Being able to write a story is one thing. But if you have nothing to write about, it's not a very useful skill. Having something to write about is the first thing a reporter needs. Only then can you start writing. Getting stories, getting information, is the crux of the business.

Reporters need some personality traits and some skills. If the particular personality traits required are missing, they will have to be developed. For example, some people are very shy. They prefer to blend into the background. They are uncomfortable meeting new people, and are really uncomfortable about ringing anyone they don't know on the telephone. And so on. These are not ideal personality characteristics for a journalist. They will have to be overcome. Reporters don't need to be extroverts, but they do need to have, or at least be able to feign, some confidence.

There is more to journalism than reporting other people's lies

Some people have the wrong idea about reporting. You see it a lot on TV. And particularly in the coverage of parliament. The reporter gets a few words from the government, a few from the opposition and that's it; story done, back to the office for the pay slip. (I saw it last night, and turned the TV off in disgust.)