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Reporter Job Description

Learn about the key requirements, duties, responsibilities, and skills that should be in a reporter job description.
Paul Peters
By Paul Peters, Jul 5, 2021
Paul Peters is the Chief Editor of Betterteam. He's a former print journalist and small business owner and has written articles for a variety of newspapers, magazines and websites.
A reporter covering a news event.

Sometimes referred to as correspondents, reporters research, gather, and report information on news stories to the public. They identify, verify, and report on events by traveling to locations and covering major developments as they take place. They also research specific stories, develop sources and contacts, and conduct in-person interviews.

Reporter Job Description Template

We are searching for an outstanding reporter to cover events and assist our organization in delivering important news-related content to the public. In this role, you will perform first-hand information gathering through on-site investigations, reports, interviews, and Q&As with other journalists.

To ensure success as a reporter, you should be knowledgeable about current events, proficient at research, embody ethical principles, and maintain professionalism at all times. A top-notch reporter will have extensive field experience, providing deep, thorough analyses in all news events covered.

Reporter Responsibilities:

  • Identifying newsworthy events and developments in their region of operation.
  • Conducting research and writing scripts on topics prior to broadcasts.
  • Attending and reporting on events that are of interest to the public.
  • Delivering scripted, spontaneous, live, and prerecorded reports on newsworthy events.
  • Interviewing eye-witnesses, authorities, and people of interest in news stories.
  • Transcribing and summarizing events for further news purposes.
  • Traveling to events and ensuring the proper maintenance, security, and care of recording equipment.
  • Working collaboratively with cameramen and other members of a reporting team.
  • Representing the organization at conferences, press briefings, events, and interviews.
  • Ensuring a professional appearance, language use, and manner throughout reports.

Reporter Requirements:

  • A bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a specialized field such as politics, economics, or international relations.
  • At least 2 years of experience in news, television, or journalism.
  • Ethical and professional research and reporting skills.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  • Able to form and ask probing questions to interviewees.
  • Passionate about the news and current events.
  • Well-spoken, engaging, and knowledgeable about news events.
  • Critically-minded, meticulous, and excellent recall of facts.
  • Adventurous, calm under pressure, and determined to uncover the truth.
  • Great interpersonal and rapport-building skills.

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