They are under pressure to meet deadlines and many work under trying conditions. In the office, for example, they often must content with loud conversation and the confusion of people constantly on the go. When reporting from the scene, radio and television reporters may be distracted by curious onlookers, police, or other emergency workers. Some assignments covering wars, political uprisings, fires, floods, and other events may be dangerous. Working hours vary by type of employer.
Reporters working for morning papers usually work from late afternoon until midnight.
Those on afternoon or evening papers generally work from early morning until early or midafternoon. Radio and television reporters generally are assigned to a day or evening shift so that the news can be covered whenever it happens. Although magazine reporters often can schedule their work during the day, all reporters may have to change their work hours to meet a deadline or to update an earlier report because of late-breaking developments. Their work may demand long hours, irregular schedules, and some travel. Foreign correspondents often work late at night to send news to their papers in time for printing deadlines.