Best Journalism As A Career In 2023

Ratika kumari
Updated Date : September 21, 2023

Journalism As A Career

Journalism is a career that allows you to inform and educate the public, and hold those in power accountable. It is a challenging and rewarding profession, and it can be a great fit for people who are passionate about writing, research, and social justice.

Journalists work in a variety of settings, including newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and online media. They may cover a wide range of topics, such as local news, politics, business, sports, and culture.

To be a successful journalist, you need to have strong writing and communication skills. You also need to be able to research and investigate topics thoroughly, and to interview people from all walks of life. Additionally, you need to be able to work independently and under pressure.

If you are considering a career in journalism, there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself:

Get a degree in journalism or a related field. This will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in the field.
Gain experience by working for a school newspaper or magazine. This will help you to develop your writing and editing skills, and to learn about the news industry.
Intern at a news organization. This is a great way to get experience working in a professional newsroom and to make contacts in the industry.

What is Journalism?

Journalism is a field of communication that involves gathering, reporting, and disseminating news and information to the public through various media channels such as newspapers, magazines, television, radio, websites, and social media platforms. It plays a crucial role in keeping society informed about current events, issues, and developments, as well as providing analysis and context to help people better understand the world around them.

Journalists, also known as reporters or correspondents, are responsible for researching and investigating stories, conducting interviews, and writing or producing news articles, features, or broadcasts. They adhere to ethical principles such as accuracy, fairness, objectivity, and transparency to deliver reliable and unbiased information to their audience.

Journalism can encompass various forms, including:

Print Journalism: This includes newspapers and magazines, where journalists write articles that are printed and distributed to readers.
Broadcast Journalism: This involves reporting news through television and radio broadcasts. Broadcast journalists often present news stories through audiovisual formats.
Online Journalism: With the advent of the internet, journalism has expanded into digital platforms, including news websites, blogs, podcasts, and social media. Online journalists deliver news in real-time and may incorporate multimedia elements like videos, images, and interactive graphics.
Investigative Journalism: Investigative journalists delve deep into complex issues, often uncovering corruption, wrongdoing, or hidden information. Their work frequently requires extensive research and the courage to report on sensitive topics.
Feature Journalism: Feature articles provide in-depth coverage of human-interest stories, profiles, and other topics that go beyond the basic reporting of facts.
Opinion Journalism: Opinion pieces, such as editorials and columns, allow journalists to express their personal viewpoints and analysis on various subjects.
Citizen Journalism: With the rise of digital technology, individuals who are not professional journalists can also contribute to news coverage by sharing eyewitness accounts, photos, and videos of events through social media and blogging platforms.

Journalism serves as a vital pillar of a democratic society by holding those in power accountable, providing a platform for diverse voices, and informing citizens about important issues. It plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse and fostering an informed and engaged citizenry. However, it also faces challenges such as ethical dilemmas, the spread of misinformation, and adapting to rapidly evolving media technologies.

Journalism Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for journalism courses and jobs vary depending on the institution or organization. However, in general, the following requirements are common:

Educational qualifications: Most journalism courses and jobs require a minimum of a high school diploma. However, some employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in journalism or a related field.
Skills and knowledge: Journalists need to have strong writing and communication skills. They also need to be able to research and investigate topics thoroughly, and to interview people from all walks of life. Additionally, journalists need to be able to work independently and under pressure.
Other requirements: Some journalism courses and jobs may have additional requirements, such as a portfolio of work or an interview.

Here are some specific examples of eligibility criteria for journalism courses and jobs:

Undergraduate journalism courses: Most undergraduate journalism programs require students to have a high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Some programs may also require students to submit a portfolio of writing samples or to complete an interview.
Graduate journalism programs: Most graduate journalism programs require students to have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Some programs may also require students to submit a portfolio of work or to complete an interview.
Entry-level journalism jobs: Most entry-level journalism jobs require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in journalism or a related field. However, some employers may be willing to hire candidates with a high school diploma and relevant experience.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in journalism, it is important to research the specific eligibility criteria for the courses and jobs that you are interested in. You can usually find this information on the websites of institutions and organizations.

