Joining the Media: A Complete Guide to Becoming a Journalist
Journalism is one of the oldest and most respected career fields. According to the American Press Institute, journalism is the “activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information.” The origins of journalism can be traced back to ancient Rome, when a very basic news sheet was circulated reporting on the events of the day. The Acta Diurna was published every day and recorded important speeches or events. It was carved into stone and then displayed for the public to read.
Today, journalism covers a wide array of career options. Some people are broadcast journalists, who report the news either on television or radio. Journalism also includes print journalists, who work at newspapers, on websites, or both. Journalism also involves many behind-the-scenes roles, from camera operators and clerks to producers, editors, and press operators.
Journalists have filled an important role in society over the years, reporting on major events such as wars, disasters, and civil unrest as it happened and documenting these events for posterity. Many times, journalists have put themselves in the middle of dangerous situations to get the information they need to keep the public informed. In war zones or in peacetime, renowned journalists such as Edward R. Murrow, Ida B. Wells, Hunter S. Thompson, Nellie Bly, Bob Woodward, and Dan Rather have reported on the news as it happened.
What Makes a Successful Journalist?
A successful journalist is a good communicator. They also need to be persistent in order to get to the bottom of a story, refusing to let “no comment” make them give up on a lead. Sometimes, investigative skills are required to uncover all of the details of a story. And good journalists are objective: They should be able to report the news fairly, leaving their personal biases out of their reporting and ensuring that they make a good-faith attempt to report both sides of the story.
Journalism Education Requirements
Journalism as a career can encompass many different roles, and educational requirements can vary from job to job. Most major media organizations will require journalists to have at least a bachelor’s degree, preferably in journalism or a related field. But if you’re willing to work your way up, you may be able to get a foot in the door without a four-year degree.
Deciding on a Media Specialization
Journalism today encompasses a wide range of specializations. A journalist might focus on global journalism, reporting on worldwide events; photojournalism, capturing important moments on film; or political journalism, keeping an eye on what elected officials are doing at the local, state, or national level. Journalists will also need to choose which medium they want to work in, like print, broadcast, or digital journalism.
Searching for Journalism Jobs
Once you know what type of journalist you want to be, you’ve honed the skills needed to be a successful journalist, and you’ve earned a college degree, it’s time to look for a job. If you are a recent graduate with a moderate amount of experience, like time spent working on your school newspaper or radio station or doing a journalism internship, you have a good foundation to get an entry-level position. The first step would be to do an online search and get your résumé out to as many places as possible. Once you apply to media outlets, then use your tenacity by following up and showing the employers why they need to hire you. Your confidence will go a long way toward convincing them that you have something special to offer.
Salary Range for Journalists
Many factors can go into determining the salary that a journalist may receive, including their location, the type of job, and their experience. For example, landing the coveted lead anchor chair for a national newscast can command a salary of several hundred thousand dollars a year, but starting out as a new reporter for a local newspaper will pay far less. However, even a low-paying entry-level position can help you get the needed experience to move up the salary ladder.
