Journalist

Introduction

Journalists work in one of three main areas: newspapers, magazines or radio/television. Journalism involves researching, and producing written reports or articles, or presenting news items. A career in journalism involves working to deadlines.

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Work Activities

Journalists work on news or features, reporting in one of three main areas - newspapers, magazines or radio/television. Journalists carry out research that involves collecting information, and investigating stories and events. Journalists often interview people to gain the information they need. When they have finished their research, they write the report or article for publication or broadcast. Journalists often have to work to tight deadlines.

Experienced journalists may become sub-editors. Sub-editing involves checking written reports and articles for accuracy, legality and the correct use of English. Sub-editors also write headlines and design pages.

Some journalists need to travel long distances, nationally and internationally, and often at short notice.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

All journalists, regardless of their specialism, require similar attributes and skills. A good command of English, along with clarity, and fluency of style is essential. Journalists need discipline so they can organise time and resources effectively and work to deadlines. They also need typing skills, and a knowledge of shorthand is useful. Journalists need to be inquisitive, persistent, and able to communicate well when explaining ideas and information, and when interviewing people. They also need an interest in current affairs or the specialist subject that they are reporting on, and need a good understanding of their audience.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for journalists vary depending on the branch of journalism and the company they work for.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Journalists earn in the range of £16,000 - £21,500 a year, rising to £23,500 - £27,500 a year. Higher earners can make around £40,500 a year.

Journalists may be required to work long, irregular hours, with early starts, late finishes and weekend work.

Employers are local and national newspapers, as well as magazines and the broadcast media. Other employers are local and national government departments and large commercial and industrial companies, in which a journalist may be employed to work on in-house publications.

Some experienced journalists work freelance, often specialising in a particular area such as science, finance or engineering.

Competition for all jobs in journalism is fierce.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course, eg, Access to Journalism (approved by the National Council for the Training of Journalists) could be the way in.

These courses are designed for people who haven't followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

They can lead to relevant degree and HND courses and pre-entry courses in journalism.

The National Council for the Training of Journalists offers a foundation course by distance learning for trainees who are employed by a company. The London School of Journalism also offers distance learning courses in journalism.

If you're already a graduate, part-time and fast-track postgraduate pre-entry courses (20 weeks) are available.

Freelance working is widespread in many different forms of journalism.

• 33% of people who work in occupations such as journalist are self-employed.
• 17% work part-time.
• 8% have flexible hours.
• 3% work on a temporary basis.

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New Developments

This occupation may involve homeworking.  Find out more about Working from home.