Here are some tips for meeting the eligibility criteria for journalism courses and jobs:

Get good grades in high school and college.
Take journalism courses in high school and college.
Write for your school newspaper or magazine.
Intern at a news organization.
Build a portfolio of your work.

Courses In Journalism

There are a variety of courses available in journalism, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Some of the most common courses include:

Introduction to Journalism: This course provides an overview of the field of journalism, including the different types of journalism, the roles of journalists, and the ethical considerations involved in journalism.
News Writing and Reporting: This course teaches students how to write and report news stories in a variety of formats, such as print, broadcast, and online.
Investigative Journalism: This course teaches students how to research and investigate topics, and to report their findings in a fair and accurate manner.
Feature Writing: This course teaches students how to write feature stories, which are in-depth articles that explore a particular topic or person.
Editorial Writing: This course teaches students how to write editorials, which are opinion pieces that express the views of a newspaper or magazine on a particular issue.
Media Ethics: This course examines the ethical issues that journalists face, such as fairness, accuracy, and privacy.
Photojournalism: This course teaches students how to take and edit photos for publication.
Broadcast Journalism: This course teaches students how to write and produce news stories for television and radio.
Online Journalism: This course teaches students how to write and produce news stories for the internet.

There are also many specialized journalism courses available, such as:

Sports Journalism: This course teaches students how to write and report on sports.
Business Journalism: This course teaches students how to write and report on business news.
Political Journalism: This course teaches students how to write and report on political news.
Science Journalism: This course teaches students how to write and report on science news.
International Journalism: This course teaches students how to write and report on international news.

Scope of Journalism

The scope in journalism is vast and varied. Journalists work in a variety of settings, including newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and online media. They may cover a wide range of topics, such as local news, politics, business, sports, and culture.

Journalists play an important role in society by informing and educating the public. They also hold those in power accountable and give a voice to the voiceless.

There is a growing demand for journalists in all areas of the media. The rise of online media has created new opportunities for journalists to publish their work and reach a wider audience.

Here are some of the specific career opportunities available in journalism:

News reporter: News reporters gather and report on newsworthy events. They may work for a newspaper, magazine, television station, radio station, or website.
Feature writer: Feature writers write in-depth articles on a variety of topics, such as people, places, and events. Their articles may be published in newspapers, magazines, or online.
Columnist: Columnists write regular columns on a particular topic. Their columns may be published in newspapers, magazines, or online.
Editor: Editors oversee the production of news content. They may work for a newspaper, magazine, television station, radio station, or website.
Producer: Producers create and manage news content. They may work for a television station, radio station, or website.
Photojournalist: Photojournalists take and edit photos for publication. They may work for a newspaper, magazine, television station, or website.
Broadcast journalist: Broadcast journalists write and produce news stories for television and radio.

Career Options with the Print Media

The print media is a broad term that encompasses all forms of media that are printed on paper, such as newspapers, magazines, and books. There are a variety of career options available in the print media, both in front of the scenes and behind the scenes.

Here are some of the most common career options in the print media:

Reporter: Reporters gather and report on newsworthy events. They may write for a newspaper, magazine, or website.
Editor: Editors oversee the production of news content. They may work for a newspaper, magazine, or website.
Writer: Writers produce content for a variety of print publications, such as newspapers, magazines, and books.
Photographer: Photographers take and edit photos for publication in newspapers, magazines, and books.
Illustrator: Illustrators create drawings and other artwork for publication in newspapers, magazines, and books.
Graphic designer: Graphic designers create and produce visual content for print publications, such as layouts, logos, and infographics.
Production manager: Production managers oversee the printing and distribution of newspapers, magazines, and books.
Advertising representative: Advertising representatives sell advertising space in newspapers, magazines, and other print publications.
Marketing manager: Marketing managers develop and implement marketing campaigns for print publications.
Circulation manager: Circulation managers oversee the distribution and sale of newspapers, magazines, and books.

