How to become A Journalist

Journalism is the first rough draft of history. As the preservers of crucial moments in history, Journalists must speak, and speak immediately, while the echoes of wonder, the claims of triumph, and the signs of horror are still in the air, even when the world may otherwise wish to turn away from them.

• Reporters
• Correspondents

What do Journalists do?

A Journalist would typically need to:

• Investigate, collect and present well-researched information as well-rounded and objective news stories through newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and the internet
• Cover a particular topic, such as politics, if working in large cities or large news organizations, or a more comprehensive range of subjects if working in small cities, towns, or organizations
• Interview expert sources, search public records, and sometimes visit the scene where a newsworthy occurrence took place
• Develop contacts with local officials, experts, and the general public to maintain a flow of news
• Identify potential interviewees, brief them, prepare interview questions, conduct interviews & meetings, broadcast them live, or record them using shorthand or technical equipment
• Generate ideas for stories and features; seek out and investigate stories following tips and leads; pitch ideas to editors
• Identify necessary resources; deploy and manage technical crews for location shoots, including sound operators and camera crew
• Attend press conferences and ask questions; attend a range of events, such as council meetings, magistrates' court proceedings, football matches, and talent contests
• Research, verify, and collate evidence and information to support a story using relevant information sources such as the internet, archives, and databases
• Analyze, interpret and exercise editorial judgment on information; work closely with the news team, photographers, videographers, and editors; review articles for accuracy, style, and grammar
• Edit interviews and other recordings to create a cohesive story that provides the audience with the facts
• Create multiple versions of the same story for different broadcasts or different media platforms, such as newspaper and online
• Stay up to date with new developments of a story so that its online editions can be updated with the most current information
• Maintain a presence on social media networking sites that cover live events; engage with their audience; promote their station and newscast

Journalists spend considerable time in the field, conducting interviews and investigating stories. They also work in offices, which are typically open-plan and noisy. They may need to frequently travel for a day or more to be on location for events or meet contacts and file stories remotely. Reporters, who cover international news, live in one of the countries located in the region of their focus, for example, Singapore, when their focus is on south-east Asia.

Most Journalists work full time, typically chalking up 50-60 hours a week, while others may need to put in additional hours or change their schedules to follow breaking news. Journalists may need to work nights, public holidays, and weekends because news can happen at any time, and they must lead news programs or provide commentary.

Shift work allows Journalists to get an early start to cover regional news on breakfast radio and television shows or work mid-morning until late evening for afternoon and evening bulletins.

The dress code would typically need to suit the time and place. When in doubt, a useful rule of thumb is to dress to your community. Be businesslike to cover business. Dress with due respect for court or places of worship. If you plan to be on a farm, dress in your oldest pair of comfortable jeans and the right footwear.

The stakeholders - your audience, readers, community, and your editor - will give you a thumbs up for your attention to nuances.

Many Journalists, particularly those who work for print news, are self-employed and accept discrete freelance assignments with multiple news organizations. Veteran correspondents are frequently offered ad-hoc postsecondary teacher positions at colleges and universities.

Jobs are competitive and may be advertised by individual newspapers or via the head office of a regional group. Speculative applications to local editors or producers are also advisable as some vacancies do not show up in advertisements.

Journalists are generally employed by:

• Independent Production Companies
• Digital, Cable & Satellite Networks
• Newspaper, Periodical, Book & Directory Publishers
• Media & Internet Marketing Companies
• Advertising & PR Companies
• Recruitment Agencies
• Government, Local & Private Educational Services

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) fosters and protects the rights of Journalists the world over; it supports their unions, encourages the freedom of expression, and carries out all manner of campaigns and projects to help their members achieve their aims. Professional associations and organizations are a crucial resource for Journalists interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Extremely tough competition for volunteer work placements, traineeships, and jobs with larger network broadcasters; the rivalry between publications and among reporters
• Working on stories about natural disasters or wars can put you in dangerous situations; work may entail emotionally challenging interactions with people during or in the aftermath of a crisis or tragedy
• The pressure when trying to meet a deadline or cover breaking news
• The need for geographical mobility, especially at the start of the career
• Dubious job security owing to the prevalence of short-term contracts and the uncertain career perspective of the media industry
• The need to get acceptable answers to awkward or unpleasant questions from reluctant individuals

Learning the principles of journalism is something that does not happen solely in a classroom. Employers generally favor applicants who have interned with the local press, hospital radio, and community media or worked on student media platforms like newspapers, radio, and TV stations. Internships expose students to diverse facets of journalism and create opportunities to begin building their professional portfolio.

