Reporters and Correspondents

Collect and analyze facts about newsworthy events by interview, investigation, or observation. Report and write stories for newspaper, news magazine, radio, or television.

Median Annual Wage: $36,000

Education: Bachelor's degree (82%); Associate's degree (5%); Some college, no degree (5%)

Projected Growth: Decline (-3% or lower)

Related Job Titles: News Director; Anchor; Television News Anchor (TV News Anchor); Reporter; News Reporter; General Assignment Reporter; Television News Reporter; Television Reporter (TV Reporter); Staff Writer; Sports Writer

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Reporters and Correspondents.

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  • Research a story's background information to provide complete and accurate information.
  • Arrange interviews with people who can provide information about a story.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with individuals who are credible sources of information.
  • Report news stories for publication or broadcast, describing the background and details of events.
  • Gather information about events through research, interviews, experience, or attendance at political, news, sports, artistic, social, or other functions.
  • Revise work to meet editorial approval or to fit time or space requirements.
  • Review and evaluate notes taken about news events to isolate pertinent facts and details.
  • Investigate breaking news developments, such as disasters, crimes, or human-interest stories.
  • Review written, audio, or video copy and correct errors in content, grammar, or punctuation, following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines.
  • Report on specialized fields such as medicine, green technology, environmental issues, science, politics, sports, arts, consumer affairs, business, religion, crime, or education.
  • Transmit news stories or reporting information from remote locations, using equipment such as satellite phones, telephones, fax machines, or modems.
  • Determine a published or broadcasted story's emphasis, length, and format and organize material accordingly.
  • Check reference materials, such as books, news files, or public records, to obtain relevant facts.
  • Discuss issues with editors to establish priorities or positions.
  • Photograph or videotape news events.
  • Take pictures or video and process them for inclusion in a story.
  • Present live or recorded commentary via broadcast media.
  • Conduct taped or filmed interviews or narratives.
  • Develop ideas or material for columns or commentaries by analyzing and interpreting news, current issues, or personal experiences.
  • Communicate with readers, viewers, advertisers, or the general public via mail, email, or telephone.
  • Write online blog entries that address news developments or offer additional information, opinions, or commentary on news events.
  • Assign stories to other reporters or duties to production staff.
  • Write columns, editorials, commentaries, or reviews that interpret events or offer opinions.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Reporters and Correspondents.

  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Reporters and Correspondents.

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