What is a beat in journalism?

A beat in journalism refers to a specific area or subject that a reporter or journalist regularly covers. A beat can be a geographical location like the police beat, or it can be a specific topic like the health beat or the sports beat. Reporters who cover a beat are expected to become experts in their subject area, building relationships with sources and staying up-to-date on the latest developments. Beats are an essential part of the news industry, as they allow news outlets to provide in-depth coverage of important topics and events.