Your guide to become an News Reporter in Malaysia

Average Salary
2,500 - 3,200

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Who is an News Reporter

Reporters go to the actual site to report the news on TV, radio and provide live coverage on other platforms.

Reporters are a subsection of Journalists. They play a huge role in society to inform the public of what’s happening all around the world. The job of a reporter may be dangerous, depending on what kind of a reporter and type of news you have to cover. Turn on the TV and watch Al-Jazeera for a moment. You will see a reporter reporting the news where bombs will be exploding at the back. Sometimes, they might even be in the midst of a war. However, with the advent of the internet, citizen journalism is everywhere. Just browse through your Facebook wall and you’ll find tons of video clips and photos of ‘news reporting’. Any Tom, Dick and Harry can do this but it takes a reporter to cover actual news professionally.

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The pros and cons of being an News Reporter

Pros

Exclusively interview famous people
Be part of important world events
Appearing on TV or radio could make you famous and well-respected

Cons

Work environment can be dangerous (war zones and natural disasters)
Irregular and long work hours
Requires a lot of traveling and multitasking

What are all the responsibilities of an News Reporter ?

Travel to the site of the event
Gather information from witnesses
Obtain as many facts as you can from the scene
Present the facts
Write articles based on what you saw and facts you managed to gather
Interview key people
Attend news conferences
Be updated with current trends and look for an opportunity for a story

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Incase of any queries

What skills do you need to become an News Reporter?

A nose for news

Reporters don’t just report anything they see on their way to the office. It needs to be newsworthy. In other words, it needs to be interesting enough to attract your audience’s attention. You need to have a keen sense to be able to identify developing stories. For example, a reporter would rather report on a former drug addict whose life has been completely transformed rather than a drug addict lying by the side of the street.

Be objective and neutral in your judgements

It’s easy to get angry when you see a heartless individual abusing their maid. If you’re not careful, you might tend to sway public opinion as well. A reporter’s job is just to report the news and must not let their emotions affect their reporting. You must be objective, stating out the facts clearly and accurately, not trying to convince others who is right or wrong and cannot be biased in your judgements.

Good writing skills

You need to know how to write interesting articles. Of course, everything you write must be based on facts and objectivity but the style you write and angle of your story must be intriguing enough to draw the reader’s attention. Having good writing skills may seem like an insignificant aspect in the newspaper but it will affect readership.

What field(s) of study should you choose to become an News Reporter?

Journalism
Broadcasting
Communication
TESL
Political Science
Sociology

What are the requirements to be an News Reporter?

To be a Reporter, you will need at least a Bachelor’s Degree preferably in Journalism or Broadcasting. Obtaining experience in the media sector, be it in your school, in the editorial board or internship with a media company, will be a good foundation to start off your career as a reporter. Above all these qualifications are your willingness to travel and write. You must always be ready for any events or occurrences because you have to be there when it happens and produce content within tight deadlines.

What are the working hours of an News Reporter

A Reporter may work long hours with an unpredictable schedule. They have to go to wherever the news is, often involves lots of travelling in different environments. This job is perfect for those who cannot sit at a desk from 9am to 5pm.

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