Reporters gather the latest news and write about it. They do research, interview people, attend public events, and do whatever else is necessary to give a complete report of a news event. When deadlines require it, reporters may phone in their information to be transcribed by a rewriter.
General assignment reporters handle all types of news stories; other reporters are assigned to a specialized "beat," such as police stations, the courts, or sports. Reporters with specialized backgrounds may be assigned to write about and analyze the news in such fields as medicine, politics, labor, or education.
On small newspapers, reporters often take their own photographs, do some layout or editorial work, solicit subscriptions and advertising, and perform some general office work.
Some reporters work for national news services where they are usually assigned to a large city or to a particular specialty. Stringers work part-time for one or more employers and are paid according to how much of their work is published.
Beginning reporters usually work for small daily or weekly newspapers where they function as general assignment reporters or copy editors. As they gain experience they cover more important news.
Related jobs include newspaper editor and magazine editor.
Places of Employment and Working Conditions
News reporters work in communities of all sizes. Although the majority of newspapers are in medium-sized towns, most reporters work in cities where each daily newspaper employs many reporters.
Reporters generally work a five-day, 35- to 40-hour week. On morning newspapers, the working hours are from late afternoon to midnight. Coverage of certain news events sometimes requires extended or irregular working hours, and a fast pace and constant deadline pressures are a part of every reporter's working life.
Qualifications, Education, and Training
Writing skills, curiosity, resourcefulness, an accurate memory, stamina, and the ability to work alone are essential for news reporters.
High school should include as many English courses as possible and typing, social sciences, and experience on school publications, if possible. Summer or part-time jobs on local newspapers also provide valuable experience.
Most news organizations require a news reporter to have a bachelor's degree in either journalism or liberal arts; some require a master's degree. Small newspapers will usually accept less education if the applicant demonstrates exceptional ability or has at least junior college training in the basics of journalism.
Potential and Advancement
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of reporters in the United States is about 54,000 as of 2014. The field is expected to shrink by 9% between 2014 and 2024 due to consolidation of news organizations and the increasing availability of online news sites.
Exceptional reporters can advance to editorial or administrative positions or can move on to larger newspapers or press services, though these opportunities will be rarer over the next decade. Some reporters become columnists, correspondents, editors, or top executives. Others turn to public relations, writing for magazines, or preparing news copy for radio and television.
Income
As of 2015, the average reporter’s annual salary was $37,720, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Additional Sources of Information
American Council on Education for Journalism School of Journalism University of Missouri Columbia, MO 65201
American Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation, the Newspaper Center, Dulles International Airport, Washington, DC 20041
The Dow Jones Newspaper Fund, Inc., Princeton, NJ 08543-0300
The Newspaper Guild, Research and Information Department, Silver Spring, MD 20910
