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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Video Journalist

💰 $45,000 - $85,000

MediaJournalismContent CreationBroadcastingDigital Media

🎯 Role Definition

At its heart, the Video Journalist (VJ) — often called a Multimedia Journalist (MMJ) — is the ultimate modern-day storyteller. This is a dynamic and demanding role for a creative individual who single-handedly manages the entire storytelling process, from initial concept to final broadcast. You are the reporter, the cameraperson, the audio technician, the writer, and the editor. VJs are the driving force behind creating engaging, visually-driven news reports, features, and digital content. They operate with a high degree of autonomy, responding to breaking news, digging into enterprise stories, and connecting with the community to tell the stories that matter most. Success in this role depends on a unique blend of journalistic integrity, technical prowess, and an unshakeable ability to perform under pressure.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Journalism or Communications Graduate
  • Newsroom Production Assistant or Intern
  • Freelance Videographer or Editor

Advancement To:

  • Senior Video Journalist / Investigative Reporter
  • Broadcast Producer / Executive Producer
  • News Anchor or Full-Time Reporter

Lateral Moves:

  • Documentary Filmmaker
  • Corporate Communications Videographer
  • Digital Content Strategist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Independently research, pitch, and develop compelling, original story ideas that are relevant to the local community and suitable for visual storytelling.
  • Shoot, write, and edit a variety of news content, including day-turn packages, VOSOTs, and in-depth features for broadcast, web, and social media.
  • Operate professional video cameras (e.g., ENG, DSLR), lighting kits, and audio equipment to capture high-quality, broadcast-ready footage in diverse and often challenging field environments.
  • Conduct effective, well-researched, and empathetic interviews with a wide range of individuals, from public officials to everyday citizens.
  • Write clear, accurate, and conversational scripts for on-air and online presentation that align with the station's style guide and journalistic standards.
  • Edit video content using non-linear editing software (like Adobe Premiere Pro) to produce polished, impactful stories under tight, daily deadlines.
  • Present stories live from the field or in-studio, delivering reports with credibility, confidence, and professionalism.
  • Establish and nurture a strong network of sources and community contacts to generate exclusive story leads and gain deeper access to important issues.
  • Adapt and reformat stories for various digital platforms, creating social-native video, writing companion web articles, and engaging with audiences online.
  • Meticulously fact-check all information, quotes, and data to ensure every piece of content is accurate, fair, and legally sound.
  • Manage all logistical aspects of field assignments, including coordinating travel, maintaining gear, and ensuring personal safety.
  • Respond rapidly and effectively to breaking news events, prepared to go live and provide continuous coverage with minimal supervision.
  • Utilize emerging technologies, such as drones and mobile journalism (MoJo) kits, to enhance storytelling and provide innovative visual perspectives.
  • Generate and edit basic motion graphics, lower thirds, and other visual elements to improve the production value of video packages.
  • Actively participate in daily editorial meetings, contributing to story planning, offering fresh angles, and providing progress updates on assignments.
  • Manage a digital workflow by logging footage, organizing project files, and archiving completed stories for future access.

Secondary Functions

  • Engage directly with viewers and followers on social media platforms to build a personal brand, promote stories, and gather community feedback.
  • Collaborate with other newsroom staff, including assignment editors, producers, and photographers, to coordinate coverage and share resources.
  • Stay informed on current events, industry trends, new production techniques, and digital storytelling tools to continuously improve your craft.
  • Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, and basic troubleshooting of assigned video, audio, and computer equipment.
  • Represent the news organization in a positive and professional manner at public events, school visits, and community gatherings.
  • Write detailed web versions of broadcast stories, embedding video and adding supplementary content to provide a richer online experience.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Video & Cinematography: Mastery of professional camera operation, including manual settings for exposure, focus, and white balance, as well as strong compositional skills.
  • Non-Linear Editing: High-level proficiency in editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or Avid Media Composer, with a strong sense of pacing and narrative structure.
  • Audio Capture: Skill in using lavalier mics, shotgun mics, and field mixers to record clean, clear audio in any environment.
  • Journalistic Writing: Exceptional writing ability for broadcast scripts and AP-style web articles, with a talent for making complex topics understandable.
  • On-Camera Performance: A commanding and trustworthy on-air presence with the ability to ad-lib during live shots and connect with the audience.
  • Lighting Techniques: Knowledge of basic 3-point lighting and the ability to use natural and artificial light effectively in the field.
  • Digital & Social Media: Expertise in creating and optimizing content for platforms like X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to maximize reach and engagement.
  • Live Broadcasting Technology: Familiarity with bonded cellular units (e.g., LiveU, Dejero) for remote live transmission.

Soft Skills

  • News Judgment: A keen instinct for identifying what makes a story newsworthy, impactful, and interesting to the target audience.
  • Deadline-Oriented & Time Management: The ability to thrive under pressure, multitask effectively, and consistently meet multiple daily deadlines without sacrificing quality.
  • Resilience & Adaptability: A cool-headed and flexible approach to working in a fast-paced, unpredictable environment where story assignments can change in an instant.
  • In-depth Curiosity: A passionate and inquisitive nature that drives you to ask tough questions, dig deeper, and uncover the truth.
  • Ethical Integrity: A firm commitment to upholding the highest standards of journalistic ethics, fairness, and objectivity.
  • Interpersonal & Communication Skills: The ability to build rapport quickly with interview subjects from all walks of life and collaborate seamlessly with newsroom colleagues.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent, demonstrated professional experience supported by a strong portfolio.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in a relevant field of study.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Journalism
  • Broadcast Journalism
  • Communications
  • Film and Television Production

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1-5 years of professional experience, often starting in a smaller media market and working up. An outstanding demo reel is essential.

Preferred:

  • Prior experience working as a Video Journalist or Multimedia Journalist in a professional TV newsroom.
  • A compelling portfolio/demo reel that showcases a range of skills, from hard news packages to feature stories, and demonstrates strong shooting, editing, and on-camera abilities.
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