News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

27-3023.00

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.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• 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, organizing 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.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - IBM SPSS Statistics 🔥; Nielsen Arianna; Nielsen Marketbreaks; Statistical analysis software
• Data base user interface and query software - FileMaker Pro; Microsoft Access 🔥; Microsoft SQL Server 🔥; Online databases; Statistics databases
• Desktop publishing software - Adobe InDesign 🔥; Microsoft Publisher; QuarkXPress
• Electronic mail software - Microsoft Outlook 🔥
• Facilities management software - RCS NexGen Digital
• Geographic information system - ESRI ArcView
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Adobe Photoshop 🔥
• Information retrieval or search software - LexisNexis
• Instant messaging software - Snapchat; Twitter
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Map creation software - Mapping software
• Music or sound editing software - Audion Laboratories VoxPro; Avid Technology Pro Tools
• Object oriented data base management software - Microsoft Visual FoxPro
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software 🔥
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Project management software - Desktop Technologies NewsBoss
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel 🔥
• Video creation and editing software - Adobe After Effects 🔥; Adobe Premiere Pro; Apple Final Cut Pro; Grass Valley EDIUS; Video editing software; YouTube
• Web page creation and editing software - Facebook 🔥; Social media sites; Social media software; Web content management system CMS software; WordPress 🔥
• Web platform development software - Hypertext markup language HTML 🔥
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the 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.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• 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.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

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.
• Gather information for news stories.
• Coordinate logistics for productions or events.
• Develop professional relationships or networks.
• Edit written materials.
• Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment.
• Operate still or video cameras or related equipment.
• Inform viewers, listeners, or audiences.
• Interview others for news or entertainment purposes.
• Monitor current trends.
• Correspond with customers to answer questions or resolve complaints.