News Analysts, Reporters and Correspondents

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Report news stories for publication or broadcast, describing the background and details of events.96
Gather information and develop perspectives about news subjects through research, interviews, observation, and experience.95
Research a story's background information to provide complete and accurate information.93
Arrange interviews with people who can provide information about a story.92
Establish and maintain relationships with individuals who are credible sources of information.91
Investigate breaking news developments, such as disasters, crimes, or human-interest stories.88
Select material most pertinent to presentation, and organize this material into appropriate formats.88
Report on specialized fields such as medicine, green technology, environmental issues, science, politics, sports, arts, consumer affairs, business, religion, crime, or education.87
Review and evaluate notes taken about news events to isolate pertinent facts and details.87
Receive assignments or evaluate leads or tips to develop story ideas.85
Check reference materials, such as books, news files, or public records, to obtain relevant facts.85
Determine a published or broadcasted story's emphasis, length, and format, organizing material accordingly.85

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Examine news items of local, national, and international significance to determine topics to address, or obtain assignments from editorial staff members.85
Take pictures or video, and process them for inclusion in a story.85
Review written, audio, or video copy, and correct errors in content, grammar, or punctuation, following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines.85
Write commentaries, columns, or scripts, using computers.85
Analyze and interpret news and information received from various sources to broadcast the information.84
Conduct taped or filmed interviews or narratives.83
Revise work to meet editorial approval or to fit time or space requirements.82
Present live or recorded commentary via broadcast media.81
Develop ideas or material for columns or commentaries by analyzing and interpreting news, current issues, or personal experiences.80
Transmit news stories or reporting information from remote locations, using equipment such as satellite phones, telephones, fax machines, or modems.80
Discuss issues with editors to establish priorities or positions.79
Communicate with readers, viewers, advertisers, or the general public via mail, email, or telephone.79
Photograph or videotape news events.79
Coordinate and serve as an anchor on news broadcast programs.77
Write online blog entries that address news developments or offer additional information, opinions, or commentary on news events.75
Present news stories, and introduce in-depth videotaped segments or live transmissions from on-the-scene reporters.74
Write columns, editorials, commentaries, or reviews that interpret events or offer opinions.69
Assign stories to other reporters or duties to production staff.68

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening88
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension85
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking81
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking78
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Writing75
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning69
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Social Perceptiveness69
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Time Management66
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Complex Problem Solving60
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Coordination60
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Judgment and Decision Making56
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Monitoring56
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

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Persuasion56
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Service Orientation47
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Negotiation44
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Learning Strategies38
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Management of Personnel Resources38
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Systems Analysis38
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation38
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Instructing35
Teaching others how to do something.
Mathematics22
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Operations Monitoring19
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Programming19
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Quality Control Analysis19
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Management of Financial Resources16
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources16
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operation and Control16
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Technology Design16
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Operations Analysis10
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Equipment Selection3
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Science3
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting0
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

English Language94
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Communications and Media93
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Computers and Electronics65
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Telecommunications53
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Customer and Personal Service52
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Law and Government43
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Geography38
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Administration and Management34
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Mathematics34
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Public Safety and Security34
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Education and Training32
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
History and Archeology32
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

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Transportation32
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Administrative31
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Fine Arts31
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Sales and Marketing31
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Design29
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Sociology and Anthropology29
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Economics and Accounting27
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Production and Processing25
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Engineering and Technology23
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Philosophy and Theology21
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Personnel and Human Resources20
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Food Production19
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Foreign Language19
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Therapy and Counseling17
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Medicine and Dentistry16
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Mechanical15
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Psychology15
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Biology14
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Building and Construction14
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Physics13
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Chemistry12
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Written Comprehension88
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression88
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Oral Comprehension85
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression85
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Deductive Reasoning78
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning78
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Speech Clarity75
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Information Ordering69
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Speech Recognition69
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Near Vision66
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Originality66
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Problem Sensitivity66
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

