How to Be Local News Reporter - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 14, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. Most local news reporters have a degree in journalism, communications, or English. Earning a degree will help you develop the necessary skills to be successful in this career.
Get Relevant Experience. Internships and volunteer opportunities are great ways to gain experience in the field. You can also look for entry-level positions at a local newspaper or news station.
Network. Connect with other reporters and professionals in the industry. Attend conferences and seminars to stay up to date with trends in the field.
Perfect Your Writing Skills. Writing is a key component of the job, so make sure your writing skills are up to par. Take classes and practice your craft as much as possible.
Stay Up to Date with Current Events. Its important to stay informed about current events, both local and national. Read the newspaper, watch the news, and follow news outlets on social media.
Find a Job. Once you have the necessary experience and skills, you can start applying for jobs. Look for openings at local newspapers, TV stations, radio stations, and other news outlets.

Staying up to date and qualified as a local news reporter is essential in providing the public with accurate and timely information. To ensure that they are knowledgeable and competent in their field, local news reporters must stay abreast of current events, industry trends, and newsworthy topics. This can be accomplished by attending regular seminars and conferences, reading industry publications, researching relevant topics and staying active on social media.

reporters should maintain relationships with key individuals in their community, such as public officials, business leaders, and community members, to gain access to the latest news and information. These activities will help to keep reporters informed and qualified to report on local events.

You may want to check News Assignment Editor, Social Media News Producer, and News Correspondent for alternative.

Job Description

Research, write, and report local news stories for print and broadcast media.
Interview sources, attend press conferences, and film events.
Develop sources within the community to stay informed of current news and trends.
Ensure accuracy of facts and information by verifying sources, interviewing witnesses, and double-checking facts.
Work with editors and producers to develop story angles.
Maintain knowledge of legal guidelines regarding libel, privacy, and copyright laws.
Write daily news stories, feature stories, and special reports for publication or broadcast.
Track and analyze local news trends for potential story ideas.
Monitor news wires, websites, and social media for breaking news stories.
Represent the news organization at public events and meetings.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Strong writing and reporting skills
Knowledge of current events and local politics
Excellent communication skills
Ability to work independently and under tight deadlines
Knowledge of journalistic ethics
Ability to think creatively and develop story ideas
Ability to conduct interviews
Proficient in the use of digital media tools, including video and audio recording equipment and editing software
Working knowledge of social media platforms and best practices
Understanding of the legal requirements for media production

Having the ability to write clearly and concisely is one of the most important skills for a local news reporter to possess. Writing effectively is critical because it helps convey complex ideas and stories in an understandable way. By being able to communicate information quickly and accurately, reporters can make sure readers understand the core issues and facts surrounding a story.

good writing encourages a sense of trust between the reporter and their readers, as it makes it easier for readers to comprehend and follow the story. Furthermore, good writing is essential for creating compelling headlines that draw readers in, helping to keep them engaged with the story. Lastly, having the ability to craft stories that resonate with audiences is crucial for reporters, as this will lead to more clicks, shares, and engagement, which will ultimately help increase readership.

Field News Reporter, News Broadcast Engineer, and Environmental News Reporter are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experiences do you have reporting on local news stories?
What challenges have you faced while covering local news?
How do you ensure accuracy when reporting on a story?
What strategies do you use to develop sources and uncover stories?
How do you prioritize news stories?
What methods do you use to engage the local community?
How do you stay up-to-date on current events in the area?
What steps do you take to ensure ethical reporting?
How do you handle difficult questions from viewers or readers?
How would you describe your writing style for local news stories?

Common Tools in Industry

Camera. Used to capture images and videos (eg: DSLR camera).
Computer. Used to edit and store media (eg: laptop).
Microphone. Used to record audio (eg: lapel microphone).
Tripod. Used to stabilize camera (eg: tabletop tripod).
Editing Software. Used to edit audio and video (eg: Adobe Premiere Pro).
Lighting Equipment. Used to create desired lighting effect (eg: LED panel lights).
Teleprompter. Used to read scripts (eg: Smartprompter).
Drone. Used to capture aerial footage (eg: DJI Mavic Pro).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Black Journalists
Radio Television Digital News Association
Society of Professional Journalists
National Press Club
Investigative Reporters and Editors
Online News Association
Asian American Journalists Association
National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association
Native American Journalists Association
International Women's Media Foundation

We also have News Digital Editor, News Director, and News Assignment Desk Coordinator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

News Story. A report of news, usually based on facts, that is published in a newspaper, magazine, or online.
Lead. The first sentence of a news story that sets the scene and introduces the main point of the story.
Source. Someone who provides information for a news story.
Interview. A conversation between a journalist and a source, in which the journalist asks questions and the source provides answers.
Research. The process of gathering information from multiple sources to create a news story.
Deadline. The deadline is the time by which a news story must be submitted in order to be published.
Ethics. The principles and standards of behavior that dictate how a journalist should act when gathering and reporting information for a news story.
Angle. The focus or point of view of a news story, which can be determined by asking What is the most interesting way to tell this story?
Headline. The title of a news story, often written in a catchy or attention-grabbing way.
Quotes. Statements made by sources that are included in a news story to provide direct commentary on the topic being reported on.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary of a Local News Reporter?

The average salary of a Local News Reporter is approximately $41,260 per year.

What type of degree is typically needed to become a Local News Reporter?

Most Local News Reporters have a degree in journalism or communications.

What are some of the duties of a Local News Reporter?

The duties of a Local News Reporter include researching and writing news stories, conducting interviews, and attending press conferences.

How many years of experience is typically required to become a Local News Reporter?

Most employers prefer at least 2-3 years of related experience for a Local News Reporter position.

What are some common skills needed for a successful career as a Local News Reporter?

Common skills needed for a successful career as a Local News Reporter include strong writing skills, knowledge of journalistic ethics, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work under tight deadlines.