How to Become a News Reporter: Education and Job Training Requirements for Becoming a News Reporter
News reporters gather information, write news articles and present the articles through various media, such as television, magazines and newspapers. Many employers require a bachelor's degree in journalism, but some employers emphasize practical experience. Some employers hire news reporters with degrees in other fields, as long as applicants have experience in reporting or mass communications.
News Reporter Career Summary
A news reporter gathers information, prepares articles and presents accounts of events through media, such as television, radio and print. News is presented on the local, state, national and international level. News journalists report on social issues, the views of politicians and company executives, organizations and their leaders, and those who are authorities or in positions of power. A news reporter takes notes at public events and news conferences, and may use film or video to present stories. A news reporter must have good writing, computer and organizational skills, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov.
Education Required to Become A News Reporter
A bachelor's degree in journalism or mass communication is usually required by employers for entry-level positions as a news reporter. Students study basic reporting and copy editing, press law, ethics, mass media and history of journalism. A background working on a school newspaper or at a broadcast station makes a news reporter more marketable. Large newspapers often look for applicants with a specialization, such as politics, economics or business.
Job Training and Certifications Required to Become a News Reporter
An aspiring news reporter must be skilled in writing, but should also have skills in computer graphics, desktop publishing, databases and spreadsheets. Many news reporters gain experience through on-the-job training. Fluency in a second language may be required in some jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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