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What does a video journalist do?

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read
Quoted expert
Aaron Moore Ph.D.

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.

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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. "

See the full list of video journalist skills

The three companies that hire the most video journalists are:

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Compare different video journalists

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.

If we compare the average video journalist annual salary with that of a photographer, we find that photographers typically earn a $34,312 lower salary than video journalists make annually.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between video journalists and photographers are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like camera equipment, facebook, and adobe photoshop.

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.

A career as a photographer, editor brings a lower average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a video journalist. In fact, photographers, editor salary is $17,149 lower than the salary of video journalists per year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both video journalists and photographers, editor have skills such as "adobe premiere," "video content," and "edit video. "

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?

Aaron Moore Ph.D.Aaron Moore Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor of Journalism; Director of Internship Program, Rider University

Any journalist must be adept and have strong digital editing skills. There are many platforms like Final Cut, for example - the platform doesn't matter - the ability of digital editing is a must.

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.

An average assistant producer eans a lower salary compared to the average salary of video journalists. The difference in salaries amounts to assistant producers earning a $23,049 lower average salary than video journalists.video journalists and assistant producers both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "video content," "video production," and "documentaries," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

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.

Freelance producers typically earn lower pay than video journalists. On average, freelance producers earn a $6,062 lower salary per year.While their salaries may vary, video journalists and freelance producers both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "story development," "adobe premiere," and "video content. "Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A video journalist uses "news coverage," "edit video," "shoot video," and "sony." Freelance producers are more likely to have duties that require skills in "music videos," "news stories," "live events," and "photography. "freelance producers reach similar levels of education compared to video journalists, in general. The difference is that they're 3.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of video journalist

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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