20 tasks, each one witnessed by the sources that watched the job — and behind every one, a prompt you can use tonight.
You might start by scanning emails in Microsoft Outlook, social feeds, and press releases for tips. Morning tasks often include researching story background, scheduling interviews, and writing short online items or scripts for broadcast.
Afternoon can mean on-location reporting, photographing or videotaping an event, transcribing interviews, then returning to the newsroom to edit copy in Microsoft Word or online CMS, coordinate with editors, and update stories as new facts appear.
Learn Microsoft Office: Word for writing, Excel for tracking contacts or budgets, PowerPoint for pitches, and Outlook for email/calendar. Newsrooms expect those skills.
Also know basic HTML to post or edit online articles and how to use a simple video/photo workflow — recording, transferring files, and basic editing. Naming files clearly and sending them from remote locations is a daily need.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 39,250 people were employed as reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts in 2025. The median pay was $62,200 per year.
BLS also lists the lowest tenth at $36,240 and the top tenth at $144,140. Pay varies by outlet, market size, and whether you do both writing and broadcast work.
An entertainment reporter focuses on newsworthy events: premieres, industry developments, and verified interviews. Tasks include researching background, coordinating with editors, and updating stories as facts change.
A features writer often produces longer, timeless pieces. A gossip blogger may rely on rumor; reputable entertainment reporters must verify sources, transcribe interviews, and follow newsroom standards for accuracy and style.
You can use AI for brainstorming angles, summarizing background research, or cleaning notes, but you must verify every factual claim with primary sources and cite real interviews or documents. Editors expect human verification.
Never rely on AI to invent quotes, transcribe interviews without checking, or replace interviews. Use AI to speed tasks like draft formatting in Word or generating a basic HTML snippet, then edit and confirm accuracy.