Qualities or Values of a Reporter

There are certain qualities that make a reporter good at his/her job. Some of them are:

1. Accuracy

Accuracy is very important for a reporter. A reporter must obtain credible and precise information. Carelessness in newsgathering may result in an inaccurate and unreal news story.

2. Clarity

A reporter must attain clearness in expressing a news item. Transparency, continuity, and simplicity are the basic elements that make a news story clear and consumable.

3. Objectivity

A reporter should not be biased, in order to achieve balance in the news report. A reporter must be objective while reporting news, by accepting all different views on the report. Personal biases and one sided views may curb the truthfulness of the news story.

4. Nose for news

It is the basic quality of a reporter to find a news item. A nose for news or news sense refers to the eagerness and interest in searching for news. It helps the reporter to distinguish between news items from non – news items. A reporter should compare various news values and find the relevance of the news item.

5. Awareness

A reporter should be aware of the recent happenings and trending events. He/she should be alert and prepared all the time. This will help in finding exclusive news stories. Awareness of a subject will lead to finding major news stories on various events.

6. Punctuality

Punctuality is an important quality for a reporter. Being late to an event or meeting will cost heavily for a reporter. If a reporter is late, then he/she will have to depend on other sources for the news. Still, there are chances of missing an important piece of information on the event.

7. Speed

News reporting is a rat race. A slow reporter can never sustain in the industry. A reporter must think fast and act fast. If they are not fast enough to deliver information on time, some others will take their place. The news industry is crucial time bounded and works on deadlines. A reporter may lose his/her job only for being slow and not completing their assignments on time.

8. Curiosity

A good reporter must be curious about news items. The curiosity of the reporter will lead to truthful information and facts.

9. Doubtfulness

A reporter should be doubtful about every information and statements they receive. He/she must be sceptic while dealing with subjects and sources. Not all information will be truthful and credible.

So a reporter should verify all the statements and information from other sources before adding it to the news story. Rechecking the information will help to omit false and intentional elements.

10. Honesty

Honesty and integrity are the important ethical values that a reporter must adhere to. Every journalist must follow a code of ethics and be honest to it. A reporter may be exposed to various kinds of temptations by people with vested interests. A dishonest reporter may fall into the hands of corruption and bias.

11. Creating a social circle

A social circle is the group of people a reporter keeps contacts with. A reporter should build widespread contacts in various sections of the society. Maintaining such social circles will help in news gathering.

12. Perception

While reporting an event or happenings the reporter should observe the facts and information carefully and find the inner meanings in it. Good perception will lead to good understating of the event.

13. Courage

A courageous reporter won’t hesitate to go to any extent to find the news. Only a courageous reporter could ask repulsive questions to politicians and higher officials. Reporting styles like sting operations and investigative journalism demand fearlessness and courage for fulfilling the task.

14. Diplomacy and image building

A reporter should be diplomatic and careful to handle sensitive situations and subjects. A flexible and thoughtful reporter could build a good image in the industry.