Beat Reporter
A journalist assigned to cover a specific industry, topic, or geographic area.
Definition
A beat reporter specializes in covering a particular sector, company, or subject area consistently over time. They develop deep expertise and cultivate extensive source networks within their beat.
Building relationships with beat reporters is central to effective media relations.
Why It Matters
Beat reporters understand industry context and can write more sophisticated, accurate coverage. Their ongoing interest in your sector means multiple story opportunities over time.
These relationships are long-term investments—beat reporters remember who helped them and who wasted their time.
Examples in Practice
A tech PR team prioritizes relationships with reporters covering enterprise software at The Information and TechCrunch.
A healthcare communications manager tracks which reporters cover pharmaceutical policy versus clinical trials.
A local business cultivates the city business journal reporter who covers their industry vertical.