What Is a Correspondent?
Correspondents present information to the public about significant events and current issues on the local, state, national, or international level. They are often stationed in remote locations and contribute reports to publications such as newspapers and magazines or through broadcasts like television and radio.
Correspondents gather information for their reports by conducting research, interviewing sources, and observing events. They then put the information together and present it to the public in articles, broadcasts, live interviews, or news release. Unlike journalists, who are supposed to remain objective, correspondents provide extensive context to the news and may present information from their own perspective or personal opinion.
There are several different types of correspondents and although they generally have the same responsibilities, their locations differ. A news correspondent reports on important stories that are taking place where they are stationed, usually in another U.S. city. Foreign correspondents are stationed in and report news about foreign countries. War correspondents travel with the military and cover stories from war zones.
How to Become a Correspondent
To become a correspondent, one generally needs a degree in a communications-related field like journalism, mass communications, or broadcasting. These majors generally focus on developing writing, research, and presentation skills through courses like reporting, broadcast news writing, media law and ethics, copyediting and design, and mass media and society.
Typically, they also emphasize a liberal arts education so students can develop a broad knowledge of areas like humanities, social sciences, and the arts. Those who wish to be a correspondent in a specialty area may want to take courses in related subjects like economics, political science, or business. Given that correspondents are usually reporting from remote locations, an adequate knowledge of technology and computer software is also essential.
Along with academic qualifications, it’s also important to have gained practical experience through a communications-related internship or part-time job. This shows employers that you have seen what it takes to adequately deliver information about the world and developed the skills and abilities necessary to handle this unpredictable occupation.
Correspondent Career Outlook & Salary
Those who are interested in becoming correspondents should be ready to compete for jobs, as the chances for employment are decreasing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this field is projected to decline by 6% within the next decade. This is due to the convergence of broadcast and publishing industries and the effects a poor economy has on advertising revenues.
The good news is that employment may eventually begin to increase as the use of social media in communications continues to rise in popularity and business environments become more globally competitive. The Bureau reported that the median annual wages of reporters and correspondents was $34,850 in May 2008.
While the job market is competitive, those who have a solid knowledge of new media and an educational background in journalism as well as an additional subject like politics or economics will have the best opportunities for employment.
