Who is a commentator or reporter or journalist and what do they do? The job of a commentator or reporter or journalist is to inform the public through the media about events in various areas and provide professional commentaries on these events. Some journalists may work on providing commentaries on events where the basic information which was acquired by another person, others send in reports directly from the scene, others provide their commentaries or reports verbally (on television, or radio), others by writing (in newspapers or magazines).
What are the activities of the commentator or reporter or journalist? Activities include – gathering up-to-date information on events at home or abroad, in politics, the economic sphere, culture, sports, social life, etc. according to the special interest of a particular editor, including direct visits to places where these events are happening, and carrying out interviews with people involved and eye-witnesses. Those involved in editing or sub-editing may spend more time, receiving reports from correspondents and other co-workers, – classifying, analyzing and processing the information sent in. Other tasks include providing commentaries on events for television or radio stations, broadcasting from recording studios or directly from the sites of the events, compiling commentaries on these events and, again, presenting them on television or radio broadcasting – commentaries on the course of important political events (e.g. parliamentary elections, important meetings of the Parliament or Government, or the convention of an important political party), sports matches, races and competitions, cultural and social events, etc.
Where is it done and under what conditions? The job is predominantly done in broadcasting studios and editorial offices, but sometimes also directly in the field – in meeting and congress halls, city streets, in the open air, in sport stadiums, and the sites of demonstrations. Changing weather conditions as well as various other inconveniences must be expected.
What tools/equipment do the commentator, reporter, journalist use? The main working tools are, tape recorder, microphone and usual office supplies including a PC or word processor, and, in particular, the spoken word.
What do you need to succeed? You need a university education and training in journalism, ability to use words, quick reactions and good judgement, ability to improvise, creative abilities, a concern for accuracy and precise detail, ability to deal with people, a cultivated appearance and manners.