Salaries for news analysts, reporters, and correspondents vary widely. Median annual earnings of news analysts, reporters, and correspondents were $30,510 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $22,350 and $47,170. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $17,620, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $69,450. Median annual earnings of news analysts, reporters, and correspondents were $33,320 in radio and television broadcasting and $29,090 in newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers in 2002.
News analysts, reporters, and correspondents play a key role in our society. They gather information, prepare stories, and make broadcasts that inform us about local, State, national, and international events; 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. They also are called newscasters or news anchors. News anchors present news stories and introduce videotaped news or live transmissions from on-the-scene reporters. Some newscasters at large stations and networks specialize in a particular type of news, such as sports or weather. Weathercasters, also called weather reporters, report current and forecasted weather conditions. They gather information from national satellite weather services, wire services, and local and regional weather bureaus. Some weathercasters are trained meteorologists and can develop their own weather forecasts. (See the statement on atmospheric scientists elsewhere in the Handbook.) Sportscasters select, write, and deliver sports news. This may include interviews with sports personalities and coverage of games and other sporting events.
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 also 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. Many reporters enter information or write stories on laptop computers, and electronically submit the material to their offices from remote locations. 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 to or commentary on 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.
General assignment reporters write about newsworthy occurrences, such as an accident, a political rally, the visit of a celebrity, or a company going out of business, as assigned. Large newspapers and radio and television stationsassign reporters to gather news about specific topics or “beats,” such as crime or education. 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 may take many days or weeks of information gathering. Some publications use teams of reporters instead of assigning specific beats, allowing reporters to cover a greater variety of stories. News teams may include reporters, editors, graphic artists, and photographers, working together to complete a story.
News correspondents report on news occurring in the large U.S. and foreign cities where they are stationed. Reporters on small publications cover all aspects of the news. They take photographs, write headlines, lay out pages, edit wire service stories, and write editorials. Some also solicit advertisements, sell subscriptions, and perform general office work.
.Employment of news analysts, reporters, and correspondents is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2012—the result of mergers, consolidations, and closures of newspapers; decreased circulation; increased expenses; and a decline in advertising profits. In addition to consolidation of local newspaper and television and radio station ownership, increasing competition for viewers from cable networks also should limit employment growth. Some job growth is expected in new media areas, such as online newspapers and magazines. Job openings also will result from the need to replace workers who leave their occupations permanently. Some news analysts, reporters, and correspondents find the work too stressful and hectic or do not like the lifestyle, and transfer to other occupations.
Most opportunities will be with smalltown and suburban newspapers and radio and television stations. Competition will continue to be keen for more sought-after jobs on large metropolitan and national newspapers, broadcast stations and networks, and magazines. Talented writers who can handle highly specialized scientific or technical subjects have an advantage. Also, newspapers increasingly are hiring stringers and freelancers.
Journalism graduates have the background for work in closely related fields such as advertising and public relations, and many take jobs in these fields. Other graduates accept sales, managerial, or other nonmedia positions.
The number of job openings in the newspaper and broadcasting industries—in which news analysts, reporters, and correspondents are employed—is sensitive to economic ups and downs, because these industries depend on advertising revenue.
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Most employers prefer individuals with a bachelor’s degree in journalism or mass communications, but some hire graduates with other majors. They look for experience on school newspapers or broadcasting stations and internships with news organizations. Large-city newspapers and stations also may prefer candidates with a degree in a subject-matter specialty such as economics, political science, or business. Some large newspapers and broadcasters may hire only experienced reporters.
Bachelor’s degree programs in journalism are available at more than 400 colleges or universities. About three-fourths of the courses in a typical curriculum are in liberal arts; the remaining courses are in journalism. Examples of journalism courses are introductory mass media, basic reporting and copy editing, history of journalism, and press law and ethics. Students planning a career in broadcasting take courses in radio and television news and production. Those planning newspaper or magazine careers usually specialize in news-editorial journalism. To create a story for an online presentation, they need to know how to use computer software to combine online story text with audio and video elements and graphics.
