According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Write commentaries, columns, or scripts, using computers. | 95% |
| Coordinate and serve as an anchor on news broadcast programs. | 95% |
| Examine news items of local, national, and international significance to determine topics to address, or obtain assignments from editorial staff members. | 93% |
| Analyze and interpret news and information received from various sources to broadcast the information. | 93% |
| Receive assignments or evaluate leads or tips to develop story ideas. | 93% |
| Research a story's background information to provide complete and accurate information. | 92% |
| Arrange interviews with people who can provide information about a story. | 90% |
| Gather information and develop perspectives about news subjects through research, interviews, observation, and experience. | 90% |
| Select material most pertinent to presentation, and organize this material into appropriate formats. | 90% |
| Present news stories, and introduce in-depth videotaped segments or live transmissions from on-the-scene reporters. | 88% |
| Establish and maintain relationships with individuals who are credible sources of information. | 87% |
| Report news stories for publication or broadcast, describing the background and details of events. | 86% |
| Revise work to meet editorial approval or to fit time or space requirements. | 86% |
| Review and evaluate notes taken about news events to isolate pertinent facts and details. | 85% |
| Investigate breaking news developments, such as disasters, crimes, or human-interest stories. | 85% |
| Review written, audio, or video copy, and correct errors in content, grammar, or punctuation, following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines. | 81% |
| Report on specialized fields such as medicine, green technology, environmental issues, science, politics, sports, arts, consumer affairs, business, religion, crime, or education. | 80% |
| Determine a published or broadcasted story's emphasis, length, and format, organizing material accordingly. | 79% |
| Transmit news stories or reporting information from remote locations, using equipment such as satellite phones, telephones, fax machines, or modems. | 78% |
| Check reference materials, such as books, news files, or public records, to obtain relevant facts. | 76% |
| Discuss issues with editors to establish priorities or positions. | 75% |
| Photograph or videotape news events. | 74% |
| Present live or recorded commentary via broadcast media. | 73% |
| Take pictures or video, and process them for inclusion in a story. | 73% |
| Conduct taped or filmed interviews or narratives. | 71% |
| Develop ideas or material for columns or commentaries by analyzing and interpreting news, current issues, or personal experiences. | 71% |
| Communicate with readers, viewers, advertisers, or the general public via mail, email, or telephone. | 69% |
| Write online blog entries that address news developments or offer additional information, opinions, or commentary on news events. | 67% |
| Assign stories to other reporters or duties to production staff. | 65% |
| Write columns, editorials, commentaries, or reviews that interpret events or offer opinions. | 62% |
