If you’re looking for real challenges, a great amount of excitement, prestige and glamour, risk and reward, then journalism has all these to offer and much more. This article focuses exclusively on Journalism in the Print Media.
Its Purpose
Journalists play a major role in the development of nation. They keep us informed about daily happenings in society. The purpose of journalism itself is to analyse, interpret and inform, educate and enlighten people, and shape opinions and exert a great influence of people’s lives. The growing awareness that knowledge is power has also given an impetus to the regional and vernacular press to expand and strengthen its scope in the past few years.
Lucrative And Competitive
Journalism is a lucrative and competitive profession as well as a highly paid one, with media barons opening newspapers or publishing houses quite frequently. The competition in fact is so rife that each newspaper tries to produce something exclusive, which in turn has given the readers a great deal of variety and this in turn has led to a lot of job-openings.
Inborn Talent
To ensure one's success in the field one must have an inborn ability to write and produce new stories in correct, concise and interesting style.
No course or training can claim to make a journalist.
Getting Hired
* Traditionally, the tough part of breaking into journalism and publishing was the long apprenticeship period you'd have to survive. This still holds true on the editorial side for many traditional newspapers and magazines.
* Although journalism is open to non-graduates, large media organisations have expressed a preference for graduates in recent years. Although formal academic qualification to be a reporter, copy writer or correspondent is not essential, it very useful, as it gives you an edge over the others. And, recent trends have shown that big groups of newspapers in metropolitan, national and international newspapers advertise the posts of trainees for which all graduates are eligible.
* Many newspapers conduct entrance exams to screen potential employees. After this, suitable graduate trainees, with flair for writing are selected and employed.
* Many publishers are bringing in people with real business skills. Most of these spots still get filled on an ad-hoc basis with either entry-level or experienced people, but a few of the bigger players may have internships available for candidates coming out of college.
If you'd like to land a spot in the industry, consider the following:
· For those applying for editorial slots, however, you too walk a fine line in publishing, journalism, and public relations--in writing, research, and editing.
· The obvious criteria include enjoying reading, writing, and news. If you're on the business side, you should not only share these interests,
· You must be able to deal effectively with large egos and a lot of sanctimonious grief.
· No need to update your resume fonts or enclose your clips in an expensive-looking portfolio. You're only as good as your words, and visual distractions won't fool anyone in this business. Keep it short and simple. Less is almost always more.
· Competence and calmness count for a lot in this business. So does modesty. Don't oversell yourself, even in ad sales.
Eligibility
Minimum eligibility for a Bachelor’s degree in journalism is 10+2. For Post graduate degree courses a Bachelor’s degree in journalism is prerequisite. Some institutes also provide a one year certificate courses in journalism for which eligibility is 10+2.
Course Areas:
The courses train aspiring journalists only in the technical aspects of the job. Students of journalism are taught:
- A general humanistic education as well as skills in communication and analysis, for different media-writing, speaking, gaining skills in oral expression, and producing for all media that are essential in most careers.
- How to interact with people and discuss current issues that may one day become important facts of history.
- A major in journalism prepares a student for work in communications, public relations, government and public service, sales, publishing, journalism, advertising, education, and business.
- There are also courses in specialized areas of journalism like sports, photo, press law etc. Additional courses that provide a good foundation for careers in journalism include: computer science, business, history, sociology, political science, economics, and psychology.
- Some jobs also require fluency in a foreign language.
Types of Journalism
In journalism, there are feature writers, leader writers, writers for multimedia and web, etc.
Journalism is classified into two on the basis of media- (i) Print Journalism. It includes newspapers, magazines and journals. In print journalism one can work as editors, reporters, columnists, correspondents etc.
(ii) Electronic (Audio/Visual) Journalism includes working for Radio, Television and the Web. In the web, skilled people are required to maintain sites by web newspapers (which cater only to the web and do not have print editions) and popular newspapers and magazines who have their own web editions. In electronic journalism one can be a reporter, writer, editor, researcher, correspondent and anchor.
India News Agencies
India has two main news agencies- Press Trust of India (PTI), established on August 27, 1947 when it took over the operations of the Associated Press of India and the Indian operations of Reuters; and United News of India (UNI), which began its operations on March 21. Apart from these, there are other agencies too.
