What Do Reporter or Correspondent Do?
Position Description Collect and analyze facts about newsworthy events by interview, investigation, or observation. Report and write stories for newspaper, news magazine, radio, or television.
A Day in the Life of a Reporter or Correspondent
- Report on specialized fields such as medicine, green technology, environmental issues, science, politics, sports, arts, consumer affairs, business, religion, crime, or education.
- Transmit news stories or reporting information from remote locations, using equipment such as satellite phones, telephones, fax machines, or modems.
- Check reference materials, such as books, news files, or public records, to obtain relevant facts.
- Review written, audio, or video copy and correct errors in content, grammar, or punctuation, following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines.
- Receive assignments or evaluate leads or tips to develop story ideas.
- Take pictures or video and process them for inclusion in a story.
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Reporter or Correspondent Required Skills
Reporters and Correspondents state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Types of Reporter or Correspondent
- Sports Analyst
- Radio News Writer
- Foreign Correspondent
- Business Reporter
- Weather Anchor
Reporter or Correspondent Job Outlook
There were about 44,700 jobs for Reporter or Correspondent in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Reporter or Correspondent. The BLS estimates 3,700 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Reporter or Correspondent are District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, New Hampshire, or Kentucky. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Reporters and Correspondents Salary
The typical yearly salary for Reporters and Correspondents is somewhere between $23,490 and $100,930.
Reporters and Correspondents who work in District of Columbia, New York, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.
How much do Reporters and Correspondents make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $37,770 |
Alaska | $48,230 |
Arizona | $61,400 |
Arkansas | $32,620 |
California | $67,820 |
Colorado | $55,930 |
Connecticut | $45,130 |
Delaware | $50,580 |
District of Columbia | $100,550 |
Florida | $53,810 |
Georgia | $51,140 |
Hawaii | $43,250 |
Idaho | $34,390 |
Illinois | $53,610 |
Indiana | $46,830 |
Iowa | $32,650 |
Kansas | $47,180 |
Kentucky | $50,190 |
Louisiana | $57,990 |
Maine | $42,650 |
Maryland | $60,170 |
Massachusetts | $53,140 |
Michigan | $47,110 |
Minnesota | $51,770 |
Mississippi | $34,530 |
Missouri | $45,240 |
Montana | $29,270 |
Nebraska | $39,510 |
Nevada | $47,900 |
New Hampshire | $44,900 |
New Jersey | $61,180 |
New Mexico | $49,230 |
New York | $81,930 |
North Carolina | $41,660 |
North Dakota | $43,740 |
Ohio | $42,050 |
Oklahoma | $38,300 |
Oregon | $48,960 |
Pennsylvania | $39,600 |
South Carolina | $46,660 |
South Dakota | $32,390 |
Tennessee | $37,290 |
Texas | $45,910 |
Utah | $50,120 |
Vermont | $38,890 |
Virginia | $49,530 |
Washington | $53,980 |
West Virginia | $38,260 |
Wisconsin | $34,180 |
Wyoming | $30,900 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Reporters and Correspondents
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Reporters and Correspondents:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Publisher
- FileMaker Pro
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
- LexisNexis
- YouTube
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- ESRI ArcView
- Social media sites
- Mapping software
How do I Become a Reporter or Correspondent?
Education needed to be a Reporter or Correspondent:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Reporter or Correspondent?
Where do Reporters and Correspondents Work?
Reporters and Correspondents work in the following industries:
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References:
Image Credit: Jfurrer via Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unreported
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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