By Remy Raitt

Whether its business, fashion, politics or sport, beat reporters are required in all sectors of the industry. And it’s rewarding. Health24’s Carine Visagie says through her work she is able to help readers. “Translating difficult science into simple concepts that everyone can understand means that I’m helping to empower people with life-saving knowledge,” she says.

Finding your beat

Visagie recommends specialising if it’s possible. But how do young journalists find their niche? Freelance journalist Liam Brickhill is, among other things, a cricket reporter for ESPN. He says a life-long love of the sport helped to spur his decision. “It’s easy to write about something you’re passionate about,” he says.

And if there isn’t one particular field that grabs you, explore. Writing for a multitude of subjects will help young journalists figure out what areas they feel most comfortable in. And once a beat has been identified, practice and pursuit may turn into a fruitful career.

The benefits of a beat

Writing on a single topic allows journalists to become experts on the subject. Brickhill says that it can offer a rewarding working life, “provided your beat is something that really interest you”. And once you’re comfortable in the beat Visagie says spotting and writing stories becomes a cinch. “Certain topics become so familiar that you don’t even have to do much research to write them. You also get a chance to build up a solid list of contacts – people with whom you develop great relationships over the years,” she says.

Stacking up sources

Sonya Smith says in article for the Society of Professional Journalist says that although finding quality sources doesn’t happen overnight, the longer you pursue the subject the more they will trust you. A sold contact list offers journalists quick story turnaround. And, once trusted, sources will approach journalists with the latest news, instead of the other way around.

Develop a voice
“I think it's important to remember that even within a particular niche or beat, there's room for original voices,” says Brickhill. “In fact, if you're going to get yourself noticed in a competitive field, bringing a unique perspective to a subject is vital. It's a cliché, but you've got to be yourself.”

Off beats

Visagie doesn’t see a lot wrong with beat reporting. “Just a tad of boredom,” she says. Brickhill says by only covering one topic you run the risk of pigeonholing yourself. “Perhaps it’s similar to an actor being typecast – once you’re known for playing one sort of role, it’s hard to break out of that.”

Breaking out

That said both Brickhill and Visagie have had success in covering topics very different from their specific beats. Visagie has occupied roles with the food journalism industry and worked in an online editorial position covering architecture, décor and design. Brickhill covers music and festivals in between his cricket reporting. Visagie recommends occasionally busting out your beat. “Don’t get stuck in a rut,” she says, “changing beats will energise you and help you to stay sharp.”

What it boils down to is covering things that interest you and your readers. “Journalism is a vocation,” says Brickhill. “If you're going to spend a lot of time and effort in a specific area, you better love it.”

Are you a beat reporter? What does specialising offer a journalist?