News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Core Tasks

1. Write commentaries, columns, or scripts, using computers.
2. Coordinate and serve as an anchor on news broadcast programs.
3. Examine news items of local, national, and international significance to determine topics to address, or obtain assignments from editorial staff members.
4. Analyze and interpret news and information received from various sources to broadcast the information.
5. Receive assignments or evaluate leads or tips to develop story ideas.
6. Research a story's background information to provide complete and accurate information.
7. Arrange interviews with people who can provide information about a story.
8. Gather information and develop perspectives about news subjects through research, interviews, observation, and experience.
9. Select material most pertinent to presentation, and organize this material into appropriate formats.
10. Present news stories, and introduce in-depth videotaped segments or live transmissions from on-the-scene reporters.
11. Establish and maintain relationships with individuals who are credible sources of information.
12. Report news stories for publication or broadcast, describing the background and details of events.
13. Revise work to meet editorial approval or to fit time or space requirements.
14. Review and evaluate notes taken about news events to isolate pertinent facts and details.
15. Investigate breaking news developments, such as disasters, crimes, or human-interest stories.
16. Review written, audio, or video copy, and correct errors in content, grammar, or punctuation, following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines.
17. Report on specialized fields such as medicine, green technology, environmental issues, science, politics, sports, arts, consumer affairs, business, religion, crime, or education.
18. Determine a published or broadcasted story's emphasis, length, and format, organizing material accordingly.
19. Transmit news stories or reporting information from remote locations, using equipment such as satellite phones, telephones, fax machines, or modems.
20. Check reference materials, such as books, news files, or public records, to obtain relevant facts.
21. Discuss issues with editors to establish priorities or positions.
22. Photograph or videotape news events.
23. Present live or recorded commentary via broadcast media.
24. Take pictures or video, and process them for inclusion in a story.
25. Conduct taped or filmed interviews or narratives.
26. Develop ideas or material for columns or commentaries by analyzing and interpreting news, current issues, or personal experiences.
27. Communicate with readers, viewers, advertisers, or the general public via mail, email, or telephone.
28. Write online blog entries that address news developments or offer additional information, opinions, or commentary on news events.
29. Assign stories to other reporters or duties to production staff.
30. Write columns, editorials, commentaries, or reviews that interpret events or offer opinions.

Technology & Tools

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