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We have entered the
age of information explosion. The media is playing a major role in
this regard, ensuring that the latest news and information from
around the world reaches each individual. And that is one of the
reasons why journalism is a hot career today. Journalism is quite
a broad field and there are a variety of work profiles that are
included. What a journalist basically does is presents news or
general articles of interest in an informative and succinct format
either in the print medium or the electronic media. As a
journalist you can work with a newspaper which may be a morning
daily or a tabloid, a magazine, a journal (which deals with a
specific subject and is of a technical or educational nature), a
news channel on television or a radio channel, a news website, a
news agency, or you can even freelance- which means you can choose
to write on any topic and send articles to newspapers or magazines
without being employed by any particular newspaper. You can be a
reporter reporting news, a news writer, a feature writer, a
columnist, a researcher, an editor, a critic, a correspondent who
is a representative of the newspaper who reports news from a
particular region, a special reporter , proof reader, news
analyst, photo journalist or a news reader. And these are just a
few work profiles- there are several more. There are many
specializations and so, you can choose to be a travel journalist,
sports journalist, entertainment journalist, weathercaster,
political journalist, heritage journalist, financial journalist,
fashion journalist, investigative journalist and write or cover
news stories related to your area of expertise. |
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 There is great
scope in this field. You can start off at a lower level in the
hierarchy and move up to editorial and other high positions. You
can freelance or work part time. According to the Government of
India's directives, a reporter should be paid a minimum of Rs 5500
to Rs 9000, chief reporters or sub editors should be paid Rs 5000
to Rs 10500 and senior editors should be paid Rs 7500 to Rs 12000.
However remuneration depends on the group you are working with and
your special skills.
In order to be a journalist, you need to have certain skills.
Command over language, good writing skills, ability to convey
ideas in an interesting manner are skills necessary for writing
related work. A reporter needs to be alert, have good networking
skills and be up to date on current affairs. As it is a very
competitive field, reporters have to be on their toes and willing
to work at odd hours. Ability to stick to deadlines is essential
for journalists. Special reporters, columnists, journalists
working for journals, critics, etc. have to be proficient in the
field they choose to write on. Live reporters need to have a good
presence of mind and confidence. Comfort with electronic media, a
keen eye for what will make a good story, ability to look at the
same story from different angles, creativity, knowledge about a
wide range of issues and above all excellent communication skills
are essential. |
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 Many Universities
offer graduate and post graduate degrees in mass media and
journalism. Besides these, there are a great number of diploma and
certificate courses offered by various institutes. But graduates
in any discipline can work as journalists as long as they have the
skills required for the job. Experience of having worked for
school and college magazines &/ or internships with publications
give an applicant an added advantage. |
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Journalism is a
very interesting career. You get to explore places, meet different
people from all walks of life and gain a lot of information. It is
very exciting to cover a news event live and to explore a story
from different perspectives. Journalism is a very creative field
that offers you a wide range of new experiences. It is also a
medium through which you can connect with people and share your
views and ideas with others. It is the journalist's responsibility
not just to make people aware of the latest happenings around the
world and provide information but also to inspire people with
thought provoking stories. One can say that a journalist is an
instrument of awakening people. |
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So if you feel that
you would like to be a part of this happening field, do start
today to cultivate the Required skills and gain career fitness for
this field. Come and be a part of this satisfying process.
- Jagruti Wandrekar |
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