You're looking at rising talent who need a few more years to cut their teeth before they go to the big time. Broadcasters eagerly pounce on regional news channel journalists when they're ready for bigger salaries and a higher profile. But when you work at a big station, you want people who already know the local market. The young journalists are versatile. They have to be.
Many channels use electronic gear that requires street reporters to juggle several chores.
Some services have writers who report from the scene and editors who shoot. One channel promoted a photographer to associate producer.