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Reporter: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Are you great at interacting with people from all walks of life? Can you ask questions and share answers in a clear, well-written way? Are you determined, resourceful, and objective? Then a career as a reporter may be good news for you.
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Occupations in Alberta

Reporter

Reporters gather information and write articles for print media (newspapers and magazines) or prepare news items (written, audiotaped, or videotaped) for broadcast on radio, television, or digital media.

Contents Expand All
Also Known As

Broadcast Reporter, Digital Journalist, Journalist, Magazine Reporter, Multimedia Journalist, Newspaper Reporter, Online Producer, Radio Reporter, Television Reporter

NOC Codes

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.

2006 NOC

  • 5123: Journalists

2006 NOC-S

  • F023: Journalists

2011 NOC

  • 5123: Journalists

2016 NOC

  • 5123: Journalists

2021 NOC

  • 51113: Journalists

2023 OaSIS

  • 51113.00: Journalists
Duties
Updated Mar 24, 2023

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:

  • Documents
  • Meetings
  • Interviews
  • Conferences or court hearings
  • Artistic performances or sporting events
  • Press statements
  • Tips

They also conduct in-person, telephone, or virtual interviews with:

  • Individuals involved in news events
  • Witnesses
  • Subject matter experts
  • Others whose activities are of public interest

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:

  • Post breaking news
  • Provide updates on ongoing developments
  • Monitor other posts for news and tips

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:

  • Obtain video footage of current news events
  • Gather sound and video for news, current affairs programs, and documentaries
  • Conduct interviews using digital or tape recorders
  • Conduct live on-air interviews
  • Write and edit their own reports, supervised by a news editor or director
  • Help to direct camera operators who are filming news events

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:

  • Taking photographs
  • Writing headlines and captions
  • Laying out pages
  • Editing wire service copy
  • Writing editorials or columns

With experience, they may progress to:

  • General reporting or covering a beat (a certain news area such as police, city hall, or law courts)
  • Writing analytical material or syndicated columns, which may be distributed to a large group of newspapers or magazines
  • Producing syndicated audio or video reports for subscribing radio or television stations
  • Reporting for news services that provide printed material to subscribing newspapers and magazines
  • Producing features, investigative pieces, or short documentaries

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.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 24, 2023
  • Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

Print, broadcast, and online reporters must cope with:

  • A hectic pace
  • The pressure of deadlines
  • Unhelpful news sources
  • Long, irregular hours
  • A work environment filled with noise, interruptions, and distractions

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.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
A
Artistic
This occupation
You
E
Enterprising
I
Investigative
This occupation
You

To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Journalists
2023 OaSIS: 51113.00

Click or tap a personality type for its description.

  • 1
    Artistic

    Artistic jobs involve being creative and expressing yourself. People in these jobs like to draw, write, act, or design. They often work with shapes, colours, patterns, music, or words. These jobs do not always follow strict rules and often let people work in their own way. Examples include artists, writers, and musicians.

  • 2
    Enterprising

    Enterprising jobs are about leading, selling, or starting new projects. People in these jobs like to take charge, make decisions, and reach goals. They often work in business or politics. These jobs may involve some risk and require strong people skills. Examples include managers, salespeople, and entrepreneurs.

  • 3
    Investigative

    Investigative jobs are about thinking deeply and solving problems. People in these jobs enjoy learning, asking questions, and doing research. They often study science, nature, or how things work. These jobs need a lot of thinking and often involve working with ideas instead of people. Examples include scientists, lab technicians, and researchers.

Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.

Your Work Personalities

To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Journalists
2023 OaSIS: 51113.00

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Inductive Reasoning
Verbal Ability
Information Ordering
Categorization Flexibility
Deductive Reasoning
Fluency of Ideas
Problem Identification
Written Comprehension
Written Expression

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Memorizing
Perceptual Speed
Pattern Organization Speed
Numerical Ability
Mathematical Reasoning
Multitasking
Pattern Identification
Spatial Orientation
Spatial Visualization
Selective Attention

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Stamina
Static Strength
Trunk Strength
Explosive Strength
Body Flexibility
Dynamic Strength
Gross Body Coordination
Gross Body Equilibrium
Multi-Limb Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Finger-Hand-Wrist Motion
Rate Control
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Control of Settings
Finger Dexterity
Manual Dexterity
Multi-Signal Response
Reaction Time
Speed of Limb Movement

