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Political reporter vs reporter

The differences between political reporters and reporters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a political reporter and a reporter. Additionally, a political reporter has an average salary of $60,535, which is higher than the $46,667 average annual salary of a reporter.

The top three skills for a political reporter include facebook, news stories and state politics. The most important skills for a reporter are news stories, digital marketing, and facebook.

Political reporter vs reporter overview

Political ReporterReporter
Yearly salary$60,535$46,667
Hourly rate$29.10$22.44
Growth rate-10%-10%
Number of jobs10,67711,179
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

What does a political reporter do?

Political reporters must have knowledge of media production, communication skills, strong attention to detail, the ability to accept criticism, the ability to work well under pressure, and strong ambition. In addition, those seeking this career must have a bachelor's degree in journalism or communication. Political reporters provide voters with information to formulate their own opinions on community, local, or national matters.

What does a reporter do?

In journalism, a reporter is responsible for relaying truthful and reliable information to the public audience through various mediums such as print and media. A reporter must ensure to gather necessary and factual data that are supported by interviews and comments of those involved, remain unbiased in all aspects, produce a concise and comprehensive informational material within an allotted time, and efficiently coordinate with every staff. Furthermore, a reporter must remain professional at all times and adhere to the policies and regulations set by the company or network.

Political reporter vs reporter salary

Political reporters and reporters have different pay scales, as shown below.

Political ReporterReporter
Average salary$60,535$46,667
Salary rangeBetween $38,000 And $95,000Between $29,000 And $73,000
Highest paying City-Washington, DC
Highest paying state-New Jersey
Best paying company-Citi
Best paying industry-Media

Differences between political reporter and reporter education

There are a few differences between a political reporter and a reporter in terms of educational background:

Political ReporterReporter
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Most common majorJournalismJournalism
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Political reporter vs reporter demographics

Here are the differences between political reporters' and reporters' demographics:

Political ReporterReporter
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 56.8% Female, 43.2%Male, 44.8% Female, 55.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.4% Asian, 9.4% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 9.7% White, 66.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between political reporter and reporter duties and responsibilities

Political reporter example responsibilities.

  • Report to managing editor as member of editorial staff, contribute to newspaper editorials.
  • Cooperate with metro reporters, graphic designers, and photojournalist to produce daily-base newspaper.
  • Interview up and coming Latino artists which generate significant increase in readership.

Reporter example responsibilities.

  • Report to managing editor as member of editorial staff, contribute to newspaper editorials.
  • Edit and revise press releases and submissions; proofread large amount of copy.
  • Use social media (i.e Twitter, Facebook) to relay 'trouble-spots' to local drivers.
  • Cover NFL, MLB, NBA, NASCAR and general sports news events for as Dallas-based free-lance reporter.
  • Report and write for metro, arts, lifestyle, real estate, and regional sections of major daily newspaper.
  • Cover local government, environmental issues and write features in addition to photography and pagination for twice-weekly newspaper.
  • Show more

Political reporter vs reporter skills

Common political reporter skills
  • Facebook, 17%
  • News Stories, 13%
  • State Politics, 8%
  • State Government, 7%
  • Presidential Election, 7%
  • Political News, 6%
Common reporter skills
  • News Stories, 12%
  • Digital Marketing, 10%
  • Facebook, 6%
  • Twitter, 6%
  • Photography, 5%
  • Feature Stories, 4%

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