Read More : How to Become RJ

Career Options with the Electronic Media

Journalism career options with the electronic media are vast and varied. Here are some of the most common:

Reporter: Reporters gather and report on newsworthy events for television, radio, or the internet. They may work for a news station, radio station, or website.
Anchor: Anchors present news stories on television or radio. They may also interview guests and provide commentary.
Producer: Producers oversee the production of news content for television, radio, or the internet. They may work for a news station, radio station, or website.
Videographer: Videographers shoot and edit video footage for news stories. They may work for a television station, news website, or other media organization.
Audio engineer: Audio engineers operate and maintain audio equipment for radio and television broadcasts.
Editor: Editors oversee the production of news content for television, radio, or the internet. They may work for a news station, radio station, or website.
Social media manager: Social media managers create and manage social media content for news organizations.
Content creator: Content creators produce a variety of content for electronic media, such as video stories, podcasts, and blog posts.
Writer: Writers produce content for a variety of electronic media, such as news websites, social media, and email newsletters.
Data journalist: Data journalists collect, analyze, and visualize data to tell stories. They may work for a news organization, or they may work independently.
Data visualization specialist: Data visualization specialists create charts, graphs, and other visuals to help people understand data. They may work for a news organization, or they may work independently.
Fact-checker: Fact-checkers verify the accuracy of information in news stories and other media content. They may work for a news organization, or they may work independently.

In addition to these traditional journalism jobs, there are also a number of new and emerging career opportunities in the electronic media. For example, electronic media companies are increasingly hiring video editors, podcast producers, and live streamers.

If you are interested in a journalism career with the electronic media, there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself:

Get a degree in journalism, communication, or a related field. This will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in the industry.
Gain experience by working for a school newspaper or television station. This will help you to develop your writing, reporting, and editing skills, and to learn about the electronic media industry.
Intern at an electronic media company. This is a great way to get experience working in a professional electronic media environment and to make contacts in the industry.
Develop your portfolio. This could include video stories, podcasts, blog posts, or anything else that showcases your journalism skills.

The Emergence of New Media: Web Media

The emergence of web media has revolutionized the way we consume and produce information. It has created a more democratic and interactive media landscape, giving everyone a voice and the ability to share their stories with the world.

Web media is any media that is delivered over the internet. This includes news websites, social media platforms, video streaming services, and music streaming services. Web media has become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more people have access to the internet.

One of the key benefits of web media is that it is more accessible than traditional media. Anyone with an internet connection can access web media, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status. This has given a voice to people who were previously marginalized by the traditional media.

Another key benefit of web media is that it is more interactive than traditional media. Web media users can comment on articles, share content with others, and even create their own content. This has created a more democratic media landscape, where everyone has the opportunity to participate.

The emergence of web media has also had a significant impact on the traditional media industry. Many traditional media companies have struggled to adapt to the new digital landscape. However, some traditional media companies have successfully transitioned to the digital world by creating websites and social media accounts.

Overall, the emergence of web media has had a positive impact on the media landscape. It has made media more accessible, interactive, and democratic. It has also created new opportunities for journalists and other media professionals.

Here are some specific examples of how web media has changed the way we consume and produce information:

News: Web media has made it easier for people to access news from around the world. People can now read news articles, watch news videos, and listen to news podcasts from all over the globe.
Social media: Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have given everyone a voice. People can now share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences with the world. Social media has also become a powerful tool for journalists to break news and engage with their audience.
Video streaming services: Video streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video have changed the way we watch television. People can now watch their favorite shows and movies on demand.
Music streaming services: Music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music have changed the way we listen to music. People can now stream millions of songs on demand.

The emergence of web media is still ongoing, and it is impossible to predict what the future holds. However, it is clear that web media has already had a profound impact on the way we consume and produce information.

Journalism Institutes/Universities

Here are some of the top journalism universities and institutes in India:

Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi
Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai
Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR), New Delhi
Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication (SIMC), Pune
Xavier Institute of Communication (XIC), Mumbai
Manipal Institute of Communication (MIC), Manipal
Christ University, Bangalore
Delhi College of Arts and Commerce (DCAC), New Delhi
Madras Christian College (MCC), Chennai
AAFT School of Communication, Noida
National Institute of Mass Communication and Journalism (NIMCJ), Noida

These universities and institutes offer a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in journalism, including print journalism, broadcast journalism, and digital journalism. They also have state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty to help students develop the skills they need to succeed in the journalism profession.

