Career in Journalism and Mass Communication: Can Journalism be Your Perfect Career

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How to Build Career in Journalism and Mass Communication in Details

What is journalism profession all about?

Business or financial journalists perform the functions of reporting, writing, editing, analysing the developments taking place in the economy and finance sectors as well as the economic changes taking place in the society. There are exclusive desks in all newspapers and T.V. channels for collection, editing, analysis, interpretation of news related to economy, trade and commerce. Everything starting from issues of personal finance to the business activities taking place at local shopping centres, malls, national and international markets is covered under the banner of business journalism. The channels for dissemination of such news and views include newspapers, television, books, magazines, journals, pamphlets, newsletters, radio, etc.

Major tasks of a Journalist include the following:

to gather news and information by interviewing people and covering events;
to undertake research;
assess the suitability of reports and articles for publication or broadcasting and edit if necessary;
to write articles that comment on or interpret news events and may put forward a view on behalf of the publication;
to present news on-air

Personal attributes required

The common personal traits required to become a successful business journalist are: The first thing that comes to mind is your interest in reading, observing things and writing. An avid reader and a keen observer is more suitable for the profession than others. You should have a nose for the news as well as ability to differentiate what is news and what is not. Mental alertness and physical stamina are needed.

Career in journalism in Different Fields

The basic departments and jobs in a publishing house or T.V. news channel are:

The Editorial Team

Chief Editor/Resident Editor: He is in-charge of the editorial department. His responsibility is to supervise the functions of collection, selection and presentation of all news items. In case newspaper has multiple editions, then resident editors are appointed.

News Editors: News editor’s job is to decide and collect news items to be included in the newspaper next day. He supervises the correspondents and other news sources.

Sub-editors: Each newspaper or news channel has a number of sub-editors in their offices. They select and sort out all news items coming to the newspaper/news channel’s office through various sources. Their responsibility is to improve the language, insert punctuation and delete the irrelevant portions of the news stories.

Reporters and special correspondents: The entry level into the field of journalism is as a reporter. He must have a nose to sense news.

Similarly, there are some special correspondents/reporters. They have to report specific areas of work like Parliament, political parties, crime, sports, etc. Reporters who have sufficient experience are promoted as special correspondents.

Critics: Critics are well read and have adequate experience in their respective field. A critic writes reviews of literary, musical, or artistic works and performances to be broadcast or published in a newspaper or magazine. For this purpose they have to attend dance, drama, theatre performances, visit art exhibitions, watch newly released movies, or preview television presentations and read books. Often their critical writings or verbal critical comments are based on their knowledge, judgement, and experience. An experienced, knowledgeable and objective critic’s work is often appreciated, respected and valued. And that brings his name popularity and career growth.

Freelance Journalists: They are not employees of any newspaper, magazine, radio or TV channel but they contribute articles/reports and are paid for these. People with interest in specific areas occasionally provide articles or reports to the newspapers or T.V. channels.

Columnist: Columnist are appointed by newspapers for regular columns. A columnist gets a fixed salary for the job.

Some other positions in business journalism are: The Leader Writer, Trainee Writers, News Photographers, Circulation Managers, Circulation Executives, Advertisement Managers, Librarians and Researchers, Advertisement Executives, Administrative Managers, Accounts Managers, Computer Operators, Senior Clerks, Clerks, Printing Machine Operators, etc.

Salary Package

At entry level a trainee journalist is paid Rs. 7000 to 12,000 p.m. After gaining experience it could be between Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 35,000 p.m. An editor can earn a salary of Rs. 30,000 to 60,000 p.m. But the pay scale can vary from one organization to another. As per salary determined by the Wage Board, a trainee is paid between Rs. 7500-10000 p.m. Salary of Special correspondents is around Rs. 20,000-35,000 p.m. A senior editor or the editor in chief of an eminent news channel is paid around Rs. 1.5 lakhs or so per month.

In general salaries in print media are lower than those in the electronic media. However, much also depends on the individual merit, experience and popularity of the media person and the level of the employing organization.

Education Required to Build Career in Journalism

If you have completed your graduation, you can go for Post-graduate Diploma Course in Journalism (English), Post-graduate Diploma Course in Mass Communication. The test comprises of General Awareness, Aptitude & mental make-up, Language capability and Analytical & comprehension skills.

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