Reporter

What is the job?

Radio reporters research new stories they can find, they present them on air to a large / wide range of different audiences. Some of their work is based in the an office or newsroom, but they are expected to spend quite a lot of their time out and about collecting information, recording events and interviewing people involved. They can report live from events as they record and edit material to create pre-recorded items for news bulletins or produce longer items or features like documentaries. 

Sometimes, reporters maybe be required to work different shift patterns such as night shifts, weekends and holidays. They also must be prepared to travel, often long distances to and at any hour of the day or night to research and report on events. Reporters may covers a wide variety of stories or focus on one specific area such as politics, sport, finance or foreign affairs.
They may be assigned to certain stories but they also are responsible for generating ideas, researching other data and making sure the accuracy and value of over sources are up to standards. Just like one of the other jobs they have to pitch their ideas and present items for the editors, commissioners or any other decision makers to take into consideration. 

Radio reporters take researching seriously for each item idea, including using personal contacts, identifying relevant articles and features, suitable interviewees and locations, also relevant audio material. They must know how to access, evaluate and use all information for sources that they need. Sometimes even image sources, off the internet, archives and other research data. To understand and follow the media law is also very important when working for radio, follow regulation and industry codes. Preparing interviews and taking photographs are expected from a radio reporter, to put their stories up on websites.


How do you get into the job?

To get a job as a reporter there are three wide routes, a trainee ship offered by larger employers, moving into radio work after working as a print journalist or completing an accredited pre-entry degree or post graduate qualification. 

Employers look to employ someone who is interested in hands on experience, someone who has evidence of ever working for any job that involves the radio. A good way to gain skills is to get involved with community, student and hospital radios. Some specialist print journalists may be employed at a senior level into broadcasting because of their expertise in a certain field.

To get a better career it involves moving to a radio with a wider range of audience, some may decide they want to take a different path in the jobs such as programme editors, programme prduction or management roles.


What essential knowledge and skills do you need?

• a sense of what makes a good news story
• ability to generate original ideas and to think creatively about how to communicate them
• excellent writing and story-telling skills which they can adapt for different audiences and platforms
• the confidence and tenacity to pursue information, overcome obstacles and pitch ideas to senior colleagues
• ability to work effectively under pressure, react quickly and meet tight deadlines
• knowledge of when it is necessary and how to acquire the relevant clearances and licenses, including copyright and music clearances
• a thorough knowledge of the law, ethics and industry regulation as they affect radio and the practice of journalism