Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Broadcast Journalist

🎯 Role Definition

A Broadcast Journalist (Television/Radio/Multimedia Reporter) researches, produces, writes, shoots, edits and delivers news stories and features for on-air and digital platforms. The role requires strong newsgathering instincts, on-camera presence, multimedia production skills, deadline discipline, and adherence to journalistic ethics. Broadcast Journalists identify and develop story ideas, cultivate sources, prepare scripts, perform live or recorded reporting, and collaborate with producers, photographers and editors to deliver accurate, engaging content across TV, radio and digital channels.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

News Assistant / Production Assistant
Multimedia Reporter / Digital Content Producer
Radio Intern / Photojournalist

Advancement To:

Senior Reporter / Lead Correspondent
Anchor / Evening News Anchor
Investigative Reporter or Bureau Chief

Lateral Moves:

Multimedia Producer
Digital Editor / Social Media Editor
Video Journalist / Field Producer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Research, develop and pitch original news stories, enterprise pieces and recurring segments that align with station editorial priorities and audience needs; proactively identify sources and angles for exclusive coverage.
Cover breaking news live on location, coordinating with producers and photographers to set up live shots, provide clear live descriptions, and adapt scripts in real time under tight time constraints.
Write, edit and deliver concise, broadcast-ready scripts for live reads and recorded packages using AP style and station-specific style guides while maintaining clarity and accuracy for on-air delivery.
Produce complete news packages: shoot video, record natural sound, conduct on-camera interviews, select soundbites, and assemble edited packages using industry-standard editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer, Final Cut Pro).
Conduct investigative reporting by gathering documents, records, and data; file Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests; analyze public records; and develop long-form stories that hold institutions accountable.
Develop and maintain a robust network of sources across government, law enforcement, business, community organizations and subject-matter experts to generate tips and exclusive content.
Prepare and rehearse on-air copy, voiceovers and stand-ups; present stories with professional on-camera presence and vocal clarity for television and radio audiences.
Collaborate closely with producers, assignment editors, photographers and editors to plan coverage, allocate resources, secure access and ensure editorial and technical quality of broadcasts.
Operate ENG (electronic news gathering) equipment, studio cameras, teleprompters, IFB systems and live transmission gear; troubleshoot basic technical issues in the field to ensure reliable broadcast.
Edit and package multimedia stories for cross-platform distribution — television, station website, mobile app, and social media — optimizing content format and length for each platform.
Maintain and update digital newsroom systems and databases (ENPS, iNews, Kantar, or equivalent) for story rundowns, scripts, logs and archival records.
Monitor breaking news and social media trends to timely adjust coverage plans and engage audiences with relevant live and digital updates.
Produce and deliver VOs (voiceovers), SOTs (sound on tape), and NATs (natural sound) that meet editorial, technical and time constraints for live and recorded broadcasts.
Ensure legal and ethical compliance for all reporting activities by fact-checking, verifying sources, obtaining necessary releases, and coordinating with station legal counsel as needed.
Lead and mentor junior reporters, interns and production staff by providing editorial feedback, on-air coaching, editing guidance and standards training.
Coordinate logistics for remote shoots, press conferences and live remotes; secure permits, manage crew call times, and liaise with local authorities or event organizers.
Build and maintain a professional presence on social platforms (Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn) to distribute content, cultivate audience relationships and attract story tips.
Create short-form video and podcast-friendly audio segments tailored for social engagement, using mobile journalism (MoJo) techniques and lightweight production tools.
Prepare and present enterprise story proposals and long-lead investigative projects to news directors and editorial boards, including timelines, budget needs, and resource requests.
Track and analyze audience metrics and engagement (views, watch time, shares, comments) to refine storytelling strategies and increase reach across broadcast and digital platforms.
Assist with special projects and long-form programming such as documentaries, community features, or investigative series, coordinating research, interviews and multi-day shoots.
Respond to viewer/listener feedback and community inquiries professionally, integrating audience concerns into coverage and maintaining public trust.

