What is the difference between a journalist and a reporter?

In the UK, the terms journalist and reporter are often used interchangeably; however, they have distinct meanings that highlight different roles within the media industry.

What is a journalist?

A journalist is a broad term that refers to anyone who researches, writes, edits, or presents news and information for various media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, TV, radio, and online platforms. Journalists can specialise in different fields, such as politics, sports, entertainment, or investigative journalism. They are responsible for gathering information, verifying facts, and producing content that informs the public.

What is a reporter?

A reporter is a specific type of journalist who primarily focuses on reporting news from the field. Reporters are often assigned to cover stories, attend events, conduct interviews, and provide live or recorded updates. Their role is more immediate and directly involved in gathering news as it happens; for example, a reporter might cover a political event, a court case, or a breaking news incident, providing timely information to the audience.

If you want to pursue a journalism degree, providers such as schoolofjournalism.co.uk have courses to suit. Perseverance and building up work experience are also key to getting into the industry.

While all reporters are journalists, not all journalists are reporters

Some journalists work behind the scenes as editors, columnists, or feature writers, producing in-depth opinion pieces. While a journalist is a general term for anyone involved in news creation, a reporter is a journalist specialising in on-the-ground news gathering and reporting. Both play vital roles in ensuring the public stays informed.