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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Journalism Reporter

💰 $45,000 - $85,000

MediaCommunicationsJournalismWriting & Editing

🎯 Role Definition

As a Journalism Reporter, you are the cornerstone of our newsroom, responsible for seeking out the truth and telling the stories that matter. You will be a dedicated investigator, a compelling writer, and a versatile multimedia content creator who thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Your mission is to produce high-quality, accurate, and fair journalism that holds the powerful accountable, gives a voice to the voiceless, and keeps our audience informed about the critical issues shaping their world. This role requires relentless curiosity, a strong ethical compass, and the ability to connect with people from all walks of life to build trust and uncover essential information.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Journalism Intern / Fellow
  • News Assistant / Production Assistant
  • Freelance Writer / Contributor

Advancement To:

  • Senior Reporter / Correspondent
  • Investigative Reporter
  • Beat-Specific Editor (e.g., City Editor, Politics Editor)
  • Broadcast News Anchor / Producer

Lateral Moves:

  • Content Strategist / Content Manager
  • Communications Specialist / Public Relations Manager
  • Podcast Producer / Host

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conceptualize, research, and write compelling, accurate, and fair news stories, features, and in-depth articles for multiple platforms, including print, digital, and social media.
  • Develop and maintain a robust network of sources within a specific beat (e.g., government, education, public safety) to generate exclusive story ideas and break news.
  • Pitch timely and original enterprise story ideas during editorial meetings that are relevant to our audience and set our coverage apart.
  • Conduct thorough, well-prepared interviews with sources from diverse backgrounds, demonstrating empathy while maintaining professional skepticism.
  • Shoot, edit, and produce engaging video and photo content to accompany digital articles, enhancing the storytelling experience for our audience.
  • Utilize social media platforms (such as Twitter/X, Facebook, and Instagram) strategically to gather news tips, engage with the community, promote content, and cover breaking news in real-time.
  • File and analyze public records requests (FOIA) and scrutinize complex documents, budgets, and datasets to uncover information for investigative and enterprise reporting.
  • Write clean, concise, and grammatically correct copy under tight deadlines, with a mastery of AP style and a commitment to meticulous fact-checking.
  • Provide live coverage of breaking news events, which may include on-air reports for broadcast, live-tweeting, or authoring live-blogs for our digital platforms.
  • Collaborate effectively with editors, photographers, producers, and graphic designers to ensure a cohesive and high-impact presentation of stories across all platforms.
  • Maintain an unwavering commitment to journalistic ethics, including standards of fairness, accuracy, impartiality, and transparency.
  • Master the use of the newsroom's content management system (CMS) to publish, update, and optimize digital stories for search engines (SEO).
  • Develop a deep expertise in your assigned beat, becoming the newsroom's go-to authority on the subject matter and key players.
  • Adapt quickly to changing priorities and news developments, demonstrating flexibility to cover stories outside of your regular beat as needed.
  • Represent the news organization professionally at public events and in the community, acting as an ambassador for our brand and mission.
  • Analyze audience engagement metrics to understand what resonates with readers and help shape future content strategy.
  • Rewrite and update existing articles as stories evolve, ensuring our audience always has the most current and accurate information available.
  • Travel to various locations, sometimes on short notice, to cover events, conduct interviews, and report from the field.
  • Participate actively in newsroom discussions and projects aimed at innovating our storytelling and expanding our reach.
  • Generate ideas for and contribute to long-form projects, special series, and podcasts that provide deep dives into significant community issues.

Secondary Functions

  • Mentor interns and junior reporters, providing guidance on reporting techniques, writing, and newsroom best practices.
  • Assist editors in planning future coverage, identifying trends, and developing long-term enterprise project ideas.
  • Manage and grow the social media presence for your specific beat or personal reporter brand in alignment with company strategy.
  • Participate in community outreach initiatives and public-facing events to build trust and strengthen the relationship between the newsroom and its audience.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading abilities with a deep understanding of AP style.
  • Proficiency in shooting and editing video for digital platforms using software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.
  • Competency in digital photography and photo editing using tools such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom.
  • Experience publishing and optimizing content within a Content Management System (CMS) like WordPress.
  • Strong understanding of SEO principles for journalists to maximize the reach and visibility of digital content.
  • Expertise in using social media platforms (Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) for newsgathering and audience engagement.
  • Ability to analyze data using spreadsheets (Excel, Google Sheets) and familiarity with data visualization tools.
  • Knowledge of legal and ethical frameworks in journalism, including libel law and the use of public records (FOIA).
  • Experience with audio gathering and editing for podcasts or broadcast clips using software like Adobe Audition.
  • On-camera or on-air presence for broadcast or live digital video reporting.

Soft Skills

  • Unwavering Curiosity: A deep-seated desire to ask "why," challenge assumptions, and uncover the truth.
  • Strong Ethical Judgment: The ability to navigate complex situations with integrity, fairness, and a commitment to the truth.
  • Resilience & Composure: The capacity to handle pressure, tight deadlines, and constructive criticism with a professional demeanor.
  • Exceptional Communication: Superior verbal and written communication skills for interviewing, storytelling, and collaborating with a team.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to pivot quickly to cover breaking news and learn new technologies and storytelling techniques.
  • Tenacity & Persistence: A determined, proactive approach to pursuing a story, even in the face of obstacles.
  • Critical Thinking: The ability to analyze complex information, identify key takeaways, and synthesize them into a clear narrative.
  • Interpersonal & Networking Skills: A talent for building rapport and trust with sources from all backgrounds.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field of study.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Journalism
  • Communications
  • Political Science
  • English

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of professional reporting experience in a daily news environment, with a portfolio of published work demonstrating reporting and writing skills.

Preferred: Experience at a daily newspaper, digital-native news outlet, or broadcast station. A proven track record of breaking exclusive stories and producing high-impact enterprise journalism. Demonstrable experience with multimedia storytelling, including video production and data journalism.

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