what it takes to be a good reporter

BBC Chief Correspondent for Somerset, Clinton Rogers, last week gave his view on what it takes to be a good reporter, saying that “you don’t need to be a good writer”.

He told of how above all the necessary skills, good writing wasn’t essential, as these days it has become “so formulaic”.

Mr Rogers, 52, who left school at fifteen with no qualifications, told of how good reporting is all about your personal qualities, “enthusiasm more than anything”, and “round the clock commitment” are vital skills.

This year alone Mr Rogers has missed two of his four childrens’ birthdays due to his job, and he stressed that everyone needs to be aware of these responsibilities when wanting to be a reporter, or at least a good one.

It’s dedication like this that has earned Mr Rogers a salary in excess of £35,000 a year – the average for a BBC correspondent.

Along with the obvious quality of being able to talk to people, Clinton explained how it is fundamental for a good reporter to understand the different ways of talking to a variety of people.

The BBC reporter, who has a monthly newspaper bill of £35, gave me an example of how one day he was interviewing at a convention of gypsies, and the next was spent questioning the Prince of Wales.

It became apparent that Mr Rogers does not feel that an academic background is at all necessary, and when talking about recruiting young reporters he said “it’s taken for granted these days, everyone’s got a degree. I don’t even look at the qualifications section on anyone’s CV”.

Words that are rather sickening for any students across the country.

Mr Rogers, after speaking of how he ‘loved his job’, joked as his wife brought him a cup of tea during the interview: “And don’t forget, you need a very supportive wife or girlfriend as well you know.”