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Broadcast Reporter, Digital Journalist, Journalist, Magazine Reporter, Multimedia Journalist, Newspaper Reporter, Online Producer, Radio Reporter, Television Reporter
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in writing news stories for publication and broadcast; in preparing regular feature columns and stories on specialized topics; in writing editorials and commentaries on topics of current interest; to express the views of publication and broadcasting stations
Interest in diverting to stimulate public interest in current topics; and in arranging for and conducting interviews as part of research and for radio and television programs
Interest in compiling information to receive, analyze and verify news and other copy for accuracy
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Reporters in the print and broadcast media make news items available to the public. Some report on local, national, or international events. Others write critical reviews of literary or artistic works based on personal knowledge, judgment, and experience.
Editors may assign stories or articles to reporters. Reporters also need to pitch their own ideas. This means they suggest ideas for stories they feel would interest the public.
Reporters translate complex issues into concise, informative news stories. To do this, they research and verify information from:
They also conduct in-person, telephone, or virtual interviews with:
They either take notes or record the interview to preserve the information given by the interviewee.
Reporters organize the information they have gathered into factual or analytical reports. The stories they produce must be accurate, fair, and balanced.
More and more reporters use smartphones at the scene of a news story. They shoot photos and videos that can be posted to their organization’s website and social media channels right away. They may need to edit their own photos or videos when required.
Reporters maintain a presence on social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Flickr, blogs, and forums. On these sites, they:
Different types of reporters may have other responsibilities.
Broadcast reporters often report live from the scene of a news event. They may compose their story on the spot. They also may:
In smaller radio and television stations, broadcast reporters may operate electronic equipment. This can include television cameras and broadband link as well as audio and video editing machines and software.
Magazine reporters may do more in-depth research than news reporters. This is because magazines have more specialized readerships and often publish longer stories. Some magazine reporters work on a freelance basis.
Newspaper reporters use computers to compose and edit text. They send copy to an editor or the newswire (in the case of a wire service). Some print reporters provide photos or videos for their stories. They may use phones to write and post stories to websites or social media channels while on assignment.
Novice reporters and those working for small weekly newspapers may receive a variety of assignments in addition to covering all aspects of local news. These may include:
With experience, they may progress to:
Online producers (reporters) write stories for websites. These stories may include audio, video, and print components. They may write original stories or adapt traditional news items.
For information about photojournalists, see the Photographer occupational profile.
Print, broadcast, and online reporters must cope with:
Reporters who are in the early stage of their career may work weekends, nights, early mornings, or all the above.
Some assignments can be dangerous. These can range from covering wars or natural disasters to spot news, including fires, vehicle collisions, and police standoffs.
Reporters may experience public criticism, trolling, and other forms of online harassment.
There is increased pressure on reporters to work quickly and be the first to post breaking news via digital media.
Reporters need:
In addition, broadcast reporters require:
Reporters should enjoy:
There are no standard education requirements for reporters. However, most employers prefer applicants with a diploma or degree in broadcasting or journalism.
Post-secondary schools throughout Alberta offer 3- and 4-year bachelor of arts (BA) degree programs in communications, Canadian studies, economics, political science, and history.
Reporters must be willing to keep up to date with current events and developments. They should be able to learn quickly. They should be familiar with the geography, history, economy, politics, media law, and social life of the communities and countries they work in.
For writing critical reviews and analyses, reporters need specialized knowledge in certain areas, such as art or politics. Notetaking skills, and computer and internet research skills are essential.
For newspaper and magazine reporters, practical experience on school publications or small rural weeklies is valuable. Large daily newspapers usually require their reporters to have at least 3 years of practical experience at another daily newspaper. Print-based reporters should be familiar with Canadian Press or Associated Press style guides.
For broadcast reporters, experience in radio or television stations is essential. Many broadcast reporters begin in small rural or local cable stations. They may gain experience as volunteers or through a work experience component of a post-secondary education program. Often smaller companies offer on-the-job voice training.
Online producers must be able to work with technical people. They must have some knowledge of website programming and content management systems (CMS). They must be able to use digital cameras and video equipment.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Competition for entry-level reporter jobs is strong. Employment prospects may be better for those who:
New graduates often are employed in 1 or more contract or temporary positions before they find full-time employment with benefits. When they have more experience, they may move to a larger station or publication.
Experienced reporters may advance to editorial positions in print media or become news anchors or producers in broadcast media.
Good writing skills can be applied in related jobs, such as:
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 5123: Journalists occupational group, 87.6% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 5123: Journalists occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 10% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 20 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries for reporters vary greatly. Earnings may depend on a wide range of factors, such as whether they:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $16.41 | $35.48 | $27.98 | $29.74 |
| Overall | $17.95 | $43.34 | $34.13 | $37.80 |
| Top | $20.51 | $44.77 | $37.56 | $39.31 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $68,947 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $68,384 |
Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) website: caj.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 24, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
