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What does a News Reporter do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A news reporter is responsible for researching, writing, and presenting news stories. They may be required to work with a team of other reporters and editors to produce a news program.

News Reporter job duties include:

  • Research and investigate stories through interviews, observation, and public records requests
  • Develop sources who can provide tips or leads on stories
  • Verify facts and information gathered from sources
  • Write stories based on factual information and the reporter's observations
  • Edit stories for grammar, style, and length
  • Take photographs or videos to accompany stories
  • Work with editors and producers to determine story angles and formats
  • Present stories on television or radio
  • Promote stories on social media or other platforms
  • Answer questions from viewers, listeners, or readers

News Reporter Job Requirements

Most news reporters have a bachelor's degree in journalism, communication, or a related field. Many have a master's degree. Some reporters may have a law degree or a medical degree and report on legal or medical issues, respectively. Many news reporters are certified by the National Association of Broadcasters. News reporters typically have several years of experience working in the industry before being promoted to a reporter position.

News Reporter Skills

  • Objectivity
  • Research
  • Interviewing
  • Writing
  • Editing
  • News Judgment
  • Ethics
  • Informing
  • Storytelling
  • Curiosity
  • Skepticism
  • Open-mindedness

Related: Top News Reporter Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a News Reporter

There is no one path to becoming a news reporter, but there are some common steps that many people take. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you're interested in a career in journalism:

1. Get a degree in journalism or a related field. While it's not required, many news reporters have at least a bachelor's degree in journalism or a related field like communications. This can give you a strong foundation in the basics of writing, reporting, and ethics.

2. Start working at a small news outlet. Many reporters start their careers at small local newspapers or TV stations. This can be a great way to get your foot in the door and learn the ropes of the business.

3. Work your way up. Once you have some experience under your belt, you can start applying for jobs at larger news organizations. Or, you may decide to specialize in a certain type of reporting, like investigative journalism or sports reporting.

4. Be prepared to work long hours. News doesn't stop happening overnight, so be prepared for late nights and early mornings. It's also important to be able to work quickly and efficiently under deadline pressure.

5. Stay up-to-date on current events. In order to be a successful reporter, you need to know what's going on in the world around you. This means staying up-to-date on the latest news stories and being able to quickly find reliable sources of information.

Related: News Reporter Resume Example

Related: News Reporter Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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