News analysts, reporters, and journalists narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

  • Write commentaries, columns, or scripts, using computers.
  • Coordinate and serve as an anchor on news broadcast programs.
  • Examine news items of local, national, and international significance to determine topics to address, or obtain assignments from editorial staff members.
  • Analyze and interpret news and information received from various sources to broadcast the information.
  • Receive assignments or evaluate leads or tips to develop story ideas.
  • Research a story's background information to provide complete and accurate information.
  • Arrange interviews with people who can provide information about a story.
  • Gather information and develop perspectives about news subjects through research, interviews, observation, and experience.
  • Select material most pertinent to presentation, and organize this material into appropriate formats.
  • Present news stories, and introduce in-depth videotaped segments or live transmissions from on-the-scene reporters.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with individuals who are credible sources of information.
  • Report news stories for publication or broadcast, describing the background and details of events.
  • Revise work to meet editorial approval or to fit time or space requirements.
  • Review and evaluate notes taken about news events to isolate pertinent facts and details.
  • Investigate breaking news developments, such as disasters, crimes, or human-interest stories.
  • Review written, audio, or video copy and correct errors in content, grammar, or punctuation, following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines.
  • Report on specialized fields such as medicine, green technology, environmental issues, science, politics, sports, arts, consumer affairs, business, religion, crime, or education.
  • Determine a published or broadcasted story's emphasis, length, and format and organize material accordingly.
  • Transmit news stories or reporting information from remote locations, using equipment such as satellite phones, telephones, fax machines, or modems.
  • Check reference materials, such as books, news files, or public records, to obtain relevant facts.
  • Discuss issues with editors to establish priorities or positions.
  • Photograph or videotape news events.
  • Present live or recorded commentary via broadcast media.
  • Take pictures or video and process them for inclusion in a story.
  • Conduct taped or filmed interviews or narratives.
  • Develop ideas or material for columns or commentaries by analyzing and interpreting news, current issues, or personal experiences.
  • Communicate with readers, viewers, advertisers, or the general public via mail, email, or telephone.
  • Write online blog entries that address news developments or offer additional information, opinions, or commentary on news events.
  • Assign stories to other reporters or duties to production staff.
  • Write columns, editorials, commentaries, or reviews that interpret events or offer opinions.
Work Context
  • Time Pressure
  • Electronic Mail
  • Contact With Others
  • Freedom to Make Decisions
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  • Telephone
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
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Work Activities
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Write informational material.
  • Report news to the public.
  • Coordinate reporting or editing activities.
  • Determine presentation subjects or content.
  • Analyze information obtained from news sources.
  • Analyze information obtained from news sources.
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Knowledge

English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Communications and Media
  • Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Law and Government
  • Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
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Skills

Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing
  • Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking
  • Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Abilities

Speech Clarity
  • The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Video creation and editing software
  • Adobe Systems Adobe AfterEffects Hot Technology
  • YouTube Hot Technology
  • Video editing software
  • Apple Final Cut Pro
Data base user interface and query software
  • Microsoft Access Hot Technology
  • Microsoft SQL Server Hot Technology
  • Statistics databases
  • Online databases
  • FileMaker Pro
Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
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