What does a video journalist do?
Video journalists make videos conveying the news and factual stories for the audiences. Their day-to-day duties may vary but typically include editing, researching, and reporting, developing and planning live or taped video segments, and compiling data from various sources. In addition, a video journalist is responsible for verifying facts, interviewing subjects, and cultivating relationships and sources. Other duties that a video journalist might perform include on-the-spot reporting, anchoring a newscast, and producing content, and taking photos.
Video journalist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real video journalist resumes:
- Create, update and manage digital online web content for each client and their respective YouTube channels.
- Set up and run live shots on ENG live truck.
- Use nonlinear digital editing systems to edit clips.
- Maintain and operate ENG live trucks as needed for live news events.
- Construct and edit web-published multimedia pieces that are featured on the university's athletic programs.
- Direct live HD newscasts across multiple channels.
- Facilitate complex photo projects for editorial staff.
- Create documentaries about individuals facing challenges.
Video journalist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 16% of Video Journalists are proficient in Story Development, Adobe Premiere, and Video Content. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Computer skills, and Creativity.
We break down the percentage of Video Journalists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Story Development, 16%
Managed story development including collecting information, conducting interviews, and selecting photos.
- Adobe Premiere, 14%
Trained new editors to use Adobe Premiere video editing platform.
- Video Content, 9%
Stepped in as Chief Editor, when required, supervising the editing and preparation all video content for the evening newscasts.
- News Coverage, 7%
Reported news coverage on business developments in the community.
- Edit Video, 4%
Attended events, conducted interviews, shot and edit video, and wrote copy for three TV segments a week.
- Video Production, 4%
Highlight: Managed video productions with budgets of $3,000-$300,000.
"story development," "adobe premiere," and "video content" are among the most common skills that video journalists use at work. You can find even more video journalist responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. One of the key soft skills for a video journalist to have is communication skills. You can see how this relates to what video journalists do because "reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts must be able to report the news." Additionally, a video journalist resume shows how video journalists use communication skills: "write press releases or other media communications to promote clients. "
Computer skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling video journalist duties is computer skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "journalists should be able to use editing equipment and other broadcast-related devices." According to a video journalist resume, here's how video journalists can utilize computer skills in their job responsibilities: "edited videotape on avid news-cutter with apple computers, for news stories. "
The three companies that hire the most video journalists are:
- Dow Jones8 video journalists jobs
- The New York Times Company4 video journalists jobs
- NBCUniversal3 video journalists jobs
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Video journalist vs. Photographer
A photographer is an individual who focuses on the art of taking images with the use of a digital or traditional film camera. They are knowledgeable in the proper utilization and care of high-end cameras. They generally work as a freelancer and often hired to capture memories of unique clients. Some are also in exclusive partnerships with event-related industries in such settings as weddings, graduation, corporate events, and even commercial shoots. Apart from taking pictures, they also may be required to edit and prepare photographs to submit to clients or for publication.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between video journalists and photographer. For instance, video journalist responsibilities require skills such as "story development," "adobe premiere," "video content," and "news coverage." Whereas a photographer is skilled in "customer service," "excellent time management," "photographic equipment," and "professional demeanor." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Photographers earn the highest salaries when working in the professional industry, with an average yearly salary of $35,564. On the other hand, video journalists are paid more in the media industry with an average salary of $81,579.photographers tend to reach similar levels of education than video journalists. In fact, photographers are 2.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Video journalist vs. Photographer, editor
A Photographer, Editor selects, edits, and positions photos in print and web publications. They work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or other publications.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, video journalist responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "story development," "news coverage," "shoot video," and "conduct interviews." Meanwhile, a photographer, editor has duties that require skills in areas such as "digital photography," "news stories," "vo," and "color correction." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, photographers, editor earn a lower salary than video journalists. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, photographers, editor earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $55,183. Whereas video journalists have higher pay in the media industry, with an average salary of $81,579.photographers, editor earn similar levels of education than video journalists in general. They're 1.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for video journalists in the next 3-5 years?
Associate Professor of Journalism; Director of Internship Program, Rider University
Video journalist vs. Assistant producer
In the entertainment industry, an assistant producer is in charge of overseeing production operations and coordinating staff, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. They typically manage the schedules and hiring procedures, write and edit production materials, arrange meetings with internal and external parties, procure supplies, and develop strategies to optimize production operations. They may also perform clerical tasks such as preparing and processing documentation, obtaining permits, and even disseminating information. Furthermore, an assistant producer may also participate in establishing policies and regulations for a safe and efficient work environment.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from video journalist resumes include skills like "story development," "adobe premiere," "news coverage," and "edit video," whereas an assistant producer is more likely to list skills in "web content," "audio clips," "production schedules," and "qa. "
Most assistant producers achieve a similar degree level compared to video journalists. For example, they're 1.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Video journalist vs. Freelance producer
The responsibilities of a freelance producer are so broad that they can be tricky to define. Broadly, a freelance producer is responsible for finding, launching, and completing a project. They primarily handle logistics pertaining to the creation of various pieces of content. This content may include television shows, advertisements, or audio/video presentations. They also manage finances, keep the production within the allocated budget, and hire all key staff, crew members, and post-production teams. They may also have to scout for shoot locations.
Types of video journalist
Updated January 8, 2025











