Journalism

Introduction:

Collection and dissemination of news through print and/or electronic media is known as journalism. While journalists in print media work in newspapers, journals, magazines, tabloids etc., journalists in electronic media are employed in Television, radio and web service providers. The purpose of journalism is to notify, update, alert, interpret and enlighten the public about the various happening in and outside the country.

Eligibility:

Candidates aspiring for a career in journalism should have completed 10+2 to join a course Bachelors course in journalism. Graduates and post graduates with journalism or mass communication as main subject are qualified to become a journalist. However, those with exceptional writing skills are also considered by some publishing houses. Students can also specialize in specific areas such as politics, law, sports, entertainment etc.

Jobs and careers:

In print media a journalist can find placement as editor, columnist, proofreader, reporter, correspondent, etc. In the electronic media, they can be an editor, reporter, writer, researcher, correspondent, compère, etc.

Editors:

An editor is responsible for the editorial aspects of the publication. Some of the main duties of an editor are to supervise the compilation, selection, presentation and publication of the news. He determines the content to the publication and the editorial policies.

Reporters:

Reporters cover the various events that occur within a specified period of time. For example, for newspapers it is within a day. Then they compile them into news and send it for approval from the editor. If given a go-ahead then the news is published.

Correspondents:

They are specially assigned a specific task such as political event, sports event, film awards function etc. Correspondents must carefully choose their subject of liking to sustain in this field for long, as many tend to lose focus. Generally reporters are promoted as correspondents after sufficient years of service.

Proofreaders:

Their duty is to compare the original documents with the edited copy to verify its authenticity. Proofreaders check for grammatical and spelling errors before the news goes for printing.

Content writers:

A content writer chooses any subject that is of relevance to the publication he/she is associated with, conducts research on it and writes an article.