The main objective for a TV news reporter is to deliver stories that are of interest to the show's viewers. TV news reporter jobs are extremely competitive; the reporters who understand how to present relevant stories that interest and inform viewers have the best chance of getting hired. TV news reporters find and investigate news in their community as well as write and deliver compelling news stories.

Some TV news reporters specialize in stories on a certain topic such as crime or politics. A TV news reporter may also specialize in human interest pieces that are used to fill in spots in the program when there isn’t other local news to report. A human interest story could be anything involving people in the community, such as tenants fighting eviction by a landlord who wants to renovate the building and increase rents. Television news reporters also report on local events, such as fairs and festivals. Some TV news reporters are correspondents who cover worldwide events, such as the Olympic Games.

A TV news reporter often spends a lot of time getting ideas for stories. Investigating community happenings and interviewing people is something that most television news reports do almost daily. People who hope to become TV news reporters must have excellent communication skills in dealing with people. Good listening skills and getting accurate information are also important.

Television news reporters must always meet deadlines when creating a written presentation to read on the air. Some TV news reporters work with other journalists to prepare and present television stories to viewers. A TV reporter must always be sure his or her stories meet broadcast regulations as well as standards set by each news channel.

Television news reporters must always maintain professional journalistic standards by presenting stories with honesty and integrity. A TV news reporter who reports live must be able to work well under pressure and chaos. For example, reporters at the scene of a fire must speak loudly over wailing sirens and interview people who are likely to be panicky or upset. TV news reporters communicate with many people from children at a school fundraiser to celebrities or high-ranking political figures.