News Reporter (TV or Radio)
"I collect and analyze facts about newsworthy events and people through interviews, research, data analysis and observation. I’m employed by a TV station, but I produce stories across different platforms using video, text, photo galleries and more. My job is to tell people what’s happening so they can make informed decisions as citizens. I pursue the truth by talking to diverse sources and communicate the news to my audience in a manner that’s relevant to them. My reward is making a difference in my community and learning about a variety of issues."
Salary Range:
$54,000 - $119,000
The Tip
Your reputation is your currency. It takes years to build and can be ruined with one mistake. Remember this every day.
Priority Knowledge & Skills
Expert
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Ability to develop a compelling narrative
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Ability to develop evidence-based content
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Ability to generate new approaches to familiar stories
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Expertise in verbal and written use of language
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Research
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Visual and audio recording and editing
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Ability to pitch ideas
Great at
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Apply expertise in media-focused subject areas (current affairs, sports, entertainment, weather)
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Link content with a specific audience
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Data analytics
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Ability to create and edit content for digital applications
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Apply deep understanding of media needs, practices and news cycles
Good at
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Production planning & design
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Manage projects
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Execute a promotional strategy
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Ability to monetize content
Building Block Experiences
Education & Learning:
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Bachelor of Communication (broadcast media studies) with a minor in political science
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Other education paths could include: A Bachelor of Communication majoring in journalism, with minors in creative writing, speech, economics, Indigenous studies or criminology, or a diploma in broadcast or media production from a college or technical institute
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Aim for the Heart: Write, Shoot and Produce for TV and Multimedia, by Al Tompkins
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Keeping up to date on local, national and international news
"Being a broadcast news reporter today is challenging. I am highly motivated to bring news and facts to my audience quickly, so people can make informed decisions in their lives. I hold authorities to account for their decisions and I have researched my stories fully to ensure accuracy. To maintain a competitive advantage, I ensure I’m agile and can work across platforms, telling compelling stories regardless of the medium. I developed a formal education plan to deliver on this. Today, I focus on informal learning to ensure I understand current events and emerging trends and how they may impact my profession. Learning is core to my job every day."
Employment Experiences:
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Joined school radio station in first week at university. Hosted my own show in my first year; wrote and produced short newscasts. Used social media to promote my shows.
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Joined the street team for a local country music radio station. Later promoted to work as a weekend news reader.
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Took a full-time position after graduation as a video journalist in a northern community, where I shot, edited and voiced my own stories
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Two years later I landed a position as a local radio reporter for the national broadcaster in a big city. The last few years I’ve spent a lot of time reporting from the courthouse and city hall.
"In the media world, networks create opportunities. I knew this on Day 1 at university and wanted to ensure I used my time, both inside and outside the classroom, as an opportunity to gain experience, build my reputation and develop a portfolio of professional work. My time in the north taught be to be resilient and self-reliant, which has since defined my career."
Community Experiences:
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Provided play-by-play for live-streaming of the university’s basketball teams
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Produced some videos for performers at a local dance studio
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Active member of the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) and the Radio-Television Digital News Association (RTDNA)
"I love investigative journalism and I am an exceptional communicator. I made a difference and I learned so much. This made me a better professional."
Contextual Experiences:
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I enrolled in a field school in Mexico and produced a documentary on the punk music scene in Guadalajara with Mexican and Canadian classmates
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This profession is highly competitive and requires mobility to progress. I have lived in three cities in 10 years. It is a lifestyle you need to embrace.
"Exposure to diverse cultures, including my time in the north, reinforced my humility because it showed me the world is big and what I actually know is so small."
Relationships:
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I enrolled in a mentorship program and spent time with an alumna who offered lots of insight
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I took opportunities to introduce myself to other broadcast reporters when I was out in the field on school news assignments
"I know success as a reporter is about building strong relationships and networks. I do this by recognizing all relationships must be win-win. Being a reporter can involve long hours (early mornings, late nights and weekends), so I need to have strong personal relationships."