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Journalists report on current affairs and other events for publications
in print and electronic media, or for broadcast on radio or television.
Reporters are sensitive to news of breaking events, often observing such
events, examining documents, interviewing people and writing stories on laptops
to be submitted electronically. News
writers may re-write the information, previously submitted by reporters, prior
to publication or broadcast.
News reporters may specialize in fields such as politics, foreign
affairs, business, arts, sports, health, or science.
Increasingly, the work is being done by news teams encompassing
reporters, editors, photographers and graphic artists.
Reporters on morning papers may often work from late afternoon to
midnight. Those on afternoon or
evening papers may work from early morning to mid afternoon.
Long hours and irregular schedules can be a part of the job.
In contrast, reporters and writers on magazines, work regular daytime
hours. Different sub-fields will
have various schedules as well as job-specific tasks.
A foreign correspondent, for example, may be required to travel (or
relocate) more often than a local business reporter.
A legislative correspondent would need to be available when Congress is
in session. Not all journalists are
writers and reporters. Other careers
include behind-the-scenes staff such as directors, editors, advertising and
promotion specialists, producers and station managers.
Career Paths and Entry Salaries
Typical entry to the field is through internships, summer or part-time
work with newspapers or broadcasters.
Large publications and broadcast stations seldom hire recent grads,
preferring to hire persons who have 3-5 years experience at smaller media
organizations. Journalists may also
work as freelancers (being paid by the article) and publish through several
different venues.
Qualifications Necessary/Application Procedures to
Enter Field
A Bachelor’s degree with a specialization in Journalism, Broadcasting or
in Liberal Arts is widely preferred.
However, some employers look for subject-matter specialties such as Economics,
Political Science or Business, as well as a foreign language.
It is important for journalists to keep “clips” (published articles) of
all their previous work. Computer
skills are essential, especially for students planning to work for an on-line
publication. A familiarity with
databases and computer graphics is very helpful.
An internship or practical experience is expected before entry into the
field.
Sample Employers
Wherever there is a daily or weekly newspaper, local television or radio
station, magazines or news media organization, there will be opportunities for
employment. There is an emergence of
twenty-four hour news and specialty networks and there are also numerous smaller
publications that focus on law, politics, economics, government and defense on a
local, national or an international scope.
Students are urged to use a portfolio to showcase their written, oral and
graphics related communications skills.
A sample videotape of reporting, editing or producing will be needed to
apply for broadcasting positions.
Demand and Future Challenges of Profession
As communications is increasingly being done in team settings, the
ability to have strong communications skills, interpersonal skills as well as
cultural sensitivity, is gaining in importance.
Resources For More Information
Associations/Websites
American Society of Newspaper Editors,
www.asne.org
Directories:
Editor and Publisher International Year Book
Internet Resources
Publications
This page current as of:
April 24, 2008 |
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