaii.
- In Los Angeles – I love wine bars like Vinoteca and Brunch spots like Café Mauro in Fred Segal.
- Tea/lunch: LaMill Coffee in Silverlake.
- Best coffee spot- Intelligentsia in Sunset Junction.
- Happy Hour: Four Seasons in Beverly Hills is classic!
Originally posted on https://www.funkyfaithgirl.com/
