News analysts, reporters and correspondents

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News analysts, reporters and correspondents gather information, prepare stories and make broadcasts that inform us about local, state, national and international events. They present points of view on current issues and report on the actions of public officials, corporate executives, special-interest groups and others who exercise power.

News analysts examine, interpret and broadcast news received from various sources. Newscasters or news anchors present news stories and introduce videotaped news or live transmissions from on-the-scene reporters. Newscasters at large stations and networks usually specialize in a particular type of news, such as sports or weather.

In covering a story, reporters investigate leads and news tips, look at documents, observe events at the scene and interview people. Reporters take notes and may take photographs or shoot videos. At their office, they organize the material, determine the focus or emphasis, write their stories and edit accompanying video material. Some reporters specialize in fields such as health, politics, foreign affairs, sports, theater, consumer affairs, social events, science, business or religion. Investigative reporters cover stories that take many weeks or months of information gathering.

In some cases, newswriters write a story from information collected and submitted by reporters. Radio and television reporters often compose stories and report live from the scene. At times, they later tape an introduction or commentary to their story in the studio. Some journalists also interpret the news or offer opinions to readers, viewers or listeners. In this role, they are called commentators or columnists.

News correspondents report on news occurring in the large U.S. and foreign cities. Reporters on small publications cover all aspects of the news. They take photographs, write headlines, lay out pages, edit wire service copy and write editorials. Some also solicit advertisements, sell subscriptions and perform general office work.

The work of news analysts, reporters and correspondents usually is hectic. People in these jobs are under great pressure to meet deadlines and broadcasts sometimes are made with little time for preparation. Reporters sometimes have to change their work hours to meet a deadline or to follow late-breaking developments. Their work demands long hours, irregular schedules and some travel. Many stations and networks are on the air 24 hours a day, so newscasters can expect to work unusual hours.

Training and qualifications

Most employers prefer individuals with a bachelor's degree in journalism, but some hire graduates with other majors. They look for experience on school newspapers or broadcasting stations and internships with news organizations. Experience in a part-time or summer job or an internship with a news organization is very important. Large city newspapers and stations also may prefer candidates with a degree in a subject-matter specialty such as economics, political science or business. Those planning careers in new media, such as online newspapers or magazines, need to know how to use computer software to combine online story text with audio and video elements and graphics.

Although reporters need good word-processing skills, computer graphics and desktop publishing skills are useful. Computer-assisted reporting involves the use of computers to analyze data in search of a story.

Reporters should be dedicated to providing accurate and impartial news. A nose for news, persistence, initiative, poise, resourcefulness, a good memory and physical stamina are important, as well as the emotional stability to deal with pressing deadlines, irregular hours and potentially dangerous assignments. Broadcast reporters and news analysts must be comfortable on camera. All reporters must be at ease in unfamiliar places and with a variety of people.

Job outlook

Employment of news analysts, reporters and correspondents is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2010 Some job growth is expected in radio and television stations, and even more rapid growth is expected in new media areas, such as online newspapers and magazines.

Competition will continue to be keen for jobs on large metropolitan newspapers and broadcast stations and on national magazines. Talented writers who can handle highly specialized scientific or technical subjects have an advantage. Also, newspapers increasingly are hiring stringers and freelancers. Most entry-level openings arise on small publications.

Earnings

News analysts, reporters and correspondents held about 78, 000 jobs in 2000. Nearly half worked for newspapers.

Salaries for news analysts, reporters and correspondents vary widely but, in general, are relatively high, except at small stations and small publications, where salaries often are very low. Median annual earnings of news analysts, reporters and correspondents were $29,110 in 2000.

Median annual earnings of news analysts, reporters and correspondents were $33,550 in radio and television broadcasting and $26,900 in newspapers in 2000.

Related links

For information on careers in broadcast news and related scholarships and internships:

Radio and Television News Directors Foundation, 1000 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 615, Washington, DC 20036.

For general information on the broadcasting industry:

National Association of Broadcasters, 1771 N St. NW, Washington, DC 20036.

For career information, including pamphlets entitled Newspaper Career Guide and Newspaper: What's In It For Me?, is available from:

Newspaper Association of America, 1921 Gallows Rd., Suite 600, Vienna, VA 22182.

For information on careers in journalism, colleges and universities offering degree programs in journalism or communications and journalism scholarships and internships:

Dow Jones Newspaper Fund, P.O. Box 300, Princeton, NJ 08543-0300.

For information on union wage rates for newspaper and magazine reporters:

Newspaper Guild, Research and Information Department, 501 3rd St. NW, Suite 250, Washington, DC 20001.

For information on newspaper careers and community newspapers:

National Newspaper Association, 1010 North Glebe Rd., Suite 450, Arlington, VA 22201.

Names and locations of newspapers and a list of schools and departments of journalism are published in the Editor and Publisher International Year Book, available in most public libraries and newspaper offices.

Adapted from the Labor Department's Occupational Outlook Handbook.