Radio and television reporters often compose stories and report "live" from the scene. Later, they may tape a commentary in the studio.
General assignment reporters write up news as assigned, such as an accident, a political rally, the visit of a celebrity, or a company going out of business. Large newspapers and radio and television stations assign reporters to gather news at specific locations or "beats," such as police stations or courts. Some reporters specialize in fields such as health, politics, foreign affairs, sports, theater, consumer affairs, social events, science, business, and religion. Investigative reporters cover stories that take many days or weeks of information gathering.
News correspondents are stationed in large U.S. and foreign cities to report on news occurring there. Reporters on small publications cover all aspects of the news: They take photographs, write headlines, lay out pages, edit wire service copy, and write editorials. They also may solicit advertisements, sell subscriptions, and perform general office work.
Working Conditions
The work of reporters and correspondents is usually hectic. They are under great pressure to meet deadlines. Some reporters work in comfortable, private offices; others work in large rooms filled with the sound of keyboards and computer printers as well as the voices of other reporters. Those reporting from the scene for radio and television may be distracted by curious onlookers or police or other emergency workers. Covering wars, political uprisings, fires, floods, and similar events often is dangerous.
Working hours vary. Reporters on morning papers often work from late afternoon until midnight. Those on afternoon or evening papers generally work from early morning until early or mid-afternoon. Radio and television reporters usually are assigned to a day or evening shift. Magazine reporters generally work during the day. Reporters may have to change their work hours to meet a deadline or to follow late-breaking developments. Their work demands long hours, irregular schedules, and some travel.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
Most employers prefer people with a bachelor's degree in journalism, but some hire graduates with other majors. They look for experience on school newspapers or broadcasting stations and internships with news organizations. Large city newspapers and stations may also prefer candidates with a degree in a subject-matter specialty such as economics, political science, or business. Large newspapers and broadcasters also require a minimum of three to five years experience as a reporter.
Bachelor's degree programs in journalism are available in hundreds of colleges. About three-fourths of the courses in a typical curriculum are in liberal arts; the rest are in journalism. Journalism courses include introductory mass media, basic reporting and copy editing, history of journalism, and press law and ethics. Students planning a career in broadcasting take courses in radio and television news casting and production. Those planning newspaper or magazine careers usually specialize in news-editorial journalism.
Many community and junior colleges offer journalism courses or programs; credits may be transferable to four-year journalism programs. Some graduate programs are intended primarily as preparation for news careers, while others prepare journalism teachers, researchers or theorists, and advertising and public relations workers.
High school courses in English, journalism, and social studies, provide a good foundation. Useful college liberal arts courses include English with an emphasis on writing, sociology, political science, economics, history, and psychology. Courses in computer science, business, and speech are useful as well. Fluency in foreign language is necessary in some jobs.
Reporters need good word processing skills, and computer graphics and desktop publishing skills are useful. A knowledge of news photography is valuable for entry-level positions that; for combination reporter/camera operator or reporter/photographer.
Reporters should be dedicated to providing accurate a impartial news. Accuracy is important both to serve the pub and because untrue or libelous statements can lead to costly la' suits. A "nose for news," persistence, initiative, poise, resourcefulness, a good memory, and the physical stamina and emotional stability to deal with pressing deadlines, irregular hours, and sometimes dangerous assignments are important. Broadcast reporters need to be at ease on camera. All reporters must be at ease unfamiliar places with all kinds of people.
Most reporters start with small publications or broadcast stations as general assignment reporters or copy editors. Large publications and stations hire very few recent graduates; they generally require their new reporters to have several years of experience.
Some reporters may advance by moving to larger papers stations. A few experienced reporters become columnists, correspondents, writers, announcers, or public relations specialist Others become editors in print journalism or program manage; in broadcast journalism, who supervise reporters. Some eventually become broadcasting or publications industry managers.
Job Outlook
Competition for reporting jobs on large metropolitan news papers and broadcast stations and on national magazines will continue to be keen. Small town and suburban newspapers will continue to offer better opportunities for beginners. Many openings arise on small publications as reporters become editors or reporters on larger publications or leave the field. Talented writers who can handle highly specialized scientific or technical subjects have an advantage. Also, stringers and freelancers are being red by more newspapers.
Most job openings will arise from the need to replace reporters and correspondents who leave the occupation. Turnover relatively high in this occupation-some find the work too stressful and hectic, or don't like the lifestyle and transfer to other occupations where their skills are valuable, especially public regions and advertising work. Others leave because they are unable to move up to better paid jobs in bigger cities.
Journalism graduates have the background for work in such closely related fields as advertising and public relations and many take jobs in these fields. Other graduates accept sales, managerial, and other non-media positions, in many cases because it is difficult to find media jobs.
The newspaper and broadcasting industries are sensitive to economic ups and downs. During recessions, few new reporters are rehired and some reporters lose their jobs.
Related Occupations
Reporters and correspondents must write clearly and effectively to succeed in their profession. Others for whom writing ability is essential include technical writers, advertising copy writers, public relations workers, educational writers, fiction writers, biographers, screen writers, and editors.
