How to Become a News Reporter
Becoming a news reporter these days is a lot easier than it has been in the past, thanks to the advent of the Internet. Reporters give firsthand accounts of events, write stories on what they've seen, conduct interviews, and even do some photography work. Getting a taste for reporting at the local level is a good way to decide if a career in journalism is right for you.
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Things You'll Need
- Library card
- Study guides on grammar and writing
- Digital camera, preferably with optical zoom for supporting your stories with photos
- Computer with word processing software. DVR features are also helpful
- Internet connection for research, professional networking and submitting stories
- Pen and note pad
Instructions
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The public library is your first stop. Hit the public library and take out some books to study to hone your writing and other journalistic skills. For improving overall writing abilities, try reading "The Little Brown Handbook," a commonplace university-level text on writing that's currently in use. It will be helpful to read three and six books about journalism so you get a well balanced view of the field.
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Do some research to find online papers that accept applications from reporters who are just starting out. These sites come and go, so you'll have to take the time to track down ones that are active. Another good option is to start your own local news blog in which you discuss both headline news and local issues. Building a readership base using social media websites is always a good way to get noticed, as is finding groups and forums where you can post articles. Building a buzz will help you get noticed.
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Build up a portfolio of articles on varied subject matter. Once you have a solid group of what you feel are your best articles (10 to 20 pieces should do the job), you can start looking for a foothold in local media. Mainstream newspapers and TV stations are unfortunately, in essence, just corporate offices, so they have very little interest in hiring people new to the field. Don't let it get you down; just don't waste your time with them. Focus instead on smaller community papers. Often these papers have limited budgets, so offer to work at a low rate or pro bono, just to get your name out there. Being in print versus online will vastly improve your credibility and give you some leverage when trying to find work with larger organizations.
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Part-time jobs can help you get a unique perspective on what you're reporting about. If you're interested in reporting on police work and crime, try taking a job as a private security person; if you're interested in politics, volunteer for a municipal election candidate. If specialization is your intent, having "real-world" experience in that area will be a real plus.
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Now that you've gotten a feel for the industry, it's time to decide if you want to go pro. If that's the case, it's highly advisable to get post-secondary education. College courses in journalism or communications are considered standard, while a university degree will give you an advantage while job hunting. Be sure to pick a program that's within your financial means to avoid burnout.
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Tips & Warnings
To improve your photography, read your camera's manual and some books on photography. A good photo can catch the eye and draw in more readers. Cameras with a digital video recorder feature are very helpful, as you can use them as an alternative to your notepad and shorthand for interviews.
It will be difficult to make livable wages when you're just starting out. Keep a day job or do other writing-related work, depending on your preference, while you build a portfolio.
Networking with other writers and journalists and finding editors in your price range can help you produce work of superior quality.
Depending on your jurisdiction, freelance reporters may or may not have the privilege of being considered members of the press. Assume you can only gain the same level of access as the general public unless you make special arrangements.
Learning about the law relating to photography in your jurisdiction can also prevent problems regarding copyright infringement.
Always be honest with people you're interviewing and represent yourself as a reporter. Don't break any laws in pursuit of a story.
References
- Photo Credit Journalism image by Zhanat Abylkassym from Fotolia.com library books image by Daughterson from Fotolia.com
