News Reporters
At a Glance
- Work for newspaper, radio, or television
- Inform public about current events
- Research, write, and edit their own stories
- Work both indoors and outdoors
- Usually assigned to a day or evening shift
- Have a bachelor's degree
- Are comfortable working with all kinds of people
Career summary
News reporters write and report news stories for newspaper, radio, or television.News reporters gather information, write stories, or make broadcasts. They may inform the public about current events and decisions made by public officials. Reporters often work for newspapers or news magazines. They receive assignments from editors or investigate leads or tips to get story ideas. Reporters read documents, observe events, and interview people. They take notes, tape interviews, and verify information. Many reporters have photographers or camera operators take photos or videos to illustrate a story. Some reporters take their own photos or video.
Reporters write stories for publication or broadcast. They take into consideration the editorial style of the paper or magazine they write for. If they work for a radio or TV station, they consider the format of the radio or TV news show. Reporters may also edit videos for broadcast. Some news writers prepare stories from information provided by other reporters. Many reporters write for web sites and blogs.
News analysts broadcast news for radio or television stations. They often research and write their own stories. They look at news service items about local, national, and world events. They also get information or stories from reporters or news teams. News analysts may edit stories so that they fit into the available airtime. They may also make decisions about what items to include in the broadcast. Sometimes news analysts cover stories on the scene. They go out and observe events or interview people. Sometimes they report stories live from the scene.
Some newscasters at large stations or networks specialize in one type of news.
- News commentators interpret the news and offer their own opinions or comments
- Sportscasters write and deliver sports news
- Weathercasters report on weather conditions
Related careers
This career is part of the Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications cluster of careers.
Related careers include:
- Announcers
- Editors
- Film and Video Editors
- Meteorologists
- Producers and Directors
- Professional Bloggers and Podcasters
- Public Relations Specialists
- Technical Writers
- Writers
Military careers
Job duties
Task list
The following list of tasks is specific to news reporters.
- Gather information and investigate leads. Read documents, observe events, and interview people.
- Tell photographer or camera operator what scenes they need to illustrate stories. May take own photos or video.
- Take notes and verify information.
- Organize notes and decide focus of story.
- Write news stories for publication or broadcast. Publication includes writing for news web sites or blogs.
- Transmit story to editor or information to writing staff.
- Edit or assist in editing videos for broadcast.
- Broadcast news stories on radio or television.
- Edit articles for available time and space. May decide which news items to include in broadcast.
- Sometimes write stories and report "live" from the scene.
- Sometimes interpret news items or offer opinions or comments.
- Use computers to write and transmit news articles.
Common work activities
News reporters perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.
- Get information needed to do the job
- Communicate with people outside the organization
- Explain the meaning of information to others
- Identify objects, actions, and events
- Establish and maintain relationships
- Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
- Perform for or work with the public
- Update and use job-related knowledge
- Think creatively
- Document and record information
- Organize, plan, and prioritize work
- Use computers
- Analyze data or information
- Process information
- Make decisions and solve problems
- Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
- Evaluate information against standards
- Schedule work and activities
- Judge the value of objects, services, or people
Work requirements
Working conditions
In a typical work setting, news reporters:
Interpersonal relationships
- Frequently speak in front of large groups or in front of a camera.
- Have a high level of social contact. They work closely with coworkers and the public.
- Communicate daily by telephone, e-mail, and in person. They also write letters and memos, but much less frequently.
- May occasionally deal with conflict situations where people might be rude or upset.
- Are responsible for the work done by assistants.
- Almost always work as part of a team of producers, assistants, editors, and camera operators.
Physical work conditions
- Work both indoors and outdoors. Reporters are most likely to work outdoors while gathering information for news stories.
- May on occasion be exposed to sounds and noise levels that are loud or distracting.
- Travel to and from locations in a car, truck, or van.
- Work near others, such as when interviewing someone or sharing the same work space.
Work performance
- Work in a competitive atmosphere with very strict daily deadlines.
- Make decisions that impact their employer's reputation on a daily basis. They make most, but not all, decisions without consulting a supervisor.
- Must be very exact in their work so that information is accurate and sources can be identified. Incorrect statements can cause serious problems, such as lawsuits.
