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What does a Journalist do?

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Talent.com talent.com
Answered June 14 2021
Career Expert at Talent.com
A Journalist investigates, researches, and reports on current news or interesting stories for these stories circulated in media. Several sub-branches of journalism, such as sports or cultural Journalists, focus on a single area. Other Journalists concentrate on topics that are broader in scope. It all depends on their employer and their personal preference. 

Journalists hold themselves to high standards of accuracy as their job is to inform the public of the truth. This means they research their stories thoroughly and go through extensive edits and fact-checks before the final piece goes to press. 

Depending on the nature of the story they’re working on, Journalists may need to travel for press conferences, research, or interviews. Other times Journalists work either from home or from an office. 

Since news can break at any time, Journalists may work odd hours. Monday-Friday 9-5 schedules are rare in the field, and many Journalists work either evenings or weekends; it all depends on their situation. 

Roles & Responsibilities of a Journalist
  • Conducting research on any given topic, its historical and cultural significance, or any other relevant detail that could serve the story’s purpose.
  • Attending press conferences and media events to get interviews and important information regarding specific news.
  • Gathering testimonies concerning a given issue or event. 
  • Studying and analyzing topics of current interest to prepare editorials and commentaries or conveying opinions.
  • Sourcing, shooting, writing, interviewing, and presenting information to audiences.
  • Selecting from various writing formats (e.g., columns, stories, or reviews) or audio-visual formats (e.g., live coverage or edited footage) to best suit each story.
  • Developing and maintaining a solid professional network.
  • Ensuring the accuracy and the authenticity of the content to be published by following all applicable Journalistic standards and practices. This includes follow-up and fact-checking. 
  • Staying up to date in current events to present stories that are relevant to their audience. 
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