Job Article: Journalist
Journalists write news stories and features for newspapers, magazines, broadcasting and other media, such as the internet and teletext. Their work involves discussing which stories to cover with editorial staff and finding out more by attending meetings, press conferences and courts, using libraries and the internet, and talking to people who can give them information. They may interview people who are involved in stories over the phone or in person. They write up stories, making sure they are interesting and accurate, and work to strict deadlines.
Magazine journalists tend to work daytime hours, from Monday to Friday, but newspaper journalists may work shifts to cover evenings and weekends. They may need to work additional hours to meet deadlines.
Journalists are office based, but can spend a lot of their time away from the office covering stories. This can involve being outside in all weather conditions and travelling throughout the UK and overseas, often at short notice. A car and a driving licence may be useful.
Salaries range from around £10,000 to £80,000 a year, or more. A journalist should:
- have excellent communication skills
- have an excellent command of English and strong storytelling skills
- be inquisitive, persuasive and persistent
- be interested in current affairs, journalistic law and writing.
Most national newspapers and magazines are based in London, but jobs on regional and local newspapers are available throughout the UK. Some journalists are employed by press agencies that sell stories to a number of publications and other media. Many journalists work freelance for all or part of their careers.
It is possible to become a journalist with five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) including English, or equivalent qualifications, but most entrants have at least two A levels/ H grades, or equivalent qualifications. Around 60 per cent of journalists are graduates. Most degree subjects are acceptable. Entry is very competitive and candidates are expected to produce a portfolio of published writing. Work experience is an essential first step to gaining employment.
Some candidates enter from school or university into a training position on a magazine or a local or regional newspaper. The majority of journalists take a pre-entry course in journalism. Options include HND, foundation degree, degree, one-year postgraduate and 18-20 week fast-track postgraduate courses.
New entrants may have the opportunity to study for further qualifications. Short training courses in relevant subjects are available for both newspaper and magazine journalists.
Journalists gain promotion by moving from general reporting to writing features on specialist topics, or moving to a publication with a wider circulation. Some are promoted |
