What Education and Training Are Necessary to Be a Reporter?
Reporters inform the public and bring attention to newsworthy events, businesses, individuals or groups. Employers include newspapers, magazines, Internet news sites or other publications and television or radio stations. Yearly salaries for reporters average $34,850, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2008, although pay varies according to the type of employer, publication or airing schedule and extent of readership, viewers or listeners. Entering the profession requires following some basic paths for education and training.
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Education
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A minimum of a bachelor's degree in journalism or related English or writing major is the preferred educational background for reporters, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those entering television or radio typically seek a degree in communications. Additional degrees or keen knowledge in certain areas increases your chances of being hired for more specific reporting positions that require particular expertise. Typically at newspapers, reporters are hired to cover a particular "beat," or area of news, such as crime, business, politics, sports, human-interest or entertainment. It is necessary, though, to have the flexibility to cover someone else's beat when needed.
Skills
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Above all, excellent writing and communication skills are crucial for any reporter. This includes adeptness in spelling and grammar and oral communication. Reporters must be well-spoken and clearly understood when interviewing individuals or verbally relating details of stories to television or radio audiences. Effective listening skills are also necessary. Publication reporters must possess good typing and computer skills to enter their stories into systems for editors to proof and use the Internet as a useful research tool. Other necessary skills include being organized and able to take detailed notes to relate truthful and accurate accounts. Smaller print publications might require reporters to multi-task by gathering information and shooting video or taking photos to accompany stories.
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Personal Characteristics
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Integrity and honesty are important characteristics to give fair and objective reporting. Television reporters must be personable on camera, while radio reporters must exert a pleasant on-air personality. All reporters must be comfortable approaching and talking with strangers and establishing a good rapport with strong contacts. Professionalism must always be exemplified because reporters are constantly out in public representing their publication or television or radio station. Reporters are depended upon to instantly cover breaking news stories and work some overtime, nights and weekends. Attention to detail, persistence and diligence are all beneficial qualities to fully develop stories and withstand the constant pressure of meeting deadlines.
Experience and Training
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Newspaper and magazine employers rely heavily upon an applicant's past written work when filling reporter positions. Even articles written for high school or college newspapers or work experience obtained at a college radio or television station can demonstrate the skills potential employers look for in beginning reporters. Internships provide excellent training and are favorable in honing reporting skills and obtaining eventual full-time, permanent work. Reporters work closely with editors in strengthening their writing skills. Most start at smaller establishments and gain several years of experience before advancing to companies that offer more exposure. Competition is keen for reporter jobs in big cities or for major national publications or stations. These positions often go to those with extensive college education and reporting experience.
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References
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