Programs affiliated with colleges and universities help prepare future Journalists for the work world. Apprentices often find themselves working alongside seasoned professionals. Journalism is built on transformational relationships; internships enable students to build and maintain strong relationships with mentors, colleagues, and peers.

All Journalists, regardless of the medium they choose to work in, need a strong background in writing. Writing for your school newspaper or yearbook and working for your school’s TV or radio station can lay an early foundation for a satisfying career in journalism.

Journalism is a broad field that readily lends itself to a four-year bachelor’s degree and prepares students for numerous career paths and media specialties. Bachelor’s degree programs in journalism and communications may include courses in history, economics, political science, journalistic ethics, and techniques for researching stories and conducting interviews. Students may further specialize in print, broadcast, or multimedia journalism.

Though many fields in journalism require only a bachelor's degree for entry-level jobs, a master's degree is ideal for Journalists who want to master the new technology that shapes modern journalism and move up the career ladder.

Some countries make it mandatory for Journalists to be licensed, while in others, the concept of "freedom of speech and press" negates the need for a license. Although freelance Journalists are generally exempt from a license, some locations make it mandatory for higher positions such as publisher, editor, or columnist. Voluntary certification is often seen as evidence of an individual’s drive and motivation, giving them a leg up for raises and promotions.

Performance, experience, and acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years. The skills learned while working with a local or regional newspaper, or through a training scheme, are relevant to reporting in all media. Consequently, there is more movement from newspapers to other types of journalism than vice versa.

Many Journalists start on local or regional newspapers. After a few years in a general role, you can become a Senior or Chief Journalist or join the leagues of Specialist Writers, such as regional or topic-specific correspondents and feature writers.

Journalists may also advance by moving from regional to national news organizations. Larger markets can offer roles of Editors and News Directors with increased pay, responsibility and clout.

Both radio and television offer newspaper Journalists off-screen opportunities as researchers, writers, and production assistants for the editing or reporting of news programs. Broadcast Journalists for television often begin as newsroom assistants or researchers before moving into reporting roles. One may pursue the role of Senior Broadcast Journalist with responsibility for managing news staff and budgets or become a studio-based News Anchor or Presenter.

Web publishing, in the form of blogs or synchronous upload of news to the web, is becoming an increasingly preferred alternative to daily or weekly newspaper deadlines. Investigative journalism or documentary journalism are also career-development alternatives. You may choose to move behind the scenes and work as a Programme Editor, Sub-Editor, or Producer.

Radio differs from other platforms in that trainees are usually given greater responsibility earlier on. Depending on the size of the station, they may even find that they have sole responsibility for a newsroom from the outset.

It may also be possible to move overseas as a foreign correspondent, where knowledge of the language and culture is essential. However, these positions are highly coveted and rarely become available.

While Journalists can join news agencies as trainees straight after college, the more common route is to start with newspapers and then move to agency work. Agency work tends to suit more experienced reporters who have already built an extensive list of contacts and can push their way to the front with exclusive angles that make publications want to grab their stories.

Working for an agency offers you experience in diverse media activities - you may provide tapes for the local radio and create features for magazines while writing news items for national daily newspapers and digital media providers. The diverse experiences serve as stepping stones to freelance work. Senior Journalists often choose to work freelance across print, broadcast, and online journalism.

Journalists with experience in the field, often gained through internships or working for school newspapers, television stations, or radio stations, should have the best job prospects. Multimedia journalism experience, including recording and editing video or audio pieces, should also improve job prospects.

