Life As a Reporter or Correspondent
Job Description & Duties Collect and analyze facts about newsworthy events by interview, investigation, or observation. Report and write stories for newspaper, news magazine, radio, or television.
List of Reporter or Correspondent Job Duties
- Review and evaluate notes taken about news events to isolate pertinent facts and details.
- Communicate with readers, viewers, advertisers, or the general public via mail, email, or telephone.
- Develop ideas or material for columns or commentaries by analyzing and interpreting news, current issues, or personal experiences.
- Edit or assist in editing videos for broadcast.
- Write online blog entries that address news developments or offer additional information, opinions, or commentary on news events.
- Gather information about events through research, interviews, experience, or attendance at political, news, sports, artistic, social, or other functions.
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Qualities of a Reporter or Correspondent
When polled, Reporters and Correspondents say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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
- Society Reporter
- News Correspondent
- Market Reporter
- Desk Reporter
- Staff Reporter
Job Opportunities for Reporters and Correspondents
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 44,700 jobs in the United States for Reporter or Correspondent. 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.
Reporter or Correspondent Salary
Reporters and Correspondents make between $23,490 and $100,930 a year.
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 |
What Tools & Technology do Reporters and Correspondents Use?
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
Becoming a Reporter or Correspondent
Learn what Reporter or Correspondent education requirements there are.
How many years of work experience do I need?
Who Employs Reporters and Correspondents?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Reporter or Correspondent might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: Jfurrer via Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unreported
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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