Many community and junior colleges offer journalism courses or programs; credits may be transferable to 4-year journalism programs. About 120 schools offered a master’s degree in journalism in 2002; about 35 schools offered a Ph.D. Some graduate programs are intended primarily as preparation for news careers, while others prepare journalism teachers, researchers and theorists, and advertising and public relations workers.
High school courses in English, journalism, and social studies provide a good foundation for college programs. Useful college liberal arts courses include English with an emphasis on writing, sociology, political science, economics, history, and psychology. Fluency in a foreign language is necessary in some jobs.
Although reporters need good word processing skills, computer graphics and desktop publishing skills also are useful. Computer-assisted reporting involves the use of computers to analyze data in search of a story. This technique and the interpretation of the results require computer skills and familiarity with databases. Knowledge of news photography also is valuable for entry-level positions, which sometimes combine the responsibilities of a reporter with those of a camera operator or photographer.
Employers report that practical experience is the most important part of education and training. Upon graduation many students have already gained much practical experience through part-time or summer jobs or through internships with news organizations. Most newspapers, magazines, and broadcast news organizations offer reporting and editing internships. Armed Forces publications also provides practical training. In addition, journalism scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships awarded to college journalism students by universities, newspapers, foundations, and professional organizations are helpful. Experience as a stringer or freelancer—a part-time reporter who is paid only for stories printed—is advantageous.
Reporters should be dedicated to providing accurate and impartial news. Accuracy is important, both to serve the public and because untrue or libelous statements can lead to lawsuits. A nose for news, persistence, initiative, poise, resourcefulness, a good memory, and physical stamina are important, as is the emotional stability to deal with pressing deadlines, irregular hours, and 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. Positions involving on-air work require a pleasant voice and appearance.
Most reporters start at small publications or broadcast stations as general assignment reporters or copy editors. Large publications and stations hire few recent graduates; as a rule, they require new reporters to have several years of experience.
Beginning reporters cover court proceedings and civic and club meetings, summarize speeches, and write obituaries. With experience, they report more difficult assignments, cover an assigned beat, or specialize in a particular field.
Some news analysts and reporters can advance by moving to larger newspapers or stations. A few experienced reporters become columnists, correspondents, writers, announcers, or public relations specialists. Others become editors in print journalism or program managers in broadcast journalism, who supervise reporters. Some eventually become broadcasting or publishing industry managers.
.News analysts, reporters, and correspondents must write clearly and effectively to succeed in their profession. Others for whom good writing ability is essential include writers and editors, and public relations specialists. Many news analysts, reporters, and correspondents also must communicate information orally. Others for whom oral communication skills are important are announcers, interpreters and translators, sales and related occupations, and teachers.
For information on broadcasting education and scholarship resources, contact:
Information on careers in journalism, colleges and universities offering degree programs in journalism or communications, and journalism scholarships and internships may be obtained from:
Information on union wage rates for newspaper and magazine reporters is available from:
For a list of schools with accredited programs in journalism and mass communications, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to:
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.
Less competition is expected for jobs with suburban and weekly newspapers and small radio and television stations. Jobs are often stressful because of irregular hours, frequent night and weekend work, and pressure to meet deadlines. News anchors present news stories and introduce videotaped news or live transmissions from on-the-scene reporters. Some newscasters at large stations and networks usually specialize in a particular type of news, such as sports or weather. About three-fourths of the courses in a typical curriculum are in liberal arts; the remainder are in journalism.
Summary of: http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/ooh20002001/278.htm
Kim Covington Kim Covington joined the 12 News team in February 2005 as weekend evening anchor and lead reporter for that station's education franchise, School Solutions. Mark Curtis Mark has traveled around the world for 12 News, covering some of the biggest stories and reporting on their impact on Arizona. Scott Light Scott Light joined 12 News in October 2003. Bill Kelly Bill Kelly joined 12 News in September 2003. Bruce Cooper Bruce Cooper currently works as the weekend sports anchor at 12 News.