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Fluency of Ideas63
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Category Flexibility56
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Flexibility of Closure53
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Perceptual Speed47
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Speed of Closure47
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Far Vision44
The ability to see details at a distance.
Memorization44
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Visualization41
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Auditory Attention35
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Time Sharing35
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Visual Color Discrimination28
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Arm-Hand Steadiness25
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Hearing Sensitivity25
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Trunk Strength25
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Mathematical Reasoning22
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility22
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Control Precision19
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Depth Perception19
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Finger Dexterity19
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Manual Dexterity19
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Night Vision19
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Spatial Orientation19
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Wrist-Finger Speed19
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Glare Sensitivity16
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Multilimb Coordination16
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Peripheral Vision16
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control16
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time16
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation16
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Sound Localization13
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Gross Body Coordination10
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Speed of Limb Movement3
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Dynamic Strength0
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Extent Flexibility0
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Getting Information96
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Processing Information92
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization91
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events88
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Working with Computers87
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Thinking Creatively86
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Analyzing Data or Information85
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Documenting/Recording Information85
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships85
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others85
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates84
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work84
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge82
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public81
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems68
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Scheduling Work and Activities64
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings62
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards58
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People51
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Developing Objectives and Strategies49
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others49
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information46
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment42
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Assisting and Caring for Others41
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Training and Teaching Others41
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others40
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Developing and Building Teams39
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Performing Administrative Activities38
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others37
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Controlling Machines and Processes36
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Coaching and Developing Others32
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Selling or Influencing Others32
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials30
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates28
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment26
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Performing General Physical Activities25
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Handling and Moving Objects24
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment23
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources21
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment19
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Staffing Organizational Units19
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Integrity84
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Intellectual Curiosity76
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Adaptability75
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Social Orientation75
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Dependability73
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Achievement Orientation68
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Initiative68
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Innovation67
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Attention to Detail66
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Self-Confidence66
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Stress Tolerance66
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Perseverance65
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

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Tolerance for Ambiguity61
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Self-Control58
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Sincerity39
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Empathy38
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Leadership Orientation37
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Cooperation25
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Optimism25
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Cautiousness0
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Artistic68
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Investigative53
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Enterprising49
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Conventional44
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Social30
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Realistic8
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important89%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day89%
E-Mail
- Every day84%
Time Pressure
- Every day75%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others68%
- Contact with others most of the time24%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom71%
- Some freedom15%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day76%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom59%
- Some freedom34%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day49%
- Once a week or more but not every day33%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important58%
- Very important20%
- Fairly important14%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually37%
- More than half the time29%
- About half the time33%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important49%
- Very important22%
- Fairly important16%

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Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day45%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results16%
- Important results49%
- Moderate results20%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important30%
- Very important27%
- Important20%
- Fairly important18%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive30%
- Highly competitive24%
- Moderately competitive27%
- Slightly competitive14%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours46%
- 40 hours36%
- Less than 40 hours18%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day33%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Never35%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important15%
- Very important20%
- Important25%
- Fairly important21%
- Not important at all17%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually30%
- More than half the time11%
- Less than half the time16%
- Never32%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week36%
- Once a year or more but not every month34%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)27%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)35%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)32%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day25%
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Once a year or more but not every month33%
- Never16%
Public Speaking
- Every day18%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month33%
- Never20%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day29%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Once a year or more but not every month47%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day17%
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never30%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week31%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never32%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility14%
- Moderate responsibility24%
- Limited responsibility36%
- No responsibility23%
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time44%
- Less than half the time51%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
- Once a year or more but not every month43%
- Never19%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
- Once a year or more but not every month41%
- Never21%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated12%
- Moderately automated33%
- Slightly automated17%
- Not at all automated38%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility14%
- Limited responsibility23%
- No responsibility47%
Consequence of Error
- Serious27%
- Fairly serious17%
- Not serious at all46%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a month or more but not every week27%
- Once a year or more but not every month41%
- Never30%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- About half the time19%
- Less than half the time40%
- Never34%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time77%
- Never16%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month34%
- Never58%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)30%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)70%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month49%
- Never51%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month38%
- Never62%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Never77%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time24%
- Never69%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never82%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
- Never71%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
- Never74%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all90%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time23%
- Never77%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never85%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time20%
- Never80%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never79%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never88%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never93%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never93%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Never91%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never97%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Bachelor’s degree
High school diploma or equivalent
Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Video creation and editing software
Adobe After Effects, Apple Final Cut Pro, Grass Valley EDIUS, YouTube
Data base user interface and query software
FileMaker Pro, Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, Statistics databases
Web page creation and editing software
Facebook, Social media sites, Web content management system CMS software, WordPress
Analytical or scientific software
IBM SPSS Statistics, Nielsen Arianna, Nielsen Marketbreaks, Statistical analysis software
Desktop publishing software
Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Publisher, QuarkXPress
Instant messaging software
Snapchat, Twitter
Music or sound editing software
Audion Laboratories VoxPro, Avid Technology Pro Tools
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Geographic information system
ESRI ArcView
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Object oriented data base management software
Microsoft Visual FoxPro
Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Photoshop
Facilities management software
RCS NexGen Digital
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Map creation software
Mapping software
Project management software
Desktop Technologies NewsBoss
Web platform development software
Hypertext markup language HTML
Information retrieval or search software
LexisNexis

Professional Associations

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Report news to the public.
Gather information for news stories.
Coordinate logistics for productions or events.
Develop professional relationships or networks.
Determine presentation subjects or content.
Analyze information obtained from news sources.
Write informational material.
Edit written materials.
Operate still or video cameras or related equipment.
Interview others for news or entertainment purposes.
Inform viewers, listeners, or audiences.
Monitor current trends.

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Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment.
Coordinate reporting or editing activities.
Correspond with customers to answer questions or resolve complaints.

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology