Yogita Kumari Mishra
Reporters gather news and information through multiple sources, verify the source for reliability and the information for accuracy, create a report and submit it to an editor or producer. They obtain information from their contacts, through personal interviews, press conferences and from other news agencies. They travel to relevant locations and verify information about events from official sources like police, public relations officials and government agents.
A media house can hold a reporter accountable for the information and reports they deliver. A media house may issue a corrigendum or retraction if they publish or broadcast false reports. Apart from sending accurate reports, reporters also have other responsibilities, including:
Taking responsibility for the information they share
When a reporter submits an article to their editor or anchor, the responsibility is on the reporter to verify background information. If they report a crime, they talk to police officials and witnesses before writing a story. A reporter also has to fit the report within the word count and finish preparation within a timeframe that an editor or producer may stipulate. If a reporter’s story could be sensitive, they may talk to an in-house legal team to check if they can publish it.
Performing investigative reporting
Editors assign important issues that concern the public, like corruption, to one or more reporters depending on the magnitude of the issue. The primary responsibility of investigating all facets of the issue lies with the reporter. Reporters talk to many people who may help them in recording evidence to support their stories. Media companies may not publish stories if reporters cannot support them with adequate evidence. Some reporters may also work with people or organisations as undercover reporters to get crucial evidence for their stories.
Complying with legal and regulatory parameters
Organisations train and instruct reporters to follow legitimate procedures to obtain information for a story. If they are recording an interview, doing it without a person’s consent could be illegal. It’s essential for reporters to remember the privacy and the rights of individuals and institutions of which they write.
Addressing ethical responsibilities
Reporters constantly travel and investigate newsworthy items. They typically perform unbiased reporting, presenting the perspectives of all concerned parties. Obtaining information through ethical practices is very important to a reporter’s work. Reporters usually avoid obtaining information through coercion, blackmail or bribery.
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