News beat definition
A "news beat" is a specific area of coverage or a particular topic that a journalist or news organization focuses on, often as part of their daily or weekly reporting routine. The term "beat" refers to the regular route or territory that a journalist covers, and the "news" part refers to the specific stories or topics that they cover within that territory.
A news beat can be a specific geographic area, such as a city, town, or neighborhood, or it can be a particular type of story, such as politics, sports, entertainment, or business. Journalists may also have a "beat" that covers a specific industry, such as healthcare, education, or technology.
The purpose of a news beat is to provide in-depth coverage of a particular area or topic, allowing readers or viewers to stay informed about what's happening in that area. By focusing on a specific beat, journalists can develop expertise and build relationships with sources, which helps them to produce high-quality reporting and stay ahead of the competition.
Some examples of news beats include:
- City hall beat: covering local government and politics
- Police beat: covering law enforcement and crime
- Business beat: covering local businesses and the economy
- Education beat: covering schools and education policy
- Sports beat: covering local sports teams and events
- Entertainment beat: covering local arts and culture
Having a clear news beat helps journalists to:
- Stay focused and organized
- Develop expertise and build relationships with sources
- Produce high-quality reporting
- Stay ahead of the competition
- Provide valuable information to readers or viewers