Characteristics of Good Reporters

Regardless of the news subject, news value or format and technology that delivers the information, someone must gather the facts and organize them to tell the story.

That person is called a reporter, and good reporters have some common characteristics that make them effective. Some of them cannot be taught in school. They are characteristics that must be part of who they are. The most important characteristic of a reporter is ethical behavior. When a reporter fails to operate according to a strong ethical and moral code of behavior, one mistake can damage the overall credibility of the news media.

Temptations are great—to help a friend or to write the story without being absolutely certain of the facts. In addition, reporters have opportunities to use their power for personal financial gain. Many individuals and businesses could benefit from stories in the news, and they are sometimes willing to offer bribes to get their viewpoint expressed. Ethics is a system of deciding what is right and wrong. As a student or as a reporter, you will surely be called on to make ethical choices, and you should develop a personal process for making moral decisions.

Having a thick skin can also be helpful. There will be times where editors may yell and you will find yourself in a high-pressure environment, you may have problems with co-workers under similar stress. Readers will criticize you and your work and sometimes will call you nasty names. Unfortunately you might even receive threats because of stories you write. Can you handle all the stressful situations? Being able to judge the news is also important. Journalists have to have an eye for what is newsworthy, what the importance of the story is. Editors are there to help journalists develop good news judgment, but there are times when journalists will have to make snap decisions on their own and find the proper focus for a story.

Another important characteristic for a reporter is curiosity or inquisitiveness. The reporter should be curious about everything, including science, psychology, literature, history, politics, differing cultures, children's games, animal behavior and economics. He wants to understand all subject areas, because they might relate to news stories.

A healthy skepticism can be a vital characteristic for those who want to bring news to light. Skepticism takes the form of constant questioning or continual doubt.Persistence helps a good reporter to get the story. When someone says no comment, he goes on to ask, How can I get the person to agree to comment? Or how can I get the information another way?

Another important characteristic for a reporter is to enjoy interacting with people. It's hard to enjoy reporting if you don't enjoy talking to people.

An extrovert or an introvert, anyone working in a newsroom should be willing to be a teamplayer. The process of putting a newscast together happens in a group of people. The reporters and anchors are most visible to the audience, but the producers, writers and other staffers hold vital responsibilities as well.

Broadcast reporters must also be willing to accept criticism. Everyone makes mistakes, and in the broadcast business the mistakes are usually seen by many thousands of people. Audience members may write or call to criticize the story content or more personal aspects of a presentation, such as the reporter's delivery or appearance. Reporters must also show flexibility. Those who want the routine of a 9 to 5 desk job should avoid the world of journalism. The person who refuses to work nights, weekends, or holidays usually won't get far.

Newsroom personnel must be able to change plans in an instant and make the change with a positive attitude. Although some days in the newsroom are routine, most days are not, and that’s what makes this job so exciting.

Exercise 1. Answer the questions:

1. What are the responsibilities of a reporter?

2. Can a reporter learn at the university everything he needs for work?

3. What are the most common ethical mistakes in journalism?

4. What does the term “ethical behavior” mean for a journalist?

5. How can a thick skin help a reporter?

6. Why should a journalist be interested in things beyond his immediate task?

7. Why is skepticism useful for a journalist?

8. How can interpersonal skills help to get the job done?

9. What examples of team work in journalism do you know?

10. Is flexibility an advantage or a disadvantage in a person?

Exercise 2. Choose the words and expressions that are synonymous to the following:

Inquisitive mind

To find yourself in a high-pressure environment

A committed journalist

Vital quality

To have good interpersonal skills

To deliver the news

Co-workers

To make snap decisions

To be visible to the audience

To avoid the world of journalism

Not to get far in the profession

To have an eye for what is newsworthy

Exercise 3. Comment on the following:

1. A journalist’s life is sometimes frustrating.

2. A good journalist is born, not trained.

3. Flexibility is critical.

4. A reporter who is an introvert will be more stressed than his extrovert co-worker.

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