Should I be a news reporter?

Do you have an eye for detail and strong analytical skills?

Are you curious and adaptable, with a passion for storytelling?

Photo by Michael Fousert on Unsplash

If so, the life of a news reporter might be the right path for you! Learn more about this role and see if it's the right fit.

News reporters keep the public up to date with events by investigating, gathering information, and writing stories.

News reporters present information through different media outlets such as newspapers, magazines, television, radio or digital media platforms.

They have to meet tight deadlines and present objective information.

Where you work and your role may affect your daily routine. For example:

Business reporters talk about economic and financial news, like changes in the stock market, company earnings, and mergers and acquisitions. They research the economy and financial trends.

Sports reporters cover stories and events about sports from the professional level to high school and college sports. They go to games, talk to players and coaches, and analyze sports-related subjects.

Investigative reporters look deeply into a subject to find new information or expose wrongdoing. A lot of the time, they work on one story — talking to people, reading documents, and analyzing data.

Entertainment reporters look at the entertainment business, such as films, TV, music, and news about celebrities. They go to movie premieres and report on new trends in the industry.

To become a news reporter, you usually need a bachelor's degree. It might also be helpful to have work experience or an internship at a student newspaper, radio station, or TV station.

As noted in the video clip above:

• It took Dana Griffin two years to get a job after college.

• Dana started with a low-paid position at the station she had interned with at college.

• She moved to California for her next job.

• She worked for different stations before getting a position at NBC News.

The median annual wage for news reporters in the USA was $57,500 in 2023.

In 2024, Canada's average pay for a news reporter was $60,216 a year.

This would suit you if you:

• Have a good eye for detail.

• Have a strong sense of integrity.

• Have great communication skills.

• Are flexible and adaptable.

• Can question and analyze facts.

• Are highly self-motivated.

This wouldn't suit you if you:

• Prioritize financial success.

• Don't want to work weekends.

• Are sensitive to criticism.

• Like to have a regular routine.

• Aren't comfortable networking.

• Don't have strong writing skills.

Simon

• Major in English literature

• Shy, prefers to chat online

• Highest GPA in his class

Hai Bo

• Writes articles for his school newspaper

• Enjoys history and politics

• Volunteers as an English tutor

Jeanie

• Captain of the swim team

• Loves social media

• Uses Instagram to post her opinions

Erika

• Hosts her own YouTube beauty channel

• Member of the school debate team

• Loves socializing; hates getting up early!

Are you interested in becoming a news reporter?

Photo by Brad Neathery on Unsplash

Start small, then work your way up! These are some ways you can get started: