Qualifications
You're still reading, huh? Still undeterred by all the predictions of doom and gloom for news reporters. Clearly, you're one determined individual. Good. You're going to need every ounce of that tenacity to bring the truth to the good people of America. One of the best ways for you to get ahead of the competition—and it's cutthroat—is by earning a bachelor's degree in journalism from a top journalism school (source).
Why do you want a top journalism school, and only a top journalism school? Because these universities have in-house newspapers, TV stations, radio stations, and digital journalism platforms where you can spend four years building your practical news reporting skills. These skills are what will really give you a leg up when you apply for both of the two remaining news reporting jobs in the country. The best journalism schools will have connections to prestigious media internships and fellowships (source).
As a news reporter, you'll need to be interested in the world around you. You'll have to be able to interact with people and get them to open up to you, while at the same time maintaining absolute accuracy on statements and facts. While at some point you may have to cultivate a specific area of expertise (if you're shooting to become a foreign correspondent in Beijing, you'd best know a lot about China), you should always work to build out your knowledge of a wide variety of subjects.
And, of course, you need to be able to write. Duh. Your grammar and spelling should be impeccable. Your stories should be structured so that they flow logically for the reader. You'll have an understanding of who you're writing for and you'll know how to capture and keep your audience's attention.