Employers may prefer applicants who have experience in website design and coding because stations and media outlets are increasingly publishing content on multiple media platforms, particularly the web.

Professional bodies in the fast-paced media industry recognize the need to support Journalists in their continuing professional development (CPD) to stay ahead of the game. Trainees with large newspaper groups and national newspapers may receive structured training in reporting, writing, proofreading, sub-editing, production, and layout & design. Smaller newspapers may not be able to match these training opportunities.

For the most part, an initial 18-month probationary period for trainee Journalists includes contract-based and introductory training in journalism. A substantial amount of training is informal and on the job. It is usual for trainee Journalists to begin with basic tasks such as working autocues and fetching tapes and gaining general insight into the whole process before they move into more specific and responsible roles.

Conversely, if you have completed an accredited course, you would also have received the necessary basic training comprising an understanding of media and public health law.

Established short courses run by national certification centers to boost critical skills may cover negotiating contracts, public relations, sub-editing, interviewing, and new technologies.

Given their tight budgets, many employers require and even train their staff to multiskill. For instance, it is handy for broadcast Journalists, who are often responsible for recording and editing their footage, to understand and operate technical equipment and relevant software.

Great Expectations

Their jobs demand that Journalists have the resilience and resourcefulness to extricate themselves from challenging situations with minimal collateral damage. Determination to cover a story against all odds and integrity in the face of intimidation is essential.

Tips for Success

Strengthen your job applications, even those you need to obtain work experience, with demo tapes or cuttings of your published work. Start putting together your portfolio from the very first time you attempt any media activity of professional caliber. Begin early to build your network and maintain a keen interest in the news, current affairs, business, and people. Be flexible, available at all times, and proactive in volunteering whenever you spot an opportunity.

Digital Broadcasting

Digital broadcasting has created new openings for Journalists, with 24-hour news channels, niche programming, and increased opportunities in ethnic broadcasting.

Broadcast News Analysts

In general, they lead television or radio news programs as anchors. As news commentators, they analyze news stories and offer educated opinions alongside subject matter experts who work on a contract basis.

Multimedia Journalists

Outlets are relying more and more on multimedia journalists to publish synchronic content on various platforms, including video content on the website of a daily newspaper. Not only do multimedia journalists record, report, write, and edit all their stories, but they also gather attendant audio, video, or graphics.

Customized Dress Codes

Dressing up to look professional earns you respect and demonstrates your regard for the audience. Journalists presenting on TV may self-style or use the services of professionals for dress and make-up.

Field reporters must dress according to the location, weather, and situation, with due regard to personal safety. Consider cultural guidelines if you are based overseas. At the office, you would follow your employer’s guidelines, whether they prescribe casual, business casual, or formal business attire.

Press conferences, formal dinner events, and award ceremonies may outline a specific dress code. Sports and entertainment Journalists may dress more casually, keeping in mind whether the game or event is outdoors or indoors.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs. Full-Time Employment

Being a freelance Journalist offers freedom regarding flexible schedules, working hours, and location. They can afford selectivity in terms of the variety of projects and clients. While it has unlimited earning potential, freelancing also has less stability and security, with inconsistent work and cash flow. There is more responsibility, effort, and risk involved. There are no paid holidays, and sick/maternity/paternity leaves are almost unaffordable. There is the added pressure of a self-employment tax and no eligibility for unemployment benefits.

A full-time Journalist, on the other hand, has access to company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. However, they are susceptible to potential boredom and inability to pursue passion projects due to their lack of time or effort. With a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety, there is also a need to budget extra money for commuting and attire costs.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

The oldest surviving newspaper, printed in Amsterdam on Dec. 2, 1620, does not contain a title. It begins with an apology.

A Journalist’s job is tough. They are under constant pressure to spread truth amidst all the chaos engulfing the world...and all the while under insanely tight deadlines. The political and social climes may leave them feeling jaded, but they need to persevere and continue to supply society its mandatory dose of conscience and ethics.

If you would train yourself well for journalism, I suggest you train yourself in ideas. The power of print is the power of ideas. Play it straight, keep it short, and never use the word “unprecedented.”