Secondary Functions

Represent the station at community events, press conferences and public forums, delivering prepared remarks and interacting with stakeholders and viewers.
Promote station content through live remotes, promotional spots, and station-approved marketing initiatives to grow audience and ratings.
Participate in editorial meetings, contributing story ideas, follow-up reporting plans and constructive editorial critique to maintain high newsroom standards.
Help maintain and organize digital archives and media assets for easy retrieval by newsroom staff and future use.
Support training workshops on newsroom systems, social newsroom best practices, and on-camera presentation for non-reporting staff.
Coordinate with advertising and programming teams when editorial content intersects with sponsored events or marketing collaborations, preserving editorial integrity.
Assist in preparing legal affidavits, transcriptions and documentation required for FOIA appeals, court proceedings or internal reviews.
Volunteer as a safety lead for field crews by following and enforcing safety protocols, COVID-related guidelines, and location risk assessments.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

On-air reporting and live broadcasting with polished on-camera presence and strong vocal delivery.
Newswriting for broadcast, including ability to write tight scripts, teases, rundowns and web headlines using AP style.
Video shooting and field camera operation (DSLR, ENG cameras) with knowledge of framing, lighting and composition for broadcast.
Non-linear editing proficiency (Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer, Final Cut Pro) to produce polished TV packages quickly.
Audio recording and mixing for broadcast and podcast formats; experience with lavalier and shotgun microphones and portable recorders.
Proficiency with newsroom computer systems (ENPS, iNews, Octopus) for rundowns, scripting and rundowns management.
Social media and digital publishing skills: posting, tagging, captioning and optimizing video for platforms (YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram).
Use of teleprompters, IFB, satellite uplinks, bonding technologies (LiveU, TVU) and basic ENG truck operations for live transmissions.
Investigative research skills: public records search, data scraping, FOIA requests, court records and source verification.
Multimedia storytelling and cross-platform content adaptation for TV, web, mobile and social channels.
Camera editing and color correction basics to ensure broadcast-safe video quality and consistent station look.
SEO fundamentals for news content, metadata tagging and headline optimization to increase discoverability.
Comfortable using CMS platforms and analytics tools (Google Analytics, Chartbeat) to monitor audience engagement.

Soft Skills

Strong editorial judgment and ethical decision-making consistent with journalistic standards and FCC guidelines.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; ability to explain complex topics to general audiences.
High stress tolerance and ability to perform under tight deadlines and rapidly changing conditions.
Curiosity, tenacity and persistence in pursuing leads and cultivating difficult-to-reach sources.
Team player who collaborates effectively with producers, photographers, anchors and digital teams.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail in fact-checking, scripting and legal clearance processes.
Adaptability to changing technology, format shifts and newsroom workflows.
Conflict resolution and interpersonal skills for sensitive interviews and source management.
Public-facing professionalism for community engagement, moderating panels and representing the station.
Time management and prioritization to balance breaking news, enterprise reporting and regular beat coverage.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Broadcast Journalism, Communications, Media Studies, or a closely related field; or equivalent practical experience.

Preferred Education:

Degree or advanced coursework specifically in Broadcast Journalism, Multimedia Reporting, or Investigative Reporting.
Additional certificates in video production, multimedia storytelling, or data journalism are a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Journalism / Broadcast Journalism
Communications / Media Studies
Political Science / Public Affairs (for beat reporting)
Film & Video Production
Data Journalism / Computational Journalism

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1–5 years for entry to mid-level broadcast reporter roles; 5+ years for senior reporter or investigative positions.

Preferred:

Demonstrated on-air experience with a portfolio of produced packages and live shots.
Prior experience working in a fast-paced newsroom environment, with evidence of enterprise reporting, breaking news coverage, and digital content production.
Experience using ENPS/iNews, Adobe Premiere Pro/Avid, and social media management for newsrooms.
Proven track record of cultivating sources, meeting ethical standards, and producing measurable audience engagement.