Journalist

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Introduction

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

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 under pressure and to tight deadlines.

After gaining experience, some journalists specialise in a particular subject area, such as the arts, business, crime, economics and finance, education, foreign affairs, health, politics, science and technology, social affairs or sport. Others become columnists, commentators or feature writers.

Alternatively, 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 design pages and write headlines, and in broadcast journalism they prepare scripts, captions and graphics.

Some journalists need to travel long distances, nationally and internationally, and often at short notice. Many work irregular hours, although magazine journalists may be more likely to work normal office hours.

Journalist working as foreign correspondents may be exposed to danger in some of the world's troublespots.

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 may also be required to demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in their writing style. They also need discipline so they can organise time and resources effectively and work to deadlines. In addition, they need typing skills, and a knowledge of shorthand is useful.

Journalists need to be observant, inquisitive, persistent, and able to communicate well when explaining ideas and information, and when interviewing people. Good listening skills are very important. They also need an interest in current affairs or in the specialist subject that they are reporting on, and need a good understanding of their audience.

Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for journalists vary with the branch of journalism, the employer, and whether they work locally, regionally or nationally.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Journalists earn in the range of �15,000 - �17,500 a year, rising to �22,000 - �25,000. Higher earners can make around �35,000 - �45,000 a year, with the highest earnings in national media.

Rates for freelance journalists vary depending on whether they work on a shift or commissioned basis. Generally, national newspaper shifts are from around �150 - �300 a shift. A useful guide to freelance rates is found on the National Union of Journalists website - see contact details.

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

Employers are local, regional 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.

Adult Opportunities

It is 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 (NCTJ) - 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 NCTJ offers a foundation course in news reporting (NRDL) by distance learning. Students then sit the Preliminary Certificates in Journalism, usually within two years. If you are not employed as a reporter you will need to obtain work experience to practise your skills.

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 (12 - 22 weeks) are available.