Reporter

The reporters role in the raido is to find and tell the stories that make up the news or current affairs output for the station or organisation for whihc they work. They may work for a variety of different outlets which range from a single local radio station to international news organistaion and their related websites. Depending on the reporter some may be part of a small local team or based in a regional or national newsroom or in a foreign bureau. From time to time some reporters may rowk from home utilising broadband and other technology to supply material to broadcasters.

Commercial radio the job titles Reporter, Journalist or Broadcast Journalist may be used for fairly similar roles.

The BBC employs Reporters, News Correspondents and specialist Correspondents with experiance in that perticular field and the distinction between reporters or Correspondents and Broadcast Journalists is greater.

Radio reporters research news and ten present them on air to a wide range of different people. Some of their work is based in an office or a newsroom where they are expected to spend much of their time out and gathering informatio they can then use. They do this by recording or witnessing events and interviewing those involved. Radio reporters may report live from the event while it unfolds or record and edit the material they have captured to create pre recorded items for inclusion in news bulletins or producer longer featurers like documentaries.

Working as a radio repoter you will be required to work a variety of shift patterns including night shfts weekends and holidays. They must be prepared to ravel at any point which sometimes can be long distances due to the fact news is happening all the time so they need to e their at that exact point. Repoters cover a wide range of events and stories or focas on a specialist area such a spolitics, finance, sport of foreign affairs. They ma be assigned to specific stories but they are also responsible for creating ideas, researching background data and measuring up the data and information they have collected. A a repoter you must also pitch your ideas an present news items for consideration by editiors.

As a radio reporter you must carry out thorough research into all item ideas including using personal contacts indentifying relevat background articles and features, suitable interviewees and locations, and relevant audio archive material. They need to know hot access and evaluate all the relevant sources of information and in some cases included image sources. However thet are expected to undertsand and comply with media law, regulation ad industry codes, They prepare questions ad where possible brief interviewees in advance.

Alot of reporters are graduates, however radio emplyers do not neccessarily expect this to be in a media related subject.

Essential Knowledge & Skills
Reporters need the following:

• a sense of what makes a good news story
• ability to generate original ideas and to think creatively about how to communicate them
• excellent writing and story-telling skills which they can adapt for different audiences and platforms
• an understanding of how to use their voice to communicate effectively with listeners
• knowledge of the Radio market, different station and programme styles and audience demographics
• curiosity and inquisitiveness, a willingness to ask questions but also to listen
• the confidence and tenacity to pursue information, overcome obstacles and pitch ideas to senior colleagues
• self-motivation and adaptability
• ability to work independently but also as part of a team
• ability to work effectively under pressure, react quickly and meet tight deadlines
• ability to cope with the demands of live reporting and interviewing
• determination, diplomacy and excellent interpersonal skills
• empathy and patience, the ability to build rapport and draw information from people
• ability to maintain objectivity in order to be fair and balanced in the treatment of stories
• an interest in news and current affairs and good general knowledge
• a thorough knowledge of the law, ethics and industry regulation as they affect radio and the practice of journalism
• knowledge of when it is necessary and how to acquire the relevant clearances and licenses, including copyright and music clearances
• knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures
• a high level of IT skills - particularly good word-processing and data handling skills
• the ability to learn how to use a variety of recording equipment and to operate different radio studios
• ability to conduct effective internet research, use relevant computer software for audio editing, and, when necessary, to manipulate visual images or edit video, and upload all such material for use on websites

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