- Must be sure that all details are done so stories are ready by deadlines.
- Set some of their daily tasks and goals independently. They usually seek approval for story ideas.
- Repeat the same mental and physical activities.
Hours/travel
- May work full time or part time. Most work full time.
- Work varying hours. They are usually assigned to a day or evening shift.
- Sometimes have to change their work hours to meet deadlines or follow late-breaking news stories.
- May sometimes travel to other areas to gather information and report news.
Physical demands
News reporters frequently:
- Sit for long periods of time.
It is important for news reporters to be able to:
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
- Understand the speech of another person.
- See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
It is not as important, but still necessary, for news reporters to be able to:
- See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
- Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
- Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
- Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
Skills and abilities
News reporters need to:
Communicate
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
- Read and understand work-related materials.
- Understand spoken information.
- Listen to others and ask questions.
- Understand written information.
- Write clearly so other people can understand.
Reason and problem solve
- Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
- Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
- Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
- Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
- Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
- Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
- Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
- Recognize the nature of a problem.
- Think of new ideas about a topic.
- Develop rules that group items in various ways.
- Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
- Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
Manage oneself, people, time, and things
- Manage the time of self and others.
- Check how well one is learning or doing something.
Work with people
- Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
- Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
- Persuade others to approach things differently.
Education and training
Educational programs
The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.
Programs of study directly related to this occupation
Other programs of study to consider
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- English Composition and Writing
- English Language and Literature
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Public Relations
- Radio and Television
Training
To work as a news reporter, you typically need to:
- have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
- have a bachelor's degree.
Education after high school
Most news reporters have at least a bachelor's degree in journalism. Most colleges and universities offer programs in journalism. Only about one-fourth of the courses you take are specifically about journalism. The rest are liberal arts courses, such as literature, history, natural sciences, philosophy, and political science. If you want a career in broadcasting, you should take radio and television courses as well. Courses in business, speech, and computer science are also useful.
Large newspapers and broadcast stations look for reporters who have a degree in a specialty area. Economics, political science, science, or business are examples of common specialties. Reporters with a background in these areas usually report primarily on those areas.
A liberal arts bachelor's degree coupled with a master's degree in journalism is excellent preparation.
Work experience
Working at your high school and college newspapers or broadcasting stations is very valuable. In addition, you should also try for an internship with a news organization.
You can gain experience by reporting for a newspaper as a stringer or freelancer. This is a reporter who is paid only for printed stories.
On-the-job training
The length of on-the-job training varies by employer and the employee's level of experience. In general, news reporters receive up to one month of on-the-job training. Those who work in television often receive up to two years of training.
Beginning reporters often start at smaller papers or broadcasting stations. You often begin by doing research for experienced reporters and writing routine stories to gain experience. As you improve your skills, you work on larger stories and have more control over your work.
Military training
Some branches of the military train people to be broadcast journalists and newswriters. Training lasts nine to 12 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.
Helpful high school courses
In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.
You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.
You may have an area of interest, such as science, that you would like to focus on as a reporter. Take as many classes in that area as possible to develop your knowledge. In addition, take as many writing and literature classes as possible. This will help develop your writing skills.
Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:
- Communications
- Computer Applications
- Journalism
- Public Speaking
Many news reporters are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:
- Accounting
- Entrepreneurship
- Introduction to Business
The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.
You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.
Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.
Things to know
Most employers prefer applicants who have a bachelor's degree in journalism. Some hire college graduates with other majors. Employers look for applicants with experience on school newspapers or at radio or television stations. Stations in large cities sometimes prefer applicants who have a degree in a subject specialty. For example, they may look for people with a degree in economics, political science, or business. Large newspapers and broadcasters often require applicants to have three to five years of experience as a reporter.
News reporters and analysts often use computers to analyze data in search of a story. Employers often look for computer skills beyond word processing skills. Knowledge of news photography can also be helpful. For example, some entry-level jobs combine reporter duties with those of a photographer or camera operator.
Employers also look for reporters who are comfortable working with all kinds of people. For on-air employees, they look for a pleasant voice and appearance.
For beginning jobs on newspapers, internship experience is important. Experienced news reporters with proven records may be recruited by other newspapers, radio stations, or TV networks.
