Journalism involves the craft of writing and reporting daily events, offering a career that brings recognition, fame, and financial rewards. Both print and electronic media need journalists for reporting, writing, editing, photography, and broadcasting. A journalist should generally possess:
- An understanding of national and international events.
- Basic knowledge of the world.
- A talent for writing.
- Clear thinking and perception.
- An unbiased approach to issues.
Career Opportunities
Journalists have opportunities in various fields, including Newspapers, Magazines, News Agencies, Television and Radio, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, related Government Agencies like DAVP, and online websites. They can work in different roles such as Reporter, Sub-Editor, News Editor, Feature Writer, Columnist, Editor, or Freelance Writer.
Reporter
A reporter is the primary observer for a newspaper, tasked with providing accurate information. They cover events like political gatherings, exhibitions, or inaugurals, maintaining connections with police, courts, hospitals, and using press releases from various organizations. Reporters may specialize in fields like politics, sports, cinema, environment, or crime and receive invitations to press conferences and legislative sessions. They select significant news items for printing.
Sub-Editor
A sub-editor handles much of the editing work, checking and refining news articles, enhancing language, inserting punctuation, removing irrelevant parts, and rewriting content when necessary. They also compose headlines, ensuring articles are clear, simple, appealing, and accurate.
News Editor
The news editor leads the news desk, managing a network of correspondents and news sources like agencies and wire services. They act as the right hand of the editor and a key link between the editor and the newsroom staff, ensuring proper news coverage, editing, and headline creation.
Feature Writers
Feature writers generate ideas and write articles on various subjects of general interest, often specializing in particular areas. They gather information and opinions on current topics and conduct interviews with notable personalities, requiring substantial research for their articles.
Columnist
Columnists typically have extensive experience in feature writing and write about topics of personal interest.
Editor
The editor is the guardian of public conscience, providing unbiased editorial commentary on important matters and selecting topics for the editorial column. A newspaper’s personality is shaped by the editor’s dynamism.
Institutions
Journalism courses are offered by various institutions across the country, with differing eligibility and duration. Some notable institutions include:
- Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi and Dhenkanal (Orissa): Offers a 1-year Postgraduate Study in Journalism and Mass Communication. Eligibility: Graduation, Age: up to 25 years. Entrance Test conducted in May.
- South Gujarat University, Surat, Gujarat: Offers a 3-year degree course in journalism. Eligibility: H.S. Exam. of the GSEB or equivalent.
- Bangalore University, Bangalore: Offers a 3-year B.A. in Journalism. Eligibility: Must have passed 10+2.
- Goa University, Bambolin: Offers a 3-year B.A. with Mass Media Communication. Eligibility: Must have passed 10+2.
- Pune University, Pune: Offers a 3-year B.A. with Journalism. Eligibility: Must have passed 10+2.
- University of Calcutta, Calcutta: Offers a 2-year B.A. with Journalism. Eligibility: Must have passed 10+2.
- University of Delhi, Delhi: Offers a 3-year Bachelor of Journalism. Eligibility: Must have passed 10+2 with 55% marks.
- University of Mysore, Mysore: Offers a 1-year Bachelor with Journalism and a 3-year B.A. with Journalism. Eligibility: Must have passed 10+2.
- Rabindra Bharati University, Calcutta: Offers a Bachelor’s degree course in Mass Communication. Eligibility: Graduates with 45% marks.
- Bombay University, Bombay: Offers degree courses in journalism. Eligibility: Must have passed 10+2. Duration: 3 years.
- Mass Communication Research Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi: Offers courses in Journalism and Mass Communication. Entry through entrance test