• News Reporter Job Description

    A news reporter is someone whose job is to research and report current events for the press or broadcast media. A news reporter may report all kinds of events or specialize in a particular area such as health, lifestyle, sports or technology. Their job involves traveling to the scene of an event to gather information, interviewing witnesses and key sources to the event, and compiling and editing the information received to produce a report.

    A news reporter should be enquiring, curious, skeptical, courageous, confident and approachable, and have an eye for what is newsworthy and the ability to report with factual accuracy. They should have good pronunciation and a pleasant and well-controlled voice to speak clearly. They should also have the ability to ask the right question at the right time, analyze and interpret information and perform under demanding conditions.

    Pursue a career in journalism if you are a dynamic writer and storyteller who have passion for news. You should be an outgoing person who enjoys interacting with the public and being on the spotlight.
  • What does a News Reporter do?

    News reporters may do some or all of the following:

    • collaborate with the news crew
    • travel to locations to research for news
    • observe events and gather information about newsworthy events
    • interview witnesses and key sources to events
    • attend press conferences and ask questions
    • record information using shorthand or technical equipment
    • compile all the necessary information to create the news story
    • edit the story according to required guidelines
    • develop relationships with contacts or experts who provide tips and leads on stories
  • Where does a News Reporter work?

    Just to give you an idea, some of the classes that you’ll be taking in college if you decide to study journalism may include:

    • Journalism
    • Photojournalism
    • Multimedia communications
    • Electronic media
    • Broadcasting
    • Media Presentation
    • Media Law and Ethics
  • Working Conditions

    News reporters may work long irregular hours that include evenings, weekends and public holidays. They work indoors in offices and outside on news locations, covering events in all weather conditions. They are required to keep their days flexible, as they may cover events with little or no time for preparation.

  • What is Required to Become a News Reporter?

    There are no standard educational requirements to become a news reporter, but most high paying jobs will require a degree in mass communication, journalism, language or a related discipline.

    People interested in journalism should take language and drama classes to develop their communication and presentation skills and to get used to being on the spot light. They should also inquire about writing for a local magazine or newspaper, or doing an internship at a local TV station.

  • Modules
  • Specializations
  • Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

    News reporters need to have:

    • patience
    • charisma
    • courteousness
    • tactfulness
    • courage
    • confidence
    • perceptiveness
    • self discipline
    • dependability and credibility
    • adaptability and versatility
    • determination and persistence
    • physical and mental stamina
    • good memory
    • good attention to detail
    • good personal hygiene and appearance
    • good judgment and decision making skills
    • good listening, writing, copyediting and storytelling skills
    • analytical skills
    • networking and interviewing skills
    • presentation and public-speaking skills
    • shorthand and keyboarding skills
    • the ability to memorize information quickly
    • the ability to visualize a story
    • the ability to make people answer tough questions
    • the ability to relate to a wide variety of people
    • the ability to work well under pressure and manage stress
    • the ability to accept and respond well to criticism
    • the ability to enjoy reading fictions, plays and poetry
    • the ability to work well independently and as part of a team
    • the ability to follow directions and stick to guidelines
    • the ability to recognize information that will interest their audience
    • the ability to suppress their own views and biases when reporting a story
    • the ability to quote people accurately and record information faithfully
    • knowledge of journalism and broadcast news operations and equipment
    • knowledge of Media ethics and law
    • knowledge of a wide range of local and global issues
    • knowledge of the topics they handle

References

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Alternative Careers
  • News Anchor
  • News Editor
  • Announcer
  • Photographer
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