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Q. I'm a recent college grad from one of the best hands-on journalism colleges in the U.S. I've won a few undergraduate awards for my work, had a few internships (including one at a network show) and feel confident about my abilities as a reporter. I can shoot, edit, write, anchor, etc. Since I graduated in May, I've been working as a desk assistant at a network bureau in Washington, D.C.

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I know from seminars, talks, teachers and other professionals that it's hard to break into the business as an on-air reporter, so I'm excited that I finally have an interview at a station that isn't too far from my hometown. I've heard, though, that the news director at this station starts people out at $19,000.

Being that I'm a self-sufficient 26-year-old, I can't imagine how I'd live off that amount. So I'm looking for tips on how to negotiate salary starting ... beginning with my first interview with the news director. Keep in mind I've heard that most first-time reporters start off with a low salary because most of the smaller town stations don't pay as much. I definitely would like to work at the station because it is so close to home and has one other thing I was looking for -- a satellite truck for live on-air reporting.

When I say yes to the offer, I want to be happy and willing to work there for the length of the contract. But, with that salary I don't see how this is possible. I'm planning on asking for $25,000. Is that too much? Or should I ask for more so that I can at least get $25,000? I don't want to ask too high because I've also heard that these first-time stations get so many applicants that they often aren't willing to budge and don't like to hire people who want a higher salary. What would you suggest?

Thanks in advance for your help!

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A. I took this question to a news anchor who asked her agent. The agent wants to stay anonymous, but offers this sobering advice:

Joe Grimm

"It's real difficult thinking of negotiating at this money level. There is certainly some give and take at any level, but the chances of moving up a few thousand dollars when you're looking at a $90,000 salary is a whole lot more likely than at $19,000.

"Find somebody who pays $25,000 and go after that job. Or, if you're already connected with a network bureau, use your network contacts to, well, "network" for you until you find something you can live with. But my guess is you'll probably push $19,000 to, ah, maybe $19,100.50."

So it looks like you must choose between this opportunity, which you seem to like, and waiting for another offer at a larger station. If you do say yes, you might be unhappy about the money, but relatively confident that you didn't leave any on the table.

Good luck.