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Hearing Sensitivity
Speech Clarity
Peripheral Vision
Auditory Attention
Depth Perception
Far Vision
Glare Tolerance
Near Vision
Night Vision
Speech Recognition
Sound Localization
Colour Perception

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 24, 2023

Reporters need:

  • Curiosity
  • Initiative, persistence, and resourcefulness
  • Objectivity and integrity
  • Creativity
  • An accurate memory
  • Communication and interview skills
  • Research and critical thinking skills
  • Physical and emotional stamina to cope with the pressures of competitive, fast-paced work
  • Solid news judgment
  • An interest in people and current events

In addition, broadcast reporters require:

  • Composure and poise on camera or in front of a microphone
  • Fluency in another language or knowledge of how to pronounce some sounds
  • Formal voice training

Reporters should enjoy:

  • Finding new approaches to stories
  • Dealing with people
  • Generating interest in news stories
  • Compiling information in a methodical way

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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Journalists

2016 NOC: 5123

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 21 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 01, 2021 and Sep 05, 2025.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Write news stories for publication and broadcast
Tasks: Collect information through interview, investigation and observation
Tasks: Write editorials and commentaries on topics of current interest to stimulate public interest and express the views of a publication or broadcasting station
Tasks: Receive, analyze and verify copy for accuracy
Technical or specialized writing: Analysis
Technical or specialized writing: Editorial
Tasks: Write critical reviews of literary, musical and other artistic works based on knowledge, judgement and experience
Judgement
Organized
Excellent oral communication
Tasks: Write news stories for publication and broadcast 15
Tasks: Collect information through interview, investigation and observation 15
Tasks: Write editorials and commentaries on topics of current interest to stimulate public interest and express the views of a publication or broadcasting station 14
Tasks: Receive, analyze and verify copy for accuracy 12
Technical or specialized writing: Analysis 10
Technical or specialized writing: Editorial 10
Tasks: Write critical reviews of literary, musical and other artistic works based on knowledge, judgement and experience 10
Construction Specialization: Judgement 9
Construction Specialization: Organized 9
Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication 9
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 24, 2023
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary

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.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Grant MacEwan University
Lethbridge Polytechnic
Mount Royal University
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
University of Calgary

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 24, 2023
  • Certification Not regulated

There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 24, 2023

Competition for entry-level reporter jobs is strong. Employment prospects may be better for those who:

  • Specialize in a particular field
  • Combine writing with other skills, such as research, languages, or business
  • Have flexible schedules
  • Are willing to relocate

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:

Industry Concentration

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.

Journalists
2016 NOC: 5123

87.6% of people in this occupational group work in:

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 examples, see Note.

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities.
3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Journalists
2021 NOC: 51113
Warm
Job Market
< 1500
Employed in AB

Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

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 examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list
©
iStock.com/filadendron
OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Journalists
2016 NOC: 5123
2.7%
Annual Growth
(Above average)
9
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

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 examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 24, 2023

Salaries for reporters vary greatly. Earnings may depend on a wide range of factors, such as whether they:

  • Work at a salaried position or on a freelance basis
  • Work in radio, television, or for a web-based broadcaster
  • Write for a print-based magazine or newspaper or a digital-only publication
  • Report for a small weekly newspaper, a large city daily, or a wire service
  • Have a regular beat such as health, culture, sports, entertainment, or politics
  • Do general reporting or write a regular column
  • Report on local or international issues
  • Travel abroad for international stories, including to war zones
  • Are just starting out or have made a name for themselves

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Journalists

2021 NOC: 51113
Average Wage
$22.68
Per Hour
Average Salary
$47,136.00
Per Year
Average Hours
40
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 51113 Wage Profile

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 to supplement this data.

C: Lower Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

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.

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $16.73 $20.25 $19.32 $20.00
Overall $17.83 $26.40 $22.68 $24.04
Top $17.83 $32.65 $26.71 $26.40

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

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
ALL INDUSTRIES $47,136

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
27%
27%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
N/A
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
20%
20%
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Related High School Subjects
  • English Language Arts
  • Media, Design and Communication Arts
    • Communication Technology
  • Social Studies
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Communications
  • Humanities and Languages
  • Social Sciences, Law and Religious Studies
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 24, 2023

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.

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