Radio Reporter

The focus of the Reporter's role in Radio is to find and tell the stories that make up the news or current affairs output for the station or organisation for which they work.
Reporters may work for a variety of different outlets, ranging from single local radio stations to international news organisations - and their related websites. They may be part of a small local team, or based in a regional or national newsroom, or in a foreign bureau.
Radio Reporters identify and research news stories then present them on air to a wide range of different audiences. Some of their work is office or newsroom-based, but a lot of it is spent outside of the workplace gathering information, witnessing and recording events, and interviewing those involved.
They should be able to operate a radio studio and be able to record audio both in a studio and on location. They must also be able to identify equipment and other resource requirements so that they are properly technically equipped to record required interviews and other audio material.

Typical Career Routes
There are broadly three entry routes into Reporting in Radio: traineeships offered by a few of the larger employers; moving into radio after first working as a print journalist; or completing an accredited pre-entry degree or post-graduate qualification.  Employers also look for evidence of interest in, and hands-on experience of, radio broadcasting, particularly skills gained through community radio, student or hospital radio. Some well-established specialist print journalists may be recruited at a very senior level into broadcasting because of their expertise in a given field.

Training and qualifications
Although a degree may not always be essential, the majority of Reporters are graduates. However, Radio employers do not necessarily expect this to be in a media-related subject, and may even prefer their recruits to have degrees in other disciplines.  Specialist knowledge in fields such as politics, business, science or languages may be advantageous - particularly for those wishing to become specialist Reporters or Correspondents.

Report ers 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
• 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
• 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
• 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