Political Reporters
Overview
Introduction
Political reporters gather and analyze information about current events in government and politics and present them in an accessible style to inform the viewer or reader. Political reporters broadcast their reports on radio and television stations or publish them in newspapers and magazines. The reporter is supposed to provide objective observation about events that editors deem newsworthy, which differs from political columnists who generally express an opinion. Broadcast news analysts, reporters and correspondents hold ap...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
There are great variations in the earnings of reporters. Salaries are related to experience, the type of employer for which the reporter works, and geographic location. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median salary for broadcast news analysts was $66,880 in May 2018, with the lowest 10 percent earning $27,370 or less and the top 10 percent earning $200,180 or more. Reporters and ...
Work Environment
Political reporters work under a great deal of pressure in settings that differ from the typical business office. Their jobs generally require a five-day, 35- to 40-hour week, but overtime and irregular schedules are very common. Political reporters, especially those who are employed by 24-hour news networks, may work early in the morning or late in the evening to report breaking news stories.<...
Outlook
The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment growth for reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts will decline significantly through 2028. Advertising revenue is expected to decline in television, radio, and newspapers. Consolidation in the newspaper and publishing industries is expected to continue. Applicants will face strong competition for reporting positions in major ...