Reporter Onboarding Checklist

Reporter Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new 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 Media onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Reporter, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Reporter onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Reporter Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to the company: The new reporter should be given 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. Orientation to the newsroom: The new reporter should be familiarized with the newsroom environment, including the layout, equipment, and resources available. They should also be introduced to key personnel, such as editors, producers, and fellow reporters. This task is usually performed by a senior reporter or an assigned mentor.

3. Review of company policies and guidelines: The new reporter should receive a thorough review of the company’s policies and guidelines, including journalistic ethics, editorial standards, and social media usage. This task is typically performed by the HR department or the editorial team.

4. Training on news reporting techniques: The new reporter should undergo training on various news reporting techniques, such as conducting interviews, fact-checking, writing news articles, and using digital tools for research and data analysis. This task is usually performed by experienced reporters or trainers within the company.

5. Familiarization with beat assignments: If the company assigns reporters to specific beats or topics, the new reporter should be introduced to their assigned beat and provided with relevant background information, contacts, and resources. This task is typically performed by the editor or a senior reporter specializing in that beat.

6. Introduction to newsroom software and tools: The new reporter should receive training on the newsroom’s software and tools, such as content management systems, video editing software, and social media management platforms. This task is usually performed by the IT department or a designated trainer.

7. Shadowing experienced reporters: The new reporter should have the opportunity to shadow experienced reporters on assignments, observing their reporting techniques, interviewing skills, and news gathering processes. This task is typically arranged by the editor or a senior reporter.

8. Review of company’s editorial calendar: The new reporter should be provided with an overview of the company’s editorial calendar, including upcoming events, story assignments, and deadlines. This task is typically performed by the editor or the editorial team.

9. Introduction to legal and compliance requirements: The new reporter should receive training on legal and compliance requirements related to reporting, such as libel laws, copyright issues, and privacy regulations. This task is usually performed by the legal department or a designated trainer.

10. Performance expectations and feedback mechanisms: The new reporter should have a clear understanding of the company’s performance expectations, including deadlines, quality standards, and reporting metrics. They should also be informed about the feedback mechanisms in place, such as regular performance reviews or feedback sessions with supervisors. This task is typically performed by the HR department or the reporter’s direct supervisor

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Reporter checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Reporter up to speed and working well in your Media 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.