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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for TV Reporter Assistant

💰 $35,000 - $55,000

Media & CommunicationsBroadcast JournalismProduction

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a highly motivated and resourceful TV Reporter Assistant to join our dynamic news team. This entry-level position is the engine of the newsroom, providing critical support to on-air reporters, producers, and the assignment desk. The ideal candidate is a news enthusiast with a passion for storytelling, a keen eye for detail, and the drive to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. This role serves as an exceptional training ground and a direct pathway to a successful career in broadcast journalism, offering hands-on experience in every facet of news production, from initial story research to final on-air broadcast.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • University/College Journalism & Communications Programs
  • Newsroom Internships
  • Entry-level Production Assistant Roles

Advancement To:

  • On-Air Multimedia Journalist (MMJ) / Reporter
  • News Producer / Associate Producer
  • Assignment Editor

Lateral Moves:

  • Digital Content Producer
  • Social Media Manager for News

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Assist reporters in the field with newsgathering activities, including setting up equipment for live shots, conducting preliminary interviews, and shooting b-roll video.
  • Operate the teleprompter during live newscasts and pre-taped segments, ensuring perfect pacing and accuracy for on-air talent.
  • Write, edit, and publish engaging news content, including articles, photo galleries, and video clips, for the station's website and social media platforms.
  • Log and transcribe interview footage and other raw media, creating detailed notes to streamline the scriptwriting and editing process for reporters and producers.
  • Conduct thorough research for developing news stories, perform rigorous fact-checking, and compile comprehensive background information for the news team.
  • Monitor police and fire scanners, breaking news wire services (e.g., AP), and social media channels to identify potential story leads and track developing events.
  • Edit video packages, VOs (voice-overs), and SOTs (sound-on-tape) for broadcast using non-linear editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro.
  • Pitch unique and relevant local story ideas during daily editorial meetings, contributing to the station's content strategy.
  • Answer phones in the newsroom, screen incoming tips and calls, and efficiently relay critical information to the assignment desk and other personnel.
  • Support producers by creating and managing on-air graphics, such as lower-thirds, over-the-shoulder visuals, and full-screen elements.
  • Collaborate closely with the assignment desk to coordinate field crew logistics, including scheduling, vehicle assignments, and location management.

Secondary Functions

  • Serve as a production crew member in the studio or field as required, which may involve operating studio cameras, audio boards, or lighting equipment.
  • Manage and organize the station's digital media library, ensuring archival footage and assets are properly tagged and easily accessible.
  • Drive company vehicles to and from news assignments, ensuring the safe transport of personnel and expensive broadcast equipment.
  • Maintain open and constant communication with the newsroom while in the field, providing real-time updates on story progress and breaking news developments.
  • Assist in pre-interviewing potential guests and sources to evaluate their on-camera potential and story relevance.
  • Contribute to special projects and in-depth investigative reports by gathering data, sourcing documents, and providing logistical support.
  • Perform basic troubleshooting of field production equipment, including cameras, microphones, and live transmission units (e.g., LiveU).
  • Greet and escort station guests and interview subjects, ensuring a professional and positive experience from arrival to departure.
  • Pull and organize file video, historical footage, and other visual assets required by producers for daily newscasts.
  • Prepare and submit reporters' expense reports and handle other administrative tasks as needed to support the newsgathering operation.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Non-Linear Video Editing: Proficiency with editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer, or Final Cut Pro.
  • Broadcast Writing: Strong command of AP (Associated Press) style and the ability to write clear, concise scripts for broadcast.
  • Newsroom Software: Experience with or ability to quickly learn newsroom computer systems (NRCS) like ENPS or iNews.
  • Camera Operation: Familiarity with operating professional ENG (Electronic News Gathering) cameras and related audio equipment.
  • Digital & Social Media: Knowledge of content management systems (CMS) and best practices for distributing news content on platforms like Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram.
  • Teleprompter Operation: Skill in operating teleprompter systems with precision and the ability to follow the pace of on-air talent.

Soft Skills

  • Adaptability & Composure: Ability to work effectively under extreme pressure and adapt to rapidly changing priorities in a breaking news environment.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the capacity to articulate information clearly to team members and the public.
  • Time Management: Superior organizational skills to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet tight, non-negotiable deadlines.
  • Journalistic Integrity: Sound news judgment, a strong grasp of journalism ethics, and a commitment to fairness and accuracy.
    -Teamwork & Collaboration: A proactive, collaborative mindset with the ability to work seamlessly within a diverse news team.
  • Problem-Solving: Resourcefulness and the ability to think critically to overcome logistical and technical challenges in the field.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent professional experience in a related field.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Journalism
  • Communications
  • Broadcast Media / Radio-Television-Film
  • Political Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-2 years of relevant experience.

Preferred: Previous internship or hands-on experience in a professional television newsroom, college television station, or other media production environment is highly desirable. A valid driver's license with a clean driving record is required.

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