Tips
For newspaper employment, a potential journalist should read newspapers carefully, cultivate curiosity about news events, and take every opportunity to get acquainted with editors and reporters, especially on one's home town newspaper. Copy editing skills may improve one's chances for employment. Knowledge of specialized scientific or technical topics can be helpful. Get used to working with deadlines; acquire the skills of working quickly and accurately.
Costs to workers
Workers may belong to a union and pay dues. Some join a professional association, which may also have annual dues.
Job listings
Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.
To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .
Wages
#Currently, there is no specific statewide wage information available for broadcast news analysts.
Broadcast news analysts (SOC 27-3021)
| Location |
Pay Period | |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% |
25% |
Median |
75% |
90% |
||
| Washington | Hourly | $20.48 | $28.99 | $44.33 | $78.67 | (1) |
| Monthly | $3,549 | $5,024 | $7,682 | $13,634 | (1) | |
| Yearly | $42,600 | $60,310 | $92,220 | $163,620 | (1) | |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | Hourly | $21.84 | $32.29 | $52.63 | $86.75 | (2) |
| Monthly | $3,785 | $5,596 | $9,121 | $15,034 | (2) | |
| Yearly | $45,429 | $67,164 | $109,479 | $180,453 | (2) | |
| United States | Hourly | $13.16 | $18.25 | $32.15 | $53.66 | $96.24 |
| Monthly | $2,281 | $3,163 | $5,572 | $9,299 | $16,678 | |
| Yearly | $27,370 | $37,970 | $66,880 | $111,610 | $200,180 | |
(1) Wages are greater than $90/hour or $187,200/year.
(2) Wage estimate is not available.
Reporters and correspondents (SOC 27-3022)
| Location |
Pay Period | |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% |
25% |
Median |
75% |
90% |
||
| Washington | Hourly | $12.48 | $15.10 | $22.27 | $33.56 | $44.72 |
| Monthly | $2,163 | $2,617 | $3,859 | $5,816 | $7,750 | |
| Yearly | $25,970 | $31,410 | $46,310 | $69,810 | $93,020 | |
| Bellingham | Hourly | $13.02 | $14.91 | $19.03 | $28.09 | $31.39 |
| Monthly | $2,256 | $2,584 | $3,298 | $4,868 | $5,440 | |
| Yearly | $27,084 | $31,005 | $39,566 | $58,426 | $65,292 | |
| Clarkston-Lewiston | Hourly | $8.55 | $10.16 | $14.41 | $22.63 | $27.61 |
| Monthly | $1,482 | $1,761 | $2,497 | $3,922 | $4,785 | |
| Yearly | $17,777 | $21,147 | $29,976 | $47,054 | $57,435 | |
| Kennewick-Richland | Hourly | $11.81 | $11.96 | $12.37 | $17.15 | $21.22 |
| Monthly | $2,047 | $2,073 | $2,144 | $2,972 | $3,677 | |
| Yearly | $24,566 | $24,879 | $25,735 | $35,685 | $44,150 | |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | Hourly | $17.03 | $23.59 | $31.86 | $40.74 | $50.11 |
| Monthly | $2,951 | $4,088 | $5,521 | $7,060 | $8,684 | |
| Yearly | $35,421 | $49,085 | $66,250 | $84,729 | $104,220 | |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | Hourly | $13.57 | $15.61 | $18.37 | $24.69 | $35.84 |
| Monthly | $2,352 | $2,705 | $3,184 | $4,279 | $6,211 | |
| Yearly | $28,220 | $32,459 | $38,218 | $51,370 | $74,558 | |
| Vancouver | Hourly | $12.40 | $14.41 | $19.12 | $30.97 | $50.99 |
| Monthly | $2,149 | $2,497 | $3,313 | $5,367 | $8,837 | |
| Yearly | $25,806 | $29,969 | $39,770 | $64,422 | $106,059 | |
| United States | Hourly | $11.30 | $14.30 | $19.84 | $32.06 | $48.53 |
| Monthly | $1,958 | $2,478 | $3,438 | $5,556 | $8,410 | |
| Yearly | $23,490 | $29,730 | $41,260 | $66,680 | $100,930 | |
Wages vary by employer and area of the country. Wages generally are much lower at small newspapers and small radio or TV stations. Wages tend to be higher for specialists, such as sportscasters and weathercasters.
