Desk Reporter Onboarding Checklist

Desk Reporter Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Desk Reporter starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Journalism onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Desk Reporter, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Desk Reporter onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Desk Reporter Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to the company: The desk reporter should be provided with a comprehensive introduction to the company, including its history, mission, values, and organizational structure. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated onboarding specialist.

2. Familiarization with company policies and procedures: The desk reporter should be given a thorough overview of the company’s policies and procedures, including those related to ethics, confidentiality, social media usage, and journalistic standards. This task is usually conducted by the HR department or a senior editor.

3. Introduction to the newsroom: The desk reporter should be introduced to the newsroom environment, including the layout, equipment, and resources available. They should also be provided with an overview of the newsroom’s workflow, editorial processes, and collaboration tools. This task is typically performed by a senior editor or a designated mentor.

4. Training on newsroom software and tools: The desk reporter should receive training on the specific software and tools used in the newsroom, such as content management systems, video editing software, and social media management platforms. This training is usually conducted by the IT department or a designated trainer.

5. Shadowing experienced reporters: The desk reporter should have the opportunity to shadow experienced reporters to observe their work processes, interview techniques, and news gathering strategies. This task is typically arranged by the desk editor or a senior reporter.

6. Introduction to beat assignments: The desk reporter should be assigned to a beat, which is a specific area of coverage, such as politics, business, or sports. They should receive an introduction to their beat, including key contacts, sources, and relevant background information. This task is usually performed by the desk editor or a senior reporter.

7. Review of style guide and writing standards: The desk reporter should be provided with a copy of the company’s style guide and writing standards. They should receive guidance on proper grammar, punctuation, citation, and formatting conventions. This task is typically conducted by the desk editor or a senior reporter.

8. Introduction to editorial meetings: The desk reporter should be invited to attend editorial meetings, where they can learn about upcoming assignments, story ideas, and newsroom priorities. They should also be encouraged to contribute their own ideas and suggestions. This task is usually arranged by the desk editor or a senior reporter.

9. Networking with colleagues: The desk reporter should be encouraged to network with colleagues from various departments, such as photographers, graphic designers, and copy editors. Building relationships with colleagues can foster collaboration and enhance the reporter’s understanding of the newsroom ecosystem. This task is typically facilitated by the HR department or a designated mentor.

10. Performance feedback and goal setting: The desk reporter should receive regular performance feedback and have the opportunity to set goals for their professional development. This feedback can help them identify areas for improvement and ensure they are meeting the company’s expectations. This task is typically performed by the desk editor or a designated mentor

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Desk Reporter checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Desk Reporter up to speed and working well in your Journalism team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.