In addition to the universities and institutes listed above, there are many other excellent journalism schools in India. When choosing a journalism school, it is important to consider your specific interests and goals. For example, if you are interested in print journalism, you may want to choose a school that has a strong print journalism program. If you are interested in broadcast journalism, you may want to choose a school that has a strong broadcast journalism program.

It is also important to consider the location of the journalism school. If you want to live in a big city, you may want to choose a school that is located in a big city. If you prefer to live in a smaller town, you may want to choose a school that is located in a smaller town.

Jobs Opportunities for Journalism

Journalism is a diverse and ever-evolving field, and the job opportunities available to journalists are just as varied. Here are some of the most common jobs opportunities for journalists:

News reporter: News reporters gather and report on newsworthy events for a variety of media platforms, including newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and the internet.
Anchor: Anchors present news stories on television or radio. They may also interview guests and provide commentary.
Producer: Producers oversee the production of news content for television, radio, or the internet. They may work for a news station, radio station, or website.
Editor: Editors oversee the production of news content for a variety of media platforms. They may work for a newspaper, magazine, television station, radio station, or website.
Writer: Writers produce content for a variety of media platforms, including newspapers, magazines, websites, and social media.
Photographer: Photographers take and edit photos for news stories and other media content.
Videographer: Videographers shoot and edit video footage for news stories and other media content.
Audio engineer: Audio engineers operate and maintain audio equipment for radio and television broadcasts.
Social media manager: Social media managers create and manage social media content for news organizations and other media companies.
Content creator: Content creators produce a variety of content for media platforms, such as video stories, podcasts, blog posts, and infographics.
Data journalist: Data journalists collect, analyze, and visualize data to tell stories.
Fact-checker: Fact-checkers verify the accuracy of information in news stories and other media content.

In addition to these traditional journalism jobs, there are also a number of new and emerging job opportunities for journalists. For example, journalists are increasingly being hired to work in public relations, marketing, and corporate communications. Journalists are also being hired to work on new media platforms, such as streaming services and social media platforms.

Average Salary In Journalism

Profile	Average Salary in INR
News Reporter	₹3.19 lakh per annum
Anchor	₹4.8 lakh per annum
Producer	₹4.2 lakh per annum
Editor	₹5.5 lakh per annum
Writer	₹3.7 lakh per annum
Photographer	₹3.8 lakh per annum
Data Journalist	₹4.1 lakh per annum
Fact-Checker	₹3.4 lakh per annum

Skills Required in Journalism

Journalism is a challenging and rewarding profession that requires a variety of skills. Some of the most important skills required in journalism include:

Writing skills: Journalists need to be able to write clearly, concisely, and accurately. They need to be able to write in a variety of styles, including news articles, feature stories, and editorials.
Reporting skills: Journalists need to be able to gather and report information accurately. They need to be able to interview people, research topics, and write factual stories.
Editing skills: Journalists need to be able to edit their own work and the work of others. They need to be able to identify and correct errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Communication skills: Journalists need to be able to communicate effectively with a variety of people, including sources, editors, and readers. They need to be able to explain complex information in a clear and concise way.
Critical thinking skills: Journalists need to be able to think critically about the information they gather and the stories they write. They need to be able to identify bias and misinformation.
Problem-solving skills: Journalists need to be able to solve problems quickly and efficiently. They may need to deal with unexpected events or tight deadlines.
Technological skills: Journalists need to be able to use a variety of technologies, such as computers, smartphones, and cameras. They need to be able to edit and publish content online

Mass Communication Institutes in Major Cities

Mass Communication Institutes in Various States

FAQs

What are the benefits of a career in journalism?

There are many benefits to a career in journalism, including:

The opportunity to make a difference in the world: Journalists play an important role in society by informing the public and holding those in power accountable.
A variety of career paths: There are many different types of journalism jobs available, so journalists can find a career path that matches their interests and skills.
The opportunity to be creative: Journalists have the opportunity to be creative in their writing and storytelling.
The opportunity to travel: Some journalism jobs involve travel, which can be a great way to see the world and learn about different cultures.
The opportunity to meet interesting people: Journalists have the opportunity to meet a wide range of people, including celebrities, politicians, and activists.

