beat-assignment

Vocabulary Word

Definition

'Beat assignment' is jargon used in journalism. It is the designated area or specific topic that a journalist covers regularly. Like a cop patrolling a assigned beat, but it's news!

Examples in Different Contexts

Beat assignment in journalism refers to assigning reporters to specific areas of news coverage. An editor might say, 'Your beat assignment is the political arena, focusing on elections and legislative changes.'

Practice Scenarios

Business

Scenario:

Our business section seems to be lacking depth in market analysis pieces. Can anyone suggest a way to improve this?

Response:

How about giving a beat assignment related to market trends and analysis to one of our business reporters?

Politics

Scenario:

We need more in-depth coverage of the upcoming election. Who feels they're up to the task?

Response:

Creating a beat assignment around the upcoming election could get us the thorough coverage we need.