Introduction
Many people are eager to be at the forefront of current events and stories that shape our world. A career in journalism offers the chance to report on important issues, uncover truths, and inform the public.Journalists play a vital role in society by providing accurate information and holding those in power accountable. This field allows individuals to express their creativity, develop strong communication skills, and make a difference in their communities through storytelling.
Who is a Journalist?
A Journalist is a person who gathers, writes, and reports news and information for various media outlets. Their main job is to inform the public about current events, issues, and trends that affect society.
Their job also involves taking photographs, reporting live events, posting on social media, and creating content. Journalists often work with various media platforms and can switch between radio, print, television, and online work whenever needed.
Good Journalists verify facts and ensure the accuracy of the information they present. They also maintain ethical standards without spreading false information or being biased.
Career Scope as a Journalist
Journalism is one of the rapidly growing fields as there will always be some sensational news to cover and present before the public. Moreover, with the rise of digital platforms, social media, and mobile news, there are increasing opportunities for Journalists to reach wider audiences.According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for reporters and broadcast news analysts are expected to grow by 6% by 2030.
As society seeks reliable information, skilled Journalists are in high demand to provide news, analysis, and storytelling across various formats.
Role & Responsibilities of Journalist
The primary responsibility of Journalists is to inform the public by reporting accurate and timely news.
Other responsibilities include:
- Gather information on various topics to prepare for stories.
- Interact with readers or viewers and respond to their questions or comments.
- Speak with people, including experts and witnesses, to get insights and quotes.
- Create clear and engaging articles, reports, or scripts for different media.
- Review and revise content for accuracy, clarity, and grammar.
- To verify facts and sources to ensure the reliability of information.
- Cover events, news, or stories in real time, often under tight deadlines.
- Use photos, videos, and social media to enhance stories and reach wider audiences.
- Follow ethical guidelines to ensure fair and honest reporting.
Employment Scope Career Options for Journalists
Journalism is one of the most dynamic fields, offering various career opportunities. They can work in print, broadcast, and digital media, covering news, features, and investigations. Some even specialise in specific fields like sports, politics, healthcare, etc. depending on their interest and expertise.
With the rise of online platforms, there are also opportunities for content creation, social media management, and multimedia storytelling. Additionally, roles in public relations, communications, and editing are available for journalism graduates.
Top recruiters for Journalists include Times of India Group, Hindustan Times, Indian Express, NDTV, Network 18, Balaji Telefilms Limited, Zee Entertainment Enterprise, Cox & Kings, Doordarshan, Wizcraft Entertainment, Sahara One Media & Entertainment Limited, etc.
Top Journalist in India
Numerous Journalists in India with enormous experience have made their way to the top with dedication and grit. There are many things to learn from them to excel in this field.
Some of the top Journalists are:
- Arnab Goswami
- Barkha Dutt
- Rajdeep Sardesai
- Ravish Kumar
- Rajat Sharma
- Vinod Dua
- Sucheta Dalal, etc.
Salary Range
The salary of Journalists depends on whether they are working as full-time employee or as a freelancer.
The average annual salary at the starting level is 4 to 6 lacs. Freelance Journalists get paid for each article or project. Those with experience earn much more and are known for their reputation.
A strong portfolio, internship experience, writing skills, a solid resume, and good communication can help you negotiate better pay.
Work Environment of a Journalist
The work environment of Journalists depends on their role. Some Journalists work in offices, writing and editing stories. Those who have to cover live events, need to be in the field.
Journalists may also be required to travel to different locations as they need to cover every current news. Besides, work can be stressful when they have to meet deadlines.
Skills Required to Become a Journalist
Journalists are often required to face the camera. So, a presentable personality with strong communication skills is a must.
They also edit the stories. Hence, the written communication also needs to be good.
Other skills required are:
- Investigation skills
- Proficiency in local languages
- Persistence
- Knowledge of digital platforms
- Problem-solving
- Ability to work under pressure
- Creativity
- Ethical skills
- Persistent
- Confident
How to Become a Journalist?
Top companies prefer an educational degree in journalism. Hence, a formal education is preferred.
Steps to Become a Journalist:
- Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: While not always required, most journalism employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree. Degrees in English or mass communication can also be suitable. Specialising in areas like politics or the environment can be helpful. Consider pursuing a master’s degree or diploma for advanced knowledge.
- Work for University Publications: Gain practical experience by writing for your university’s publications. This helps you build a portfolio and improve your writing skills, which is valuable when applying for junior journalist roles.
- Start a Blog: Creating a blog allows you to share your work with a larger audience. Focus on topics you’re passionate about. A consistent blog can enhance your portfolio and help you build an audience.
- Create Your Portfolio: Compile your best work into a portfolio to showcase your skills when applying for jobs. Focus on quality over quantity, and include a link to your portfolio on your resume. Organising your work by topic can make it more accessible to potential employers.
- Apply for Internships: Internships provide hands-on experience and help you make industry connections. They can teach you important journalism skills and may lead to job offers.
- Apply for a Job: Once your resume and portfolio are ready, start applying for jobs. Tailor your application to match the job description, highlighting relevant work in your portfolio. Make sure any writing samples reflect the company’s style.
- Work as a Freelance Journalist: Freelancing is a good option before securing a full-time journalism job. You can pitch your ideas to publications. This experience can enhance your portfolio and increase your job prospects.
Entrance Exam for Journalists
Admission to a journalism course is done based on merit or entrance exams.
Many popular colleges use entrance exams to shortlist candidates. These exams test knowledge of Current Affairs, English, General Knowledge, and Mass Media skills.
In some colleges, candidates who pass the exam may also need to attend a personal interview.Some popular exams are IIMC entrance exam, JMI entrance exam, ACJ entrance exam, FTII JET, GMCET, SET, MICAT, XIC OET, etc.
Top Colleges for Journalists
Numerous government and private colleges in India offer journalism courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Top colleges in India:
- Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi
- Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication (SIMC), Pune
- Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai
- Xavier Institute of Communication (XIC), Mumbai
- Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
- Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR), New Delhi
- Department of Communication and Journalism, Mumbai
- Department of Media Studies, Christ University, Bangalore
- Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Manipal University
- Department of Communication, Hyderabad Central University
Fees for Journalist Course
The average fee for a journalism course in India ranges between 20k to 4 lacs.
The fee structure depends on whether it is a government or private college, its location, course duration, and the infrastructure provided.
Conclusion
Pursuing a career in journalism opens doors to diverse opportunities and experiences. With a strong foundation in writing, research, and communication, aspiring Journalists can contribute to meaningful conversations and keep the public informed.