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Definition: In newspaper parlance a beat is the subject area that a reporter is assigned to cover. “Beat reporters” can cover everything from local crime to a specific sports team. (Hence the term “working a beat.”)
Beat reporters are expected to develop sources, i.e. people who have information about their subject matter, so they can better gather news and find scoops. Sources for a reporter on a crime beat would be local cops.
By talking to the local cops and developing a rapport with them, the beat reporter can more easily get information about crimes happening in the neighborhood.
Examples: Joe works the crime beat at his local newspaper.
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