beat reporter

A beat reporter focuses on reporting about a particular community and the issues facing that area and the individuals operating within it. Beat reporters may also focus on a particular subject matter like sports or community arts, developing connections within that industry and an understanding about how the industry operates. These reporters build trust with the people in the community, so people know they aren’t just going to report on a negative event or tragedy and leave. By staying in particular areas for coverage and reporting, these reporters developed sustained conversations, building trust and reliability among those in the community. It cultivates subject matter expertise as well by focusing on a particular project or area.