Broadcast Reporter, Journalist, Magazine Reporter, Multimedia Journalist, Newspaper Reporter, Online Producer, Radio Reporter, Television Reporter
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
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 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.
Reporters in the print and broadcast media make information about local, national and international events readily available to the public. In general, they:
Newspaper reporters use computers to compose and edit text, and send copy to an editor or the news wire (in the case of a wire service).
Novice reporters and those working for small weekly newspapers may be given a variety of assignments, including taking photographs, writing headlines and captions, laying out pages, editing wire service copy, and writing editorials or columns in addition to covering all aspects of local news. With experience, they may progress to:
Reporters increasingly are using smartphones at the scene of a news story to shoot photos and videos that immediately can be posted to the newspaper's website. Some print reporters are equipped with video cameras as well.
Magazine reporters may do extensive in-depth research because magazines have relatively specialized readerships. Some magazine reporters work on a freelance basis.
Broadcast reporters often report live from the scene of a news event, composing their story on the spot. They also may:
In smaller radio and television stations, broadcast reporters may operate electronic equipment such as television cameras, broadband links, and audio and video editing machines and software.
Online producers (reporters) write stories for websites that 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 a hectic pace, the pressure of deadlines, unhelpful news sources, long irregular hours and a work environment filled with noise, interruptions and distractions. Some assignments (for example, covering wars or natural disasters) are dangerous.
There is increased pressure on reporters to work quickly to be the first to post breaking news via digital media.
Print and broadcast reporters need the following characteristics:
In addition, broadcast media reporters require:
All reporters should enjoy finding novel approaches to stories, dealing with people, stimulating interest in news stories and taking a methodical approach to compiling information.
There are no standard education requirements for reporters, but employers generally prefer to hire applicants who have a related diploma or degree. Reporters need detailed knowledge of the geography, history, economy, politics, media law and social life of the communities and countries in which they work. For writing critical reviews and analyses, they also need specialized knowledge in a particular area, such as art or politics. Computer and Internet research skills are essential; notetaking skills are an asset.
For newspaper and magazine reporters, practical experience on school publications or small rural weeklies is extremely valuable. Large daily newspapers usually require their reporters to have at least 3 years of practical experience at another daily newspaper.
For broadcast reporters, experience in radio or television stations is essential. Many broadcast reporters begin in small rural or local cable stations as volunteers or through a work experience component of a post-secondary education program.
Online producers must be able to work with technical people, have some knowledge of website programming and content management systems and be able to use digital cameras and video equipment.
Post-secondary schools throughout Alberta offer 3-year and 4-year bachelor of arts (BA) degree programs in communications, Canadian studies, economics, political science and history. In general, entrance requirements include a competitive average in English Language Arts 30-1 and 4 other appropriate Grade 12 subjects (for example, Social Studies 30, Math 30, a second language), or equivalent. Specific course requirements vary.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Competition for entry-level reporter jobs is keen. Employment prospects may be better for those who specialize in a particular field, combine writing with other skills (for example, research, languages, business) or 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 also can be applied in related occupations, such as technical writer, advertising copywriter, public relations worker, media consultant, legislative aide or advisor, educational writer, fiction writer, biographer, screenwriter or editor. For more information, see the Advertising Copywriter, Creative Writer, Editor, Public Relations Representative and Technical Writer occupational profiles.
Reporters are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5123: Journalists. In Alberta, 90% of people employed in this classification work in the Information, Culture and Recreation industry.
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries for reporters in the magazine industry vary tremendously because they generally work on a freelance basis and are paid a fee for each individual article.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $11.92 | $49.90 | $24.79 | $26.07 |
| Overall | $16.34 | $52.94 | $30.19 | $31.25 |
| Top | $17.92 | $67.68 | $37.89 | $38.75 |
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* 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.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) website: www.caj.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Mar 19, 2016. 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.