News writers write and edit news stories from information collected by reporters and correspondents and sometimes, if they’re chatty enough, get promoted to reporters or correspondents. Journalists are naturally curious animals. They research, write, omit serial commas, and produce reports for newscasts and news & information programs as well as the internets.
Broadcast journalists are responsible for investigating, gathering and reporting on news and current affairs. They are expected to present this information in a fair, balanced and accurate way through news bulletins, documentaries and other factual programs for radio, television and online broadcast.
Writers generate ideas for stories/features and follow leads from news agencies, the police, the public, press conferences and other sources.
A list of fun and games for journalists:
-Pitching ideas to editors and commissioners
-Researching and collating evidence and information to support a story using relevant information sources (internet, archives, databases, etc)
-Writing scripts for bulletins, headlines and reports which adhere to legal and contractual guidelines
-Selecting appropriate locations, pictures and sound and exercising editorial judgment on the best angle to approach a story from
-Identifying necessary resources and deploying/managing technical crews for location shoots, and sometimes sound operators and camera crew
-Providing directorial input, advising crews on what to film or record
-Using portable digital video (DV) cameras and other equipment to record material and appropriate editing software to produce complete packages for broadcast
-Preparing and presenting material 'on air' for both pre-recorded and live pieces;
-Identifying potential interviewees, briefing them, preparing interview questions and conducting both live and recorded interviews
-Preparing timings for each news item and monitoring these during broadcast
-Deciding on the running order for bulletins and making any necessary changes during broadcast
-Developing and maintaining local contacts and assuming a public relations role
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says:
Competition will be keen for (news writer) jobs at large metropolitan and national newspapers, broadcast stations, and magazines; small publications and broadcast stations and online newspapers and magazines should provide the best opportunities.
Most employers prefer individuals with a bachelor's degree in journalism or mass communications and experience gained at school newspapers or broadcasting stations or through internships with news organizations.
Jobs often involve long, irregular hours and pressure to meet deadlines.
Employers report that practical experience is the most important part of education and training. Upon graduation, many students already have gained much practical experience through part-time or summer jobs or through internships with news organizations. Most newspapers, magazines, and broadcast news organizations offer reporting and editing internships. Work on high school and college newspapers, at broadcasting stations, or on community papers also provides practical training. In addition, journalism scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships awarded to college journalism students by universities, newspapers, foundations, and professional organizations are helpful. Experience as a freelancer or stringer—a part-time reporter who is paid only for stories printed—is advantageous (i.e. go help out the Vanguard).
Some dull statistics:
Many broadcast employees have erratic work schedules, sometimes having to work early in the morning or late at night. In 2008, workers in broadcasting averaged 35.8 hours a week, compared with 33.6 for workers in all private industry. Workers in television worked longer hours than those in radio broadcasting. Only 7 percent of employees work part time, compared with 16 percent for all industries.
As a TV newswriter, you do more than just write. Among other things, you are reporting, compiling video, and logging sound-bites.
Qualifications!
“We are looking for a candidate with the following:” said the CBC.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
- Journalism experience is an asset.
- Keen interest in journalism, and excellent general knowledge.
- Advanced knowledge of spoken and written French.
- Knowledge of communications methods specific to the media (radio, TV and the Web), as well as interview techniques.
- Knowledge of CBC/Radio-Canada's Journalistic Standards and Practices.
- A driving license could be required for some assignments.
“All candidates must include a letter of interest detailing how their experience would be an asset to us, as well as what contribution they'd like to make,” they said.
Candidates may be subject to knowledge testing
Fancy bibliography
Most of this comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, MediaBistro, Prospects.ac.uk, the CBC, and Carrie.
-- Carrie Johnston
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