What are the different types of journalism?

There are many different types of journalism, including:

News journalism: News journalists report on current events and newsworthy topics. They may work for newspapers, magazines, television stations, radio stations, or websites.
Feature journalism: Feature journalists write in-depth stories about people, places, and events. Their stories may be published in newspapers, magazines, or online.
Investigative journalism: Investigative journalists research and report on complex and often controversial topics. They may work for newspapers, magazines, television stations, or online publications.
Sports journalism: Sports journalists report on sporting events and athletes. They may work for newspapers, magazines, television stations, radio stations, or websites.
Business journalism: Business journalists report on business news and financial markets. They may work for newspapers, magazines, television stations, or online publications.
Science journalism: Science journalists report on scientific discoveries and research. They may work for newspapers, magazines, television stations, or online publications.

What are the minimum qualifications to be a journalist?

The minimum qualifications to be a journalist vary depending on the country and the specific job you are applying for. However, most employers will look for candidates with a degree in journalism or a related field, such as communication, English, or history. Some employers may also require candidates to have experience working on a school newspaper or magazine.

What is a journalism package?

A journalism package is a collection of news content on a single topic or event. It can include a news story, feature story, video, photo gallery, and/or other types of content. Journalism packages are often used to provide in-depth coverage of a complex topic.

What are the minimum qualifications to be a news reporter?

The minimum qualifications to be a news reporter vary depending on the country and the specific job you are applying for. However, most employers will look for candidates with a degree in journalism or a related field, such as communication, English, or history. Some employers may also require candidates to have experience working on a school newspaper or magazine.

What are the qualifications to become a journalist in India?

There are no formal qualifications required to become a journalist in India. However, most employers will look for candidates with a degree in journalism or a related field, such as communication, English, or history. Some employers may also require candidates to have experience working on a school newspaper or magazine.

What is the scope of journalism in India?

The scope of journalism in India is vast and growing. There are many different types of journalism jobs available in India, including:

News reporter: News reporters cover current events and newsworthy topics. They may work for newspapers, magazines, television stations, radio stations, or websites.
Feature writer: Feature writers write in-depth stories about people, places, and events. Their stories may be published in newspapers, magazines, or online.
Investigative journalist: Investigative journalists research and report on complex and often controversial topics. They may work for newspapers, magazines, television stations, or online publications.
Sports journalist: Sports journalists report on sporting events and athletes. They may work for newspapers, magazines, television stations, radio stations, or websites.
Business journalist: Business journalists report on business news and financial markets. They may work for newspapers, magazines, television stations, or online publications.
Science journalist: Science journalists report on scientific discoveries and research. They may work for newspapers, magazines, television stations, or online publications.

Is journalism a good career?

Whether or not journalism is a good career for you depends on your individual interests and goals. If you are passionate about writing, reporting, and informing the public, then journalism can be a very rewarding career. However, it is important to be aware of the challenges of the profession before making a decision.

Why should I choose a career in journalism?

There are many reasons why people choose a career in journalism. Some of the most common reasons include:

To make a difference in the world: Journalism can be a powerful tool for change. Journalists can use their work to inform the public about important issues, hold those in power accountable, and give a voice to the voiceless.
To be creative: Journalism is a creative profession that allows you to use your writing and storytelling skills to tell important stories.
To be a part of a dynamic and exciting field: Journalism is a constantly evolving field, and journalists have the opportunity to be at the forefront of change.
To meet new people and travel: Some journalism jobs involve travel, which can be a great way to see the world and learn about different cultures.
To have a variety of career paths: There are many different types of journalism jobs available, so journalists can find a career path that matches their interests and skills.

What are the skills and qualities that journalists need?

Journalists need to have a variety of skills and qualities, including:

Strong writing and communication skills
The ability to research and investigate topics thoroughly
The ability to work independently and under pressure
The ability to meet deadlines
The ability to think critically and analyze information
Knowledge of current events and social issues
Familiarity with media law and ethics

Articles Updates:

20/09/2023: Content update, Interlinking

20/09/2023: Add FAQ and Infographic