RESPONSIBILITIES OF A REPORTER

NIRVANIKA SINGH

Legendary journalist and media mogul Walter Lippmann has famously stated, “The duty of a journalist is to give the facts as he sees them. The public will judge; it is for the jury to do that. But first, the journalist must provide the evidence.” Lippmann’s words underscore the journalist’s responsibility to present information objectively and allow the audience to make informed judgments.

The responsibilities of a reporter, are mostly along these lines and encompass a wide array of tasks essential for the gathering, verification, and presentation of news and information to the public. First and foremost, a reporter is responsible for research and investigation. Reporters must conduct thorough research and investigation to gather accurate and relevant information on various topics, events, or issues of public interest. This may involve reviewing documents, interviewing sources, attending events, and analyzing data. Furthermore, it is the duty of reporters to verify the authenticity and accuracy of the information they gather before disseminating it to the public. This involves cross-referencing sources, confirming details, and ensuring the reliability of the information presented in their reports. Apart from this, Reporters often conduct interviews with a diverse range of individuals, including experts, eyewitnesses, officials, and community members, to gather firsthand accounts and insights on different subjects. Effective interviewing skills are crucial for obtaining valuable information and perspectives. Reporters are also responsible for writing and reporting. They craft news stories, articles, and reports based on the information they have gathered through research and interviews. Reporters are expected to uphold ethical standards and principles of journalism, including accuracy, fairness, impartiality, and transparency. Being a reporter also means having great time management and organisational skills as a major part of this role is managing tight deadlines. Thus, overall, the responsibilities of a reporter are rooted in the principles of truth-telling, accountability, and public service, aiming to inform, educate, and empower individuals within society.