Reporter

Broadcast Journalism is the collection, verification and analysis of information about events which affect people, and the publication of that information in a fair, accurate, impartial and balanced way to fulfill the public's right to know in a democratic society. This involves a variety of media including television, radio, the internet and wireless devices. Broadcast Journalists working in television work in a variety of genres including news, current affairs, or documentaries. They may be employed by broadcasting companies, or work on a freelance basis.

Broadcast Journalists may be studio or office based, or working in regional, national or international broadcasters' offices. They may also work from home, utilizing broadband and other technology to interface with broadcasters and other employers. When working on news items, they must be prepared to travel, sometimes long distances, at any hour of the day or night, to gather the relevant information. They are responsible for generating ideas, and for assessing the value and accuracy of ideas and information from other sources, researching background data, and presenting items for consideration by editors, commissioners, or other decision makers.

They must carry out thorough research into all program ideas, including identifying: suitable interviewees and locations; relevant background and illustrative footage and locations; visual materials, archive picture and sound footage; articles and features. They should know how to access and use all significant information and image sources, including libraries, archives, the internet, academic and other research documents. They must know how and when it is necessary to acquire the pertinent clearances and licenses, including copyright and music clearances, and have a thorough understanding of the laws pertaining to libel and contempt.

In collaboration with technical resource personnel, they identify crewing and equipment requirements so that they are properly technically equipped to record all the required interviews and other picture and sound materials. They prepare questions, and if possible, brief interviews in advance. They conduct interviews on camera, and suggest suitable illustrative and background shots and material to enhance the story, to the director, camera operator, sound recordist, or other relevant personnel. Once the material has been recorded onto the required format, or acquired from other sources, Broadcast Journalists select the relevant sections of interviews and other materials. They then either work closely with the editor, or prepare a detailed editing brief. For quick turnaround items they may edit some materials themselves, using suitable computer editing software packages.

Broadcast Journalists must ensure that they meet the timing and duration requirements of each program or segment, and work to precise deadlines. They may also be required to present precisely timed live on-air links into previously edited packages. When working as news readers they must be able to research, write and present news bulletins, working to precise timings and tight deadlines.