Reporter

A Reporters job within radio is to rind out information and news about the area or around the world (Depending on the radio station) Thair job it to make up te news or affairs that will involve all of us, or even some of us.


What Do They Do?
Reporters can do a variety of different jobs, they can range from office ad news room based work t actually going out and gathering information from different sauces and contacts. this requires them to be able to go out and film news as its happening or wait for it to happen. they also pre record things and edit including news bulletins.

They also g out ad get key witness information and statements that change a story or edit its outcome. they also try ad find out new things and new ideas to display in the news.


In a bigger radio show, or a more popular one, they often find themselves travelling the country or sometimes even the world.



How Do You Get Into The Job?


there are 3 main entry ways to get into being a reporter, there's the traineeships, this is mainly offered by larger radio company's with a wider range or listeners. to do this you often need to have experience as a print journalist first. Employees nearly always look for experience in hands on work, particularly hospital community and student radio. but they also look for post graduate or degree entry qualification.

In order to progress into a further in the radio reporting industry you need to move to bigger and more popular radio stations. until you reach a point where your happy or where you would like to be. this can be any number of different reporter roles or at a number of different types of stations.



Essential knowledge?

To become a great reporter you need a large set of skills, some of the main ones will be a sense of what makes a good story,  an understanding on how to use vocals to communicate well with the interviewee, an interest of current affairs and good motivation. Having most of these will make you look for story's, make sure they are good and to be able to get the results you need from the people you interview.



  • 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
  • an understanding of how to use their voice to communicate effectively with listeners
  • knowledge of the Radio market, different station and programme styles and audience demographics
  • curiosity and inquisitiveness, a willingness to ask questions but also to listen
  • the confidence and tenacity to pursue information, overcome obstacles and pitch ideas to senior colleagues
  • self-motivation and adaptability
  • ability to work independently but also as part of a team
  • ability to work effectively under pressure, react quickly and meet tight deadlines
  • ability to cope with the demands of live reporting and interviewing
  • determination, diplomacy and excellent interpersonal skills
  • empathy and patience, the ability to build rapport and draw information from people
  • ability to maintain objectivity in order to be fair and balanced in the treatment of stories
  • an interest in news and current affairs and good general knowledge
  • a thorough knowledge of the law, ethics and industry regulation as they affect radio and the practice of journalism
  • knowledge of when it is necessary and how to acquire the relevant clearances and licenses, including copyright and music clearances
  • knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures
  • a high level of IT skills - particularly good word-processing and data handling skills
  • the ability to learn how to use a variety of recording equipment and to operate different radio studios
  • ability to conduct effective internet research, use relevant computer software for audio editing, and, when necessary, to manipulate visual images or edit video, and upload all such material for use on websites

  • Training and Qualifications?

    To become a reporter you don't usually need further degrees, even though most of them are post graduates or graduates. it is often found that the employer will not expect th degree to be in the media industry. it can be in a range of different subjects, ranging from science to politics. this is especially if the reporter would like to be a specialist reporter or correspondent.

    but if you would like to be a journalist for a newspaper or magazine you usually require 2-3 years of experience. and qualifications in journalism.

    Salary, work practices and conditions

    the average reporter salary with out bonusis is about £15,075 - £39,335 a year, wit bonuses up to £5,000.