foreign-correspondent/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — foreign correspondent

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 27-3023.00 (News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists).

Task statements

• [Core] Write commentaries, columns, or scripts, using computers.
• [Core] Coordinate and serve as an anchor on news broadcast programs.
• [Core] Examine news items of local, national, and international significance to determine topics to address, or obtain assignments from editorial staff members.
• [Core] Analyze and interpret news and information received from various sources to broadcast the information.
• [Core] Receive assignments or evaluate leads or tips to develop story ideas.
• [Core] Research a story's background information to provide complete and accurate information.
• [Core] Arrange interviews with people who can provide information about a story.
• [Core] Gather information and develop perspectives about news subjects through research, interviews, observation, and experience.
• [Core] Select material most pertinent to presentation, and organize this material into appropriate formats.
• [Core] Present news stories, and introduce in-depth videotaped segments or live transmissions from on-the-scene reporters.
• [Core] Establish and maintain relationships with individuals who are credible sources of information.
• [Core] Report news stories for publication or broadcast, describing the background and details of events.
• [Core] Revise work to meet editorial approval or to fit time or space requirements.
• [Core] Review and evaluate notes taken about news events to isolate pertinent facts and details.
• [Core] Investigate breaking news developments, such as disasters, crimes, or human-interest stories.
• [Core] Review written, audio, or video copy, and correct errors in content, grammar, or punctuation, following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines.
• [Core] Report on specialized fields such as medicine, green technology, environmental issues, science, politics, sports, arts, consumer affairs, business, religion, crime, or education.
• [Core] Determine a published or broadcasted story's emphasis, length, and format, organizing material accordingly.
• [Core] Transmit news stories or reporting information from remote locations, using equipment such as satellite phones, telephones, fax machines, or modems.
• [Core] Check reference materials, such as books, news files, or public records, to obtain relevant facts.
• [Core] Discuss issues with editors to establish priorities or positions.
• [Core] Photograph or videotape news events.
• [Core] Present live or recorded commentary via broadcast media.
• [Core] Take pictures or video, and process them for inclusion in a story.
• [Core] Conduct taped or filmed interviews or narratives.
• [Core] Develop ideas or material for columns or commentaries by analyzing and interpreting news, current issues, or personal experiences.
• [Core] Communicate with readers, viewers, advertisers, or the general public via mail, email, or telephone.
• [Core] Write online blog entries that address news developments or offer additional information, opinions, or commentary on news events.
• [Core] Assign stories to other reporters or duties to production staff.
• [Core] Write columns, editorials, commentaries, or reviews that interpret events or offer opinions.

Detailed work activities

• Analyze information obtained from news sources.
• Coordinate logistics for productions or events.
• Coordinate reporting or editing activities.
• Correspond with customers to answer questions or resolve complaints.
• Determine presentation subjects or content.
• Develop professional relationships or networks.
• Edit written materials.
• Gather information for news stories.
• Inform viewers, listeners, or audiences.
• Interview others for news or entertainment purposes.
• Monitor current trends.
• Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment.
• Operate still or video cameras or related equipment.
• Report news to the public.
• Write informational material.