Reporters

Description

Reporters gather facts to inform the public about what is happening in their community, in the country and around the world. Reporters also provide information on current political, scientific and social issues, as well as the entertainment field. Because news changes daily, reporters must be able to work quickly and accurately. Most reporters, also known as journalists, work in the newspaper field. Others work for radio and television stations, magazine publishers or wire services.

Working Conditions

Reporters can work in many different environments. Their hours may vary and they may have to travel.

 

Salary

The average salary for television and radio news reporters is around $33,000. Sportscasters in television earn around $53,000 and weathercasters earn around $55,000. Those who work for newspapers, publications or small stations generally earn less.

 

Helpful Skills and Subjects to Study

Accuracy, good word-processing and excellent writing skills are important for a reporter. Courses in English, journalism, social studies, writing, sociology, political science, business and speech are helpful. Fluency in a foreign language can also be very helpful.

 

Related Jobs

News analysts and correspondents are very similar occupations. Others for whom good writing ability is important include technical writers, advertising copy writers, public relations workers, educational writers, fiction writers, biographers, screenwriters and editors.

 

Education & Training

Most employers prefer people with a bachelor's degree in journalism. Employers look for experience on school newspapers or internships with broadcasting stations and news organizations.

 

Job Outlook

There will be great competition for these jobs.

Sources for Additional Information

Radio and Television News Directors Foundation
1000 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20036
www.rtndf.org

Newspaper Association of America
1921 Gallows Rd., Suite 600
Vienna, VA 22182