Political Reporters

Employers

News analysts, reporters and correspondents hold approximately 49,800 jobs in the United States. Newspapers, magazines, book publishers, and wire services employ the majority of political reporters. A small percentage of reporters, news analysts, and correspondents are self-employed, working as freelancers or stringers.

Four major television networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX) offer daily news coverage of events of national interest; there are also cable channels (such as CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News) that provide around-the-clock news information. With bureaus in Washington, D.C., New York, London, and other cities, the networks and cable channels provide job opportunities for many political reporters. These positions are highly competitive, however; most broadcast reporters work in cities all across the country for network affiliates, local cable news channels, or radio news stations.

Starting Out

Experienced political reporters are in demand throughout the country, although large markets employ the highest number of political reporters. Positions are usually advertised in the local newspapers, or on the job lines of broadcast stations. You may have to submit recordings of your work along with a resume; you should also be persistent in getting your work reviewed for consideration. By doing an online search of broadcasting job listings, you're likely to locate a number of Web sites with descriptions of available positions. You can also find positions in this field through your college's career services office.