Reporters and Journalists

Reporters and correspondents (also known as journalists) collect, analyze and compose facts and newsworthy events through investigation and observation. Reporters and correspondents write stories for newspaper, news magazine, radio, and television. They interpret, examine and broadcast news received either from various news agencies or through personal interview or investigation. While radio and television reporters report ‘live’ stories; newspaper reporters compose and edit stories which then get published in the following day’s newspaper.

They play a crucial role in providing unbiased news and information to the public about both national and international news. Reporters can be political, cultural, sports, crime, health, business and finance, education, and entertainment. Some do a very specialized reporting while others have a wider range of topics to cover.

Role of a Reporter

Research topics and stories for publication.
Write error-free and compelling articles for newspapers, magazines, blogs or scripts for radio and television.
Develop and maintain liaison with experts and other sources who provide vital leads and clue.
Edit and review articles for grammar and style.
Follow-up stories timely.
Interview people from different sections to get the right version of the story.

Skills Required for a Reporter

Language Skills: Fluency in both written and verbal skills is required. Rules of grammar and composition should be followed strictly. One should also be sensitive about local and racial sentiments while composing the news story.

Nose for News: Just collecting, analyzing and composing news will not make one a competent reporter. A good reporter is one who gets to the news first before the rival.

Computer Skills: A reporter should have a good knowledge of computers and should be able to handle electronic equipments.

Critical and Analytical Thinking: High degree of reasoning and logical thinking especially when composing business and finance news.

People Skills: Man management is an extremely essential skill required for all reporters and correspondents. To develop contacts and maintain relationships with the right people at the right time is important.

Pros and Cons of Being a Reporter

Pros

Interview celebrities and dignitaries.
Be a part of all important events.
Get to see your byline.
Get to travel with celebrities and dignitaries to cover important events.
Not a typical 9-5 job and therefore, offers flexibility.

Cons

Long and erratic working hours.
Sometimes life-threatening especially when working in the crime beat or handling sensitive issues.
No scope for error.
No weekend or registered holidays.
Salary is not too high especially for those in the print media.
Long absence from family especially if you are covering a war or any other political issue.
Strict deadlines and time pressure.

Click on the list of careers under Liberal Arts and Humanities