Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for News Reporter Roles – 2025

Preparing for a news reporter job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your writing skills, communication abilities, and industry knowledge. Whether you’re applying for a role as a print journalist, broadcast journalist, or multimedia journalist, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Can you tell us about your previous experience as a news reporter?
  I have been working as a news reporter for the past five years, covering a variety of beats including local government, crime, and human interest stories. I have also worked as an investigative reporter, uncovering important issues in our community.
• 2. What inspired you to become a news reporter?
  I have always been passionate about writing and telling people's stories. I saw journalism as a way to use my skills to inform and educate the public about important events and issues happening in the world.
• 3. How do you stay updated on current events and news trends?
  I make sure to read a variety of news sources every day, including national and local newspapers, online news websites, and social media. I also attend industry conferences and workshops to learn about new trends and techniques in journalism.
• 4. How do you handle tight deadlines and work under pressure?
  I have a strong ability to prioritize tasks and manage my time effectively. I also believe in the importance of accuracy and thoroughness, so I always make sure to double-check my work before submitting it.
• 5. How do you handle criticism or negative feedback?
  I believe that criticism is important for growth and improvement. I try to take constructive feedback and use it to improve my writing and reporting skills.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. How do you handle a difficult interviewee or source?
  I always remain calm and professional in these situations. I try to build a rapport with the interviewee and ask open-ended questions to encourage them to share their story. If they become hostile or uncooperative, I will calmly explain the importance of their perspective in the article and offer to schedule a follow-up interview.
• 7. Can you tell us about a time when you had to make a difficult ethical decision in your reporting?
  In a previous role, I was investigating a story that involved a prominent public figure. I uncovered information that could have been damaging to their reputation. I consulted with my editor and we decided to hold off on publishing the story until we could confirm the information and offer the individual an opportunity to respond. It turned out the information was false, and I learned the importance of fact-checking and giving individuals a chance to defend themselves.
• 8. How do you handle working on multiple stories at once?
  I make sure to prioritize my tasks and plan my time effectively. I also communicate with my editor and team members to ensure everyone is aware of my current workload and any potential conflicts. I also make sure to take breaks and manage my stress levels to avoid burnout.
• 9. Tell us about a time when you had to work with a difficult team member?
  In my previous role, I had to work with a team member who was often absent and didn’t meet deadlines. I spoke to them privately and expressed my concerns, and also offered to assist them with their workload. After taking the time to understand their challenges, we were able to find a solution that worked for both of us.
• 10. How do you handle reporting sensitive or controversial subjects?
  I believe it is important to approach these topics with sensitivity and empathy. I also make sure to fully research and fact-check my information before publishing. I also try to include diverse perspectives in my reporting to ensure a well-rounded and unbiased story.

Situational Questions

• 11. How would you handle breaking news during a live broadcast?
  I would stay calm and focused, and make sure to gather as much accurate information as possible before reporting. I would also communicate with my team and stay in constant contact with sources to gather updates.
• 12. How would you handle a source who wants to remain anonymous?
  I would respect the source’s request for anonymity, but also make sure to verify the information they provide through additional sources. I would also consult with my editor and make sure to clearly state that the information is from an anonymous source in the article.
• 13. What would you do if a source provided you with false information?
  I would fact-check the information through additional sources and then approach the source again to clarify any discrepancies. If the source intentionally provided false information, I would consult with my editor and potentially not use them as a source in the future.
• 14. How would you handle a missed deadline on a story?
  I would communicate with my editor and take responsibility for the missed deadline. I would also explain the reasons for the delay and offer a revised timeline for when the story can be completed.
• 15. How would you handle a situation where a source wants to go off the record?
  It is important to respect a source’s request for discretion. I would make sure to clarify with the source what they mean by “off the record” and make sure to adhere to their wishes. I would also consult with my editor to ensure we are following ethical guidelines.

Technical Questions

• 16. What type of news stories are you most comfortable covering?
  I have experience in both hard news and feature stories, but I especially enjoy investigative reporting and human interest pieces.
• 17. Can you walk us through your process for conducting interviews?
  Before an interview, I make sure to research the topic and the source as much as possible. During the interview, I actively listen and take thorough notes. Afterward, I always fact-check quotes and any information provided by the source.
• 18. How familiar are you with AP style?
  I am very familiar with AP style and make sure to use it consistently in my writing.
• 19. Can you provide an example of when you had to use multimedia elements in a story?
  In a feature piece about a local animal shelter, I included photos and videos of the animals and interviews with the staff to add depth and visual interest to the story.
• 20. How do you approach building your sources and contacts in the community?
  I believe in networking and building relationships with people in the community through attending events, reaching out to potential sources, and staying active on social media. I also make sure to follow up with sources and maintain those relationships over time.