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How can you choose what type of journalism you would like to qualify in?
Hi, I'm Jinan and I want to be a journalist however, I don't exactly understand how you can end up in the type of journalism you would like to qualify in. I would like to become a field journalist and report not only breaking news, but cultural and religious stories and ideas. #journalism #media #news #reporting #reporter
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David’s Answer
Hi Jinan:
The basics of journalism — clear, concise communication of factually accurate information in writing or verbally — apply to whatever specialization you choose. The important thing is to use your time in school to learn to think and analyze critically, and communicate clearly. If you can do those things, and do them well, you be well prepared to be any type of journalist you choose to be.
I, for example, was a history major in college. I did a lot of reading and writing and participating in classroom discussions. I did not take any journalism courses, nor did I work for my college's newspaper. My first job in journalism was an entry-level role with ABC News — answering phones, ripping wire copy (Google it), and running, literally, scripts from the newsroom to the studio and control room. It was pretty basic stuff. I learned day-to-day journalism working with and assisting writers and reporters and producers. They could (and did) teach me about journalism, but they could not teach me how to think critically, how to write clearly and how to verbally communicate effectively. Those skills I learned in school.
I was a journalist for more than 30 years working in hard news, sports and entertainment for different organizations. Wherever I worked, though, the actual journalism — gathering facts and communicating them effectively — was the same: the topics were just different.
I hope that helps. Good luck.
The basics of journalism — clear, concise communication of factually accurate information in writing or verbally — apply to whatever specialization you choose. The important thing is to use your time in school to learn to think and analyze critically, and communicate clearly. If you can do those things, and do them well, you be well prepared to be any type of journalist you choose to be.
I, for example, was a history major in college. I did a lot of reading and writing and participating in classroom discussions. I did not take any journalism courses, nor did I work for my college's newspaper. My first job in journalism was an entry-level role with ABC News — answering phones, ripping wire copy (Google it), and running, literally, scripts from the newsroom to the studio and control room. It was pretty basic stuff. I learned day-to-day journalism working with and assisting writers and reporters and producers. They could (and did) teach me about journalism, but they could not teach me how to think critically, how to write clearly and how to verbally communicate effectively. Those skills I learned in school.
I was a journalist for more than 30 years working in hard news, sports and entertainment for different organizations. Wherever I worked, though, the actual journalism — gathering facts and communicating them effectively — was the same: the topics were just different.
I hope that helps. Good luck.
Brian P. D. Hannon
Journalist / Former College English and History Teacher
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Brian P. D.’s Answer
You do not need to "qualify" in any specific area of journalism before you begin. Working in journalism will make you an expert (or at least a very informed amateur) in any subject you choose.
I was an English literature major in college. I read a lot of great books and wrote many essays. But I also took courses in history, political science, sociology, religion and other fields. I didn't know what I wanted to do as a career until my final year when I took a news writing course and realized that I could combine my love of writing and reading with all of the other fields I had studied, plus many more I had not even considered, to build a career in the news.
There are no limits in journalism. You can turn any interest or passion you have into coverage of the news, because every aspect of modern life - arts, food and drink, politics, justice, religion, science, technology, business, human rights, the environment - is covered by newspapers, magazines, television programs and websites providing news. When you become a journalist you will be asked to cover many different areas, including those you already love but also many others that you don't yet know anything about. Working in journalism is an opportunity to expand your understanding of the world on a daily basis.
You do not need any specific qualifications to begin. Only a desire to increase your own knowledge and communicate the information to others.
I was an English literature major in college. I read a lot of great books and wrote many essays. But I also took courses in history, political science, sociology, religion and other fields. I didn't know what I wanted to do as a career until my final year when I took a news writing course and realized that I could combine my love of writing and reading with all of the other fields I had studied, plus many more I had not even considered, to build a career in the news.
There are no limits in journalism. You can turn any interest or passion you have into coverage of the news, because every aspect of modern life - arts, food and drink, politics, justice, religion, science, technology, business, human rights, the environment - is covered by newspapers, magazines, television programs and websites providing news. When you become a journalist you will be asked to cover many different areas, including those you already love but also many others that you don't yet know anything about. Working in journalism is an opportunity to expand your understanding of the world on a daily basis.
You do not need any specific qualifications to begin. Only a desire to increase your own knowledge and communicate the information to others.
Updated
Ben’s Answer
Good question! First is to try different types of reporting on different subjects to see what is of interest to you. As you figure out what you like, be sure to take classes or join clubs about those subjects so you can learn about them and their history. In addition, try to get an internship or volunteer experience in journalism professions like digital, print, TV etc so you can learn the business, but also more on those topics. The more you experience the business, what it takes to be a journalist, and see how that relates to your area of interest, you will have a good handle on what a career path looks like.
Updated
Lore’s Answer
In the United States, which is the only country for which I can speak authoritatively about journalism, it’s crucial to learn how to write and edit breaking news and feature stories, operate a video camera, do stand-up reporting on camera and take professional-caliber photos. You should also take a course on how journalists use social media. It’s also a good idea to take a course in how to search public records.
The education that was acceptable for reporters in past decades is irrelevant. In this era, many job postings are for “multi-media journalists.” In order to qualify as a candidate for these jobs, you must be able to perform all those tasks I just listed. Journalism school will teach you these things.
Here’s an example of a job posting by a media company that owns small and mid-sized newspapers and television stations:
"[Company name deleted] is looking for a passionate and curious journalist ….
A Multi-Media Journalist must be a skilled photojournalist and writer, with a keen sense of curiosity, the ability to use public records to deliver facts and accuracy, and the ability to use communication skills to command the interview—whether it’s the person on the street, or a high-level public official. The MMJ is responsible for both the on-air and online content of their story. You’ll be joining an award-winning, experienced team of journalists, working in our state-of-the-art, 52,000 square foot newsroom."
P.S.: To make yourself a more desirable hiring candidate as a religion reporter, you should take courses in comparative religion. Make sure to take courses in how to cover pop culture.
Find a college with a good journalism major.
The education that was acceptable for reporters in past decades is irrelevant. In this era, many job postings are for “multi-media journalists.” In order to qualify as a candidate for these jobs, you must be able to perform all those tasks I just listed. Journalism school will teach you these things.
Here’s an example of a job posting by a media company that owns small and mid-sized newspapers and television stations:
"[Company name deleted] is looking for a passionate and curious journalist ….
A Multi-Media Journalist must be a skilled photojournalist and writer, with a keen sense of curiosity, the ability to use public records to deliver facts and accuracy, and the ability to use communication skills to command the interview—whether it’s the person on the street, or a high-level public official. The MMJ is responsible for both the on-air and online content of their story. You’ll be joining an award-winning, experienced team of journalists, working in our state-of-the-art, 52,000 square foot newsroom."
P.S.: To make yourself a more desirable hiring candidate as a religion reporter, you should take courses in comparative religion. Make sure to take courses in how to cover pop culture.
Lore recommends the following next steps: