But, as in any profession, there are good practitioners and bad practitioners. Most reporters are generalists who cover anything that is considered worthy of air time or newspaper space. Generally, they are not experts in a particular area. Beat reporters, however, are assigned routinely on a specific subject. After many years covering their beats, some develop a working knowledge in areas such as medicine, science, environmental issues, and business.
Reporters represent the public's right to know and they attempt to be as objective as they can.
However, the constant pressure to meet deadlines makes their job extremely difficult. Deadlines force reporters to prepare a story, whether or not they can present both sides. Radio reporters work under deadlines that are so tight, they can be writing a piece literally seconds before it goes on the air. During a radio interview, try to sum up your point into succinct sentences. Relax and talk as you would in any normal conversation.