Career in Journalism

Career in Journalism is both as well as paying not only in terms of money but prestige and glamour too. What’s more that it is a growing profession. Newspaper is something people read while sipping their morning tea. Reasons for its popularity are not too far to seek. Political scene is hot almost all over the globle.Economy is taking fast turns. Crime has become a part and parcel of the modern life. Fashion is constantly in news. Music and sports are full of thrills. Literature is necessary for sustenance by way knowledge and entertainment of many of readers. Moreover with growing network of TV channels, internet, etc.the field of journalism is bound to get further boost.

     Journalism is an exclusive profession which offers exclusive status and job satisfaction. Various forms of journalism are: daily newspaper, magazine, video and television. To become a good journalist one should have the qualities of being curious, flexible, having good personality, clear thinking and ability to write in the language of the newspaper, periodicals or magazines.

     Salaries and perks I journalism are attractive. But it differs in various newspapers according to their circulation. The local and regional papers pay less than the national papers.

   It you desire to be a journalist, you may have to undergo a training to acquire the required level of proficiency. There are a number of universities and institutes offering training in journalism. These have been described in the present volume. Considering the increasing demand for journalists in print and electronic media, the number of such institutes are also increasing However no course or training can claim to make one a journalist unless and until, the learner develops an aptitude for the profession. It can train persons in the technical aspects only. To ensure one’s success in the field one must have the inborn ability to write and produce news stories in correct, concise and interesting style.

PERSONAL  ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED

There are different positions in the field of journalism, demanding different personal characteristics. For example, you could be a reporter, a subeditor, a stringer, a freelance writer and your assignments may be in specific areas like crime, sports, films, music, dance, drama, education, career, defence, international affairs, legal business, commerce or trade etc.You may also choose to be a feature writer, which is different from the job of a reporter or a sub editor. Of the common personal traits required to become a successful journalist one is strict self-imposed discipline. Your command over the language, including both understanding and expression coupled with a distinct style of understanding and expression coupled with a distinct style of writing is almost essential. It also requires you to be self-critical at times. As is often said, the profession requires a nose for the news as well as ability to differentiate what is news and what is not. Your deep interest and keen observation of what happens around your near and distant environment will give you an upper edge. In general, your interest I the welfare of humanity, your concern for the society, nation and a sprit of patriotism can make you a popular journalist. Objectivity in your writings is another desirable trait. To be an efficient reporter you also need physical and mental alertness and strength. You should have a lawyerlike analytical ability to analyse the facts ad figures.

         JOB RESPONSIBILITY

Journalists write and edit news reports, commentaries and features for newspapers, magazines and radio or television stations. Journalists working for large commercial organizations and government departments have to produce annual reports, prepare speeches and write media releases.

  All journalists are required to understand the laws of defamation, contempt and copyright. They frequently have to work long and irregular hours and are often under pressure to complete work to meet deadlines.

    Reporters often work from an office conducting interview over the phone, but nay also be required to go to the field in all kinds of weather. Therefore Travel is sometimes an essential part of the job. With experience, Journalists may perform a variety of tasks according to their area of specialization.

    News reporters report on day-to-day events such as crime, education, health and sport.Roundspeople report and discuss a specialized area including politics and economics while feature writers produce detailed stories or present commentaries on specific topics.

Leader writers discuss news topics I the editorial columns of newspapers or magazines and columnists write a regular segment on their particular interest category for example, gardening and fashion

In a broad sense, the tasks of a Journalist include the following

1) gather news and information by interviewing people and covering events;

2) undertake research to provide background information for articles;

3) assess the suitability of reports and articles for publication or broadcasting within an established style and edit as necessary;

Write articles that comment on or interpret news events and may put forward a view on behalf of the publication;

4) present news on-air;

5) write, speeches and prepare media releases; and

6) write, edit and produce promotional material such as brochures , newsletters and reports.