Which statement accurately describes a beat in journalism?

• A. Beats refer to a journalist's shift schedules.
• B. Beats are a type of news segment produced daily.
• C. Beats are defined topics or geographic areas assigned to a journalist.
• D. Beats describe newsroom policy documents.

Answer: (C)

Beats are defined topics or geographic areas assigned to a journalist. This means a reporter regularly covers a specific set of subjects or a particular place, like education, city government, or police, so they can develop familiarity, cultivate sources, and provide deeper, ongoing coverage. That description fits the idea of a beat best because it explains why a journalist is assigned to a consistent topic or location and can build expertise over time.

Shifts or schedules are about when a journalist works, not what they cover. A daily news segment refers to a format or presentation, not the reporter’s assigned focus. Policy documents are internal guidelines, not the area a reporter covers.