Radio Jobs: The News Reporter

There are many jobs in the radio industry, each as important as the other. All jobs come together to make a station function. While there are many different aspects to running a good station, one of the key components is the news team. News reporters work on the ground to find important and current stories to present to the audience. Here is everything you need to know about the role of a news reporter on radio.

Almost every radio station will need a news reporter. Whether it’s a local station or a large international one, news reporters will be required to tie interesting and important news stories together. Some may work from station newsrooms and on the ground, while others may operate from their own home studio.

News reporters will essentially need to identify and research news stories before presenting them to listeners. While they may report back to the newsroom, they will more than likely be expected to be out gathering information for stories on the ground as they happen. Live broadcasts may be transmitted from events or else recordings can be taken and edited later on to be included in bulletins.

Research is an important part of the job of radio reporters. Gathering contacts and collating background information and articles is integral to producing a great news piece. Reporters will also need to be able to set up meetings with suitable interviewees at certain locations an have access to relevant audio archive material.

They may also be required to use libraries for images to go with their stories for websites, or indeed take their own images. Video footage may also be a requirement for social media videos or for the website. Live interviews may also be necessary.

While reporters may be assigned to a number of stories, they may also be expected to come up with their own. Some reporters may have to work on a variety of topics such as sports, politics, show biz as well as news, while others may just have one topic to focus on.

It is essential as a news reporter to be familiar with media law, regulation and industry codes.

Reporters will also need to be able to operate a radio studio. They will be required to record in a studio as well as out of one and hence, need to be able to identify and use equipment and other resources to ensure to create a good piece. Reporters will edit material and often will need to cut interviews down to the time allocated. This will be done with suitable computer editing software packages.

To get into news reporting, there are a few paths you can take. A degree in journalism or a similar field is not always essential, but most in the field will have one. However, some radio stations may even look for people who have studied a different subject as they will have a unique set of skills and knowledge.

Industry trainee schemes are an excellent way to get introduced into the world of radio. Each scheme will have its own requirements. Some say you need a degree and others won’t. Having hands-on practical experience in radio is the most important thing that will stand to you. It can be a paid job, a volunteer position, student radio or whatever else. Once you have some sort of an idea of how to operate it all, you’re in with a chance.