Summary of: http://www.azcentral.com/12news/bios/
Of course it was just a joke. It would be disrespectful to generalize about all reporters based on the work of just one or two. Just because we come from a young medium, doesn't mean we're young. There are certain things you learn in life, and one of them is to accept criticism, and maybe learn from it. 2000 was a very long time ago.
Summary of: http://archive.scripting.com/2005/01/28
The same thing happens to gun enthusiasts all the time when we read the newspaper, turn in for the night with a crime novel, or watch the latest action movie. Like computers, guns are a technical subject with lots of arcane details, and it's easy to get things wrong. The classic mistake is the crime writer who has a character switching off the safety on his revolver. For instance, you've seen movies where the gun is shot empty, and the doomed character holding it desperately pulls the trigger over and over - "click. That scene will work for double action trigger mechanisms which cock and then drop the hammer when the trigger is pulled, but many guns have trigger actions that can't cock the hammer on their own.
Summary of: http://blogs.knoxnews.com/knx/silence/archives/2005/05/guns_for_writer_1.shtml
"Men volunteer to fight, bleed and die for the United States of America because she is the last, best hope for peace and freedom on earth," he said. While critics jabber about global diplomacy, these men step into the breach to shield us all from the peril of our naiveté about the so-called 'basic goodness of humanity'. These men don't think America is perfect, because they know the evil that lurks in each of our hearts. Their heads are clear. "I feel betrayed by President Bush, who has now managed to sneak a number of non-whites, not to mention women, into high-ranking government positions.
Summary of: http://www.scrappleface.com/
RELATED ENTRIES JUN10 Sensenbrenner Ain't Even Trying to Hear Democrats Here is what we know about Rep. "It involved Brian Wilson of Fox News -- not of the Beach Boys. The President's failure to sell the War on Social Security to the American public. Brian Wilson was wearing no credential of any kind (apparently that wasnt a red flag to anyone) and behaving bizarrely angry as noted above so Mark Leibovich asked who he was. Meanwhile, the NRCC is eager to welcome Carey and her Kick Ass Pictures boss Mark Kulkis to the party.
Summary of: http://www.wonkette.com/
Smith" had a robust $51 million opening weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday. Because they can, ANNE THOMPSON writes. Yes No Something to say. Star man The Force was in effect as celebrities from Harrison Ford to Steven Spielberg turned out for the AFI's tribute to George Lucas. Event photos Read the story Lucas interview Filmmaker Focus Columbia's romantic comedy "Bewitched" looks like it can deliver some happy boxoffice magic, MARTIN GROVE writes.
Summary of: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/
Competition will be keen for jobs at large metropolitan and national newspapers, broadcast stations, and magazines; most entry-level openings arise at small broadcast stations and publications. They also are called newscasters or news anchors. News anchors present news stories and introduce videotaped news or live transmissions from on-the-scene reporters. Some newscasters at large stations and networks specialize in a particular type of news, such as sports or weather. Bachelor’s degree programs in journalism are available at more than 400 colleges or universities.
Summary of: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos088.htm
The report profiles how garment manufacturers on the Mariana Islands have enjoyed off-shore protection and distance from the stringent labor regulations that their US-based competitors face. When I wipe the tears from my face, I'll keep typing. I'm fortunate to not have a needle phobia, a fear of flying, or claustrophobia, all of which in her normal life weren't very disruptive, nor have I lost either parent, as she did a few years ago. Smith didn't ask about conservative complaints against the Post or the Times. The obvious truth is, if Carmody and Webb weren't journalists, we wouldn't be paying much attention at all, because suicide is, as a rule, not considered newsworthy.
Summary of: http://poynter.org/forum/?id=letters