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What does a Reporter do?

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

Published 3 min read

A reporter is a person who collects, writes, and distributes news and other information.

Reporter job duties include:

  • Investigate news stories and gather information from sources
  • Write news stories based on gathered information
  • Edit news stories for publication
  • Meet deadlines for submitting news stories
  • Work with other reporters to ensure accuracy of information
  • Take photographs or videos to accompany news stories
  • Conduct interviews with sources for news stories
  • Research background information on news stories
  • Verify facts in news stories

Reporter Job Requirements

Most reporters have a bachelor's degree in journalism, communication, or a related field. Many have a master's degree or higher. Some reporters may have a law degree or other advanced degree. Reporters who work in large news organizations may have interned at the organization or worked for smaller news organizations before being hired. Many reporters start out working for small newspapers, television stations, or radio stations.

Reporter Skills

  • Writing
  • Reporting
  • Investigating
  • Researching
  • Interviewing
  • Listening
  • Observing
  • Thinking critically
  • Organizing information
  • Communicating
  • Flexibility

Related: Top Reporter Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Reporter

There are many ways to become a reporter. One way is to go to college and major in journalism. This will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful reporter. Another way is to get a job as a reporter for a local newspaper or TV station. This will give you on-the-job training and experience. You can also become a freelance reporter, which means you work for yourself and sell your stories to different news outlets.

No matter what route you take, there are some things you need to be a successful reporter. First, you need to be able to write well. This means being able to write clear, concise, and interesting stories. You also need to be able to find sources and gather information. This means being resourceful and being able to ask the right questions. Finally, you need to be able to meet deadlines and work under pressure. This means being organized and being able to handle multiple tasks at once.

If you have these qualities, then you have what it takes to become a successful reporter. So start writing, start researching, and start meeting deadlines—and soon you could be telling the world’s stories.

Related: Reporter Resume Example

Related: 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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