CAREER IN JOURNALISM

Mass Communication is the world of the media ? it is the art of communication with people at large and as any economy grows there is a constant need and impetus on the Communication sector as the management and dissemination of information is of utmost importance.

Mass Communication is the world of the media ? it is the art of communication with people at large and as any economy grows there is a constant need and impetus on the Communication sector as the management and dissemination of information is of utmost importance.
Journalism can broadly be classified as
? Print Journalism: Print Journalism includes newspapers, magazines and journals. In print journalism one can work as editors, reporters, columnists, correspondents etc.
? Electronic Journalism: Electronic journalism includes working for Radio, Television and the Web.
Reporting
? The Job:
? Attend press conferences, conduct interviews
? Travel to sites of major and minor events, within the city and in other parts of the country and the world
? Gather first hand report and present them in an unbiased manner
? Writing or presenting the news on camera
? Special Correspondents report on a particular topic like politics, foreign affairs, sports, finance etc.
? Special correspondents must have a special interest in some field to make a success out of it and
? Sufficient experience as a reporter to become a special correspondent.
? Personality Traits:
? Interested in and aware of the news in all sectors
? Ability to network and build contact various news resources
? Energetic and tireless to travel and run after news
? Writing skill or Speaking skills
Editing
Trainees start as sub editors and eventually move on the senior editors and then to Chief Sub Editor.
? The Prospects:
? They can find job with newspaper groups, publishers of magazines and journals, Indian Information Service of the Government, websites etc.

? The Job:
In print, their job involves
? Re-writing stories to fit the space assigned
? Improve the language, Insert punctuation
? Give headlines
? Help in page layout.
In electronic media, an editor would
? Prepare and sequence tapes shot by reporters before the telecast.
? Research and edit footage for stories from the library
? Edit the anchorperson's script for grammar and factual errors.
? Rewrite the script and sequence stories for final telecast
? Manage the sequence and telecast of stories, the script and gives online inputs as the news is being telecast
News /Feature Editor are the right-hand of the chief editor. He or she
? Decides on the news to be published / telecast each day
? Collects news
? Controls the network of correspondents, reporting staff and other news sources
? Allocates assignments
? Attends editorial conferences.
Chief Editor /Resident Editor: Chief /resident editor is in charge of all functions of the publication or news channel. In a sense, the head of the news channel or paper. His primary responsibility is to manage the functions of collection, selection and presentation of news.
? Personality Traits:
? Communication skills
? Take speedy decisions
? Curiosity and a questioning mentality
? Ability to write & edit articles
? Journalistic vision - awareness of the major or minor political and current affairs
Writing
? The Job:
A Feature writer
? Writes detailed stories or presents commentaries on specific news topics
? Research and analyse facts and draw conclusions on a particular topic. Feature writing is more descriptive and detailed than news reporting.
A Columnist or Critic
? Writes a regular segment within their particular interest category, e.g. gardening, fashion, politics, and films.
? Usually projects a point of view, and could either be a commentator or a critic
? They review developments in special areas they write on & may contribute to a number of news papers at the same time.
? Personality Traits:
? Well read, have adequate knowledge in his respective field
? Experienced and reputed as an expert in a particular field
Camera
? The Job:

A Photo Journalist or Camera Person
? Accompanies reporters on assignments to take pictures that support a news story, feature or interview.
? Is quick and alert to capture a moment, often working under difficult conditions
? Has good knowledge about technical aspects of camera like lighting, speed etc.
? Creative instinct for what makes a good visual story
? Salary:
The minimum starting salary as per government directive has to be
? Reporters / Camera Rs. 5500 to Rs. 9000 per month
? Editors Rs. 7500 to 12000 per month
? Special / Senior Correspondents and Senior or Chief Editors could earn between Rs 5 lacs to Rs 25 lacs per annum. Actual salaries offered depend on the company one is working with, and can vary from very high to very low.
Few useful links:
http://www.shiksha.com/
http://media.shiksha.com/getCategoryPage/colleges/media/All/All/Journalism

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