Political Reporters

Political reporters may advance by moving to larger radio or television markets, but competition for such positions is keen. Many highly qualified political reporters apply for these jobs every year.

Within a local TV or radio station, a reporter may eventually move on to another area of broadcasting, such as directing or producing a newscast. Reporters also become anchors, who are better paid and more prominent in the newscast. Many more people are employed in broadcasting and newspaper sales, promotion, and planning than are employed in reporting and anchoring.

A select number of political reporters eventually become columnists, correspondents, editorial writers, authors, editors, or top executives. These important and influential positions represent the top of the field, and competition for them is strong.