Benefits vary by employer. Most full-time news reporters receive typical benefits. These include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Reporters who are self employed may need to provide their own insurance.
Employment and outlook
Washington outlook
#Currently, there is no state specific outlook information available for reporters and correspondents.
The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.
Broadcast News Analysts (SOC 27-3021)
| Location | Current employment | Growth over 10 years | Annual openings | |
| This occupation |
All occupations |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 105 | -14.3% | 16.1% | 6 |
| King County | 79 | -16.5% | 19.6% | 4 |
| United States | 6,900 | 1.4% | 5.2% | 900 |
Reporters and Correspondents (SOC 27-3022)
| Location | Current employment | Growth over 10 years | Annual openings | |
| This occupation |
All occupations |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 769 | -12.9% | 16.1% | 49 |
| Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties | 31 | -22.6% | 13.4% | 1 |
| Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties | 60 | -33.3% | 8.6% | 1 |
| Benton and Franklin Counties | 36 | -22.2% | 15.0% | 1 |
| Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties | 18 | -38.9% | 11.9% | 0 |
| Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties | 25 | -36.0% | 15.2% | 0 |
| Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties | 66 | -37.9% | 14.1% | 1 |
| Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties | 35 | -28.6% | 14.6% | 1 |
| King County | 377 | -4.5% | 19.6% | 32 |
| Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties | 25 | -20.0% | 13.8% | 1 |
| Spokane County | 99 | -9.1% | 13.9% | 7 |
| United States | 42,800 | -12.1% | 5.2% | 4,400 |
National employment
About 14% of news reporters are self-employed.
Over half of all news reporters work for newspapers.
Major employers:
- Newspapers and news magazines
- Radio and television stations
National outlook
Demand for this occupation will decline. Fewer people read newspapers. Although online news sources will create some demand for reporters it will not make up for the losses in the newspaper industry.
Competition will continue to be strong for jobs with large city newspapers or stations, and at national magazines. Most jobs occur at small publications. Job prospects are best for those with experience and training. Experience in multimedia will also be helpful.
Other resources
American Meteorological Society
45 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02108
617.227.2425
American Society of Newspaper Editors
209 Reynolds Journalism Institute
Columbia, MO 65211
Asian American Journalists Association
5 Third Street, Suite 1108
San Francisco, CA 94103
415.346.2051
Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
234 Outlet Pointe Boulevard
Columbia, SC 29210
803.798.0271
Broadcast Education Association
1771 N Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036-2891
Donald W. Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism
Dow Jones News Fund
PO Box 300
Princeton, NJ 08543-0300
609.452.2820
Investigative Reporters and Editors
141 Neff Annex
Missouri School of Journalism
Columbia, MO 65211
National Association of Broadcasters
1771 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
202.429.5300
National Association of Farm Broadcasters
PO Box 500
Platte City, MO 64079
National Communication Association
1765 N Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
140B Purcellville Gateway Dr. Suite 120
Purcellville, VA 20132
804.746.1033
National Press Photographers Association
News Media Alliance
4401 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22203
571.366.1000
Pew Center for Civic Journalism
1615 L St. NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
Project for Excellence in Journalism
1615 L Street NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
202.419.4300
Radio-Television Digital News Association
The National Press Building
529 14th Street, NW, Suite 1240
Washington, D.C. 20045
School Journalism Website
(for youth from the American Society of Newspaper Editors)
Society of Professional Journalists
Eugene S. Pulliam National Journalism Center
3909 North Meridian Street, Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46208
317.927.8000
The Newspaper Guild
501 - 3rd Street NW, 6th Floor
Washington, DC 20001-2797
202.434.7177
The Poynter Institute
801 Third Street South
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
727.821.9494
TV Jobs
References
Career cluster
Career path
- Artistic
O*Net occupations
O*Net job zone
Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.
DOT occupations
- Columnist/Commentator (131.067-010)
- Newscaster (131.262-010)
- Newswriter (131.262-014)
- Reporter (131.262-018)
Strong Interest Inventory
- Broadcast Journalist
- Reporter
Holland occupational clusters
- Artistic/Enterprising/Investigative
- Artistic/Social/Enterprising
COPSystem
- Communication