# Tasks & work activities — journalist

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 27-3023.00 (News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists) — manual nearest-occupation mapping via ISCO group 2642; the official ESCO crosswalk has no entry for this ESCO occupation.

## 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.