Reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts inform the public about news and events happening internationally, nationally, and locally. They report the news for newspapers, magazines, websites, television, and radio.
Reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts typically do the following:
Reporters and correspondents, also called journalists, often work for a particular type of media organization, such as a television or radio station, or a newspaper. Those who work in television and radio set up and conduct interviews, which can be broadcast live or recorded for future broadcasts.
These workers are often responsible for editing interviews and other recordings into a cohesive story and for writing and recording voiceovers that provide the audience with the facts of the story. They may create multiple versions of the same story for different broadcasts.
Most television and radio shows have hosts, also called anchors, who report the news and introduce stories from reporters.
Journalists for print media write articles to be used in newspapers, magazines, and online publications. Most newspapers and magazines have both print and online versions, so reporters must produce content for both versions. Often, doing so requires staying up to date on new developments of a story so that the online editions can be updated with the most current information.
Some journalists convey stories through both broadcast and print media. For example, television stations often also have a website, and a reporter may produce a blog post or article for the website. In addition, those working for newspapers or magazines may create videos or podcasts that people access online.
Some journalists cover a particular topic, such as sports, medicine, or politics. Others cover a wide range of issues.
Journalists in large cities or working for large news organizations are more likely to specialize. Journalists who work in small cities, towns, or organizations may need to cover a wider range of subjects.
Some reporters live in other countries and cover international news. Some journalists, called commentators or columnists, interpret the news or offer opinions to readers, viewers, or listeners.
Although some broadcast news analysts present weather reports, broadcast meteorologists are a type of atmospheric scientist. For more information about workers who create and provide weather reports and short-term forecasts, see the profile on atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists.
Some reporters—particularly those who work for print news—are self-employed and take freelance assignments from news organizations. Freelance assignments are given to writers on an as-needed basis. Because these reporters are paid for the individual story, they work with many organizations and often spend some of their time marketing their stories and looking for their next assignment.
Some people with a background as a reporter, correspondent, or broadcast news analyst teach journalism or communications at colleges and universities. For information on workers who teach at colleges and universities, see the profile on postsecondary teachers.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition