Occupation AtlasNews Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

O*NET · 27-3023.00

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.

Also called Anchor · Anchorman · Art Critic · Basketball Commentator · Blogger · Book Critic · Book Reviewer · Breaking News Reporter
82 more

Broadcast Journalist · Broadcast Meteorologist · Broadcast News Advisor · Business Reporter · Business Writer · Columnist · Courtroom Reporter · Critic · Cub Reporter · Data Journalist · Desk Reporter · Digital Commentator · Digital Producer · Digital Reporter · Dramatic Critic · Education Reporter · Environmental Journalist · Fashion Journalist · Film Critic · Financial Writer · Food Critic · Food Writer · General Assignment Reporter · General Assignment Television News Reporter · Headline Writer · Information Writer · Investigative Reporter · Journalist · Law Reporter · Leg Man · Magazine Journalist · Magazine Writer · Marine Reporter · Market News Reporter · Market Reporter · Media Analyst · Morning News Anchor · Motion Picture Critic · Movie Critic · Multimedia Journalist · Multimedia Reporter · Music Critic · Music Journalist · News Analyst · News Anchor · News Commentator · News Correspondent · News Reporter · News Writer · Newspaper Columnist · Newspaper Correspondent · Newspaper Journalist · Newspaper Reporter · Newspaper Writer · Political Reporter · Press Writer · Print Journalist · Radio Commentator · Radio News Writer · Reporter · Society Reporter · Sports Analyst · Sports Anchor · Sports Commentator · Sports Journalist · Sports Reporter · Sports Writer · Staff Reporter · Staff Writer · Traffic Reporter · Travel Journalist · Travel Writer · TV Anchor · TV Anchor (Television Anchor) · TV News Anchor · TV News Anchor (Television News Anchor) · TV News Reporter · TV News Reporter (Television News Reporter) · TV Reporter · TV Reporter (Television Reporter) · Weather Anchor · Weekend Anchor

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code AIE35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Judicial Law Clerks

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

AIEArtistic · Investigative · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order

  • A Artistic5.09
  • I Investigative4.16
  • E Enterprising3.95
  • C Conventional3.64
  • S Social2.80
  • R Realistic1.47

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent15%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree1%
  • Bachelor's Degree84%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (28%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (34%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (36%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.5Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.4Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 4.3Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • WritingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Time ManagementImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • CoordinationImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • PersuasionImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
Show the other 23

Tasks

26 core · 4 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Report news stories for publication or broadcast, describing the background and details of events.Importance 4.9
  2. Gather information and develop perspectives about news subjects through research, interviews, observation, and experience.Importance 4.8
  3. Research a story's background information to provide complete and accurate information.Importance 4.7
  4. Arrange interviews with people who can provide information about a story.Importance 4.7
  5. Establish and maintain relationships with individuals who are credible sources of information.Importance 4.6
  6. Select material most pertinent to presentation, and organize this material into appropriate formats.Importance 4.5
  7. Review and evaluate notes taken about news events to isolate pertinent facts and details.Importance 4.5
  8. Investigate breaking news developments, such as disasters, crimes, or human-interest stories.Importance 4.5
  9. Report on specialized fields such as medicine, green technology, environmental issues, science, politics, sports, arts, consumer affairs, business, religion, crime, or education.Importance 4.5
  10. Write commentaries, columns, or scripts, using computers.Importance 4.4
  11. Examine news items of local, national, and international significance to determine topics to address, or obtain assignments from editorial staff members.Importance 4.4
  12. Analyze and interpret news and information received from various sources to broadcast the information.Importance 4.4
Show the other 18
  1. Receive assignments or evaluate leads or tips to develop story ideas.Importance 4.4
  2. Review written, audio, or video copy, and correct errors in content, grammar, or punctuation, following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines.Importance 4.4
  3. Determine a published or broadcasted story's emphasis, length, and format, organizing material accordingly.Importance 4.4
  4. Check reference materials, such as books, news files, or public records, to obtain relevant facts.Importance 4.4
  5. Take pictures or video, and process them for inclusion in a story.Importance 4.4
  6. Revise work to meet editorial approval or to fit time or space requirements.Importance 4.3
  7. Conduct taped or filmed interviews or narratives.Importance 4.3
  8. Transmit news stories or reporting information from remote locations, using equipment such as satellite phones, telephones, fax machines, or modems.Importance 4.2
  9. Discuss issues with editors to establish priorities or positions.Importance 4.2
  10. Photograph or videotape news events.Importance 4.2
  11. Develop ideas or material for columns or commentaries by analyzing and interpreting news, current issues, or personal experiences.Importance 4.2
  12. Communicate with readers, viewers, advertisers, or the general public via mail, email, or telephone.Importance 4.2
  13. Write online blog entries that address news developments or offer additional information, opinions, or commentary on news events.Importance 4.0
  14. Write columns, editorials, commentaries, or reviews that interpret events or offer opinions.Importance 3.8
  15. Present live or recorded commentary via broadcast media.Importance 4.2
  16. Coordinate and serve as an anchor on news broadcast programs.Importance 4.1
  17. Present news stories, and introduce in-depth videotaped segments or live transmissions from on-the-scene reporters.Importance 4.0
  18. Assign stories to other reporters or duties to production staff.Importance 3.7

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • English LanguageImportance 4.8Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Communications and MediaImportance 4.7Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.6Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.1Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 3.1Level 2.9
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 2.7Level 2.9
  • GeographyImportance 2.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 2.4Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
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  • MathematicsImportance 2.4Level 2.7
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.4Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Education and TrainingImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • TransportationImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • AdministrativeImportance 2.2Level 2.8
  • DesignImportance 2.2Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Fine ArtsImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 2.2Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.2Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 2.1Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 2.0Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.9Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.8Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.7Level —
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.6Level —
  • MechanicalImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • PsychologyImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • BiologyImportance 1.5Level —
  • ChemistryImportance 1.5Level —
  • PhysicsImportance 1.5Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Written ComprehensionImportance 4.5Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written ExpressionImportance 4.5Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.4Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral ExpressionImportance 4.4Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.1Level 4.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Speech ClarityImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
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  • Speech RecognitionImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Near VisionImportance 3.6Level 3.8
  • OriginalityImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Far VisionImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • MemorizationImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • VisualizationImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Time SharingImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number FacilityImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Control PrecisionImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Finger DexterityImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Manual DexterityImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Night VisionImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.6Level 0.8
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.6Level 0.9
  • Rate ControlImportance 1.6Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Reaction TimeImportance 1.6Level 0.9
  • Response OrientationImportance 1.6Level 0.8
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.5Level 0.8
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.4Level 0.5
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.1Level —
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
  • StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
  • Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting InformationImportance 4.8Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Processing InformationImportance 4.7Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.6Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Prepare or deliver press releases
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.5Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.5Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Working with ComputersImportance 4.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.4Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.4Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
Show all 41
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.4Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.4Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.4Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.4Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.3Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.2Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.7Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.1Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.8Level 2.7
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.7Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.6Level 2.6
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.6Level 2.8
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 2.6Level 2.9
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.2Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.9Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.9
  • E-Mail4.7
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.7
  • Time Pressure4.6
  • Contact With Others4.5
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.5
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.5
  • Telephone Conversations4.5
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.2
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.1

Technology

41 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (14)

  • Adobe After Effects
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Facebook
  • Hypertext markup language HTML
  • IBM SPSS Statistics
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Microsoft Word
  • WordPress
Other tools (27)
  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Apple Final Cut Pro
  • Audion Laboratories VoxPro
  • Avid Technology Pro Tools
  • Desktop Technologies NewsBoss
  • ESRI ArcView
  • FileMaker Pro
  • Grass Valley EDIUS
  • LexisNexis
  • Mapping software
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • Microsoft Visual FoxPro
  • Nielsen Arianna
  • Nielsen Marketbreaks
  • Online databases
  • QuarkXPress
  • RCS NexGen Digital
  • Snapchat
  • Social media sites
  • Social media software
  • Statistical analysis software
  • Statistics databases
  • Twitter
  • Video editing software
  • Web browser software
  • Web content management system CMS software
  • YouTube

Related occupations

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ESCO equivalents

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.