A reporter is one engaged in the work of gathering information about significant events, writing, editing, publishing, or broadcasting them through a medium. Most of the attributes of a successful or good reporter are acquired not inherited. Most reporters hold a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Those that cover particular subject-matter, stories such as finance or political science may have an educational background in related fields. The best qualifications for a reporter apart from the desire and ability to write are insatiable curiosity, a flexible and social personality, a nature that relishes variety of experience, a temperament to work under the pressure of deadlines (time-bound pressures), and a tolerance that permits objective observations of people and events.

A good reporter also needs ambition, drive, determination and very importantly, self-discipline. One who lacks a strong love for, and a broad knowledge of the English Language is foolhardy to consider a career as a reporter. A reporter must have the desire to express himself in words; and urge to put words on paper as this is part of his nature. Beyond this desire, the successful reporter must have an aggressive inquiring mind lest he will be of little benefit to his medium. In view of the demands occasioned by the changing trends in technology, politics, science, foreign (international) relations, economics, and other fields, education is very important for a reporter. He needs to have deep-rooted knowledge on these issues through formal and journalistic training.

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