Broadcast Reporter, 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:
| Starting | $25.30 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $31.43 |
| Top | $40.66 |
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 news items available to the public. They may report on local, national, or international events. In general, they:
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).
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:
More and more reporters use smartphones at the scene of a news story. They shoot photos and videos that can be posted to the newspaper’s website right away. Some print reporters have video cameras as well. They also may use phones to write and post stories to websites while on assignment.
Magazine reporters may do more in-depth research than news reporters. This is because magazines have more specialized readerships. Some magazine reporters work on a freelance basis.
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.
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:
Some assignments can be dangerous. These can range from covering wars or natural disasters to spot news, including fires, vehicle collisions, and police standoffs.
There is increased pressure on reporters to work quickly and be the first to post breaking news via digital media.
Print and broadcast reporters need:
In addition, broadcast media reporters require:
All reporters should enjoy finding novel approaches to stories and dealing with people. They should also like stimulating interest in news stories and compiling information in a methodical way.
There are no standard education requirements for reporters. Employers generally prefer applicants with a related diploma or degree. Reporters must be willing to keep abreast of 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, they 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 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. They must be able to use digital cameras and video equipment.
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.
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.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
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:
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 [pdf] industry.
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation is 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 widely. 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 | $15.00 | $34.41 | $25.30 | $26.60 |
| Overall | $15.00 | $41.97 | $31.43 | $30.22 |
| Top | $15.00 | $100.96 | $40.66 | $37.93 |
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.
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.
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $61,112 |
|---|---|
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $59,441 |
Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) website: caj.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. 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.