Print Media
Newspapers remain the biggest segment of the publishing world, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the industry's revenue. They differ in size, distribution, language, format, affiliation, purpose and issue (morning or evening). These differences determine the number of people who work for the newspaper. Most large newspapers aim to provide a wide coverage of news for their readers.
Today, a large number of accredited journalists, together with countless stringers, critics, commentators, and others, seek out, report on and publicise occurrences of consequence happening in the world around us. Their stories are published by numerous newspapers and magazines. Some of these cover a general mix of political, financial, social, environmental and sports news and articles. Others focus on the specific needs of professional or special interest groups.
Seriously Speaking…
If you are interested in serious journalism, this career choice is for anyone who has a nose for news and wants to make a difference to the society and work even in erratic shifts. Press journalists usually work as part of a team in the office, but will often be working alone whilst reporting.
It involves…
Journalism entails the collection and dissemination of news. This involves various areas of works like reporting, writing, editing, photographing. Legend tells of a time when people were employed just to check the facts in submitted articles. That's rarely seen nowadays.
Writing news and feature stories:
Writers choose themes or subjects for written work, conduct research into the subject, assemble background material and obtain other necessary data.
- News stories are short and focus on telling readers what's just happened – the most important thing first.
- Feature stories often need a topical 'peg' (or reason) for publication, but they're more in-depth and less rigidly structured. They might be interviews, travel reports, how-to articles or opinion columns.
Editing is the process of reviewing and then condensing, correcting or arranging written material and images, sound, video, or film with the objective of preparing it for final presentation.
You could be a newspaper or magazine editor. Your designation could be that of a copy editor, a sub editor, a features editor or an editor in chief. An editor’s job description depends on the level and field you are working in.
Multitasking is becoming more and more a part of life in media. So photography is a useful skill for all writers to have. Some people work as photojournalists and use their pictures to tell the story with very few words. Reporters on small newspapers cover all aspects of local news and photographs, write headlines, lay out pages, etc.
Nature of Work & Personnel
Newspaper work is broadly divided into two streams: the field and the desk.
FIELD WORK
In large newspaper offices each field worker has a special assignment
Reporters& Correspondents:
Reporters: are the eyes and ears of the newspaper. Chasing news stories, covering national and local events, telling the world what is happening where, why and how is the work of a journalist or correspondent. They report events as and when it occurs and present them in an unbiased manner. They prepare stories that inform us about local, state, national and international events, present different view points on current issues and monitor the actions of public officials and others who exercise power.
The local reporter, the national affairs correspondent, the foreign correspondent, sports, travel and other specialist writers all go outside the office to cover their particular beat and file news reports or ‘stories'. To cover a ‘story' or news item they may have to do background research, review public records and interview all people related to a theme. They may take notes, tape record statements and write their stories upon returning to the office. Their job involves a lot of travelling.
A Chief reporter is in charge of the team of reporters, and assigns work to the reporters. National and international newspapers employ reporters in all major cities. Reporters on small newspapers cover all aspects of local news and photographs, write headlines, lay out pages, etc.
Change in Scenario
Simple reporting of events is no longer sufficient. More specialization and professionalism in reporting is required. Often newspapers assign specific ‘beats' to journalists in big cities, to cover all happenings in that area-political issues, law and order, sports, finance and economics, investigation, culture education, local affairs, courts, religious sites, on a regular basis, primarily to write about events taking place in these areas.
So, while journalism may seem exciting, it really takes lots of legwork. The main thrill is in witnessing events and reporting in a lucid style so as to influence people to react to the changing scene.
Correspondent/Special Reporters:
are reporters for special purposes and their task involves reporting on a particular topic like politics, foreign affairs, sports, finance etc. They often report on news covering their area of expertise from a place where the particular event is happening. Their aim is to interpret or explain news, and comment on the events, trends and causes behind it. Special correspondent must choose the concerned field in which he has special interest to make a success out of it. Usually one must have sufficient experience as a reporter to become a special correspondent. Newspapers frequently station reporters known as correspondents in large cities and in other countries to prepare stories on major news events occurring in these locations. Reporters with general assignments write up local news as assigned.
Professional Skills:
* Writers and editors can clearly and logically express themselves.
* Creative and intellectual curiosity, a broad range of knowledge and keen interest in current affairs, self- motivation and perseverance, physical fitness an open-minded and unbiased approach, the ability to judge neutrally; curiosity ; wide-ranging interests ; sensibility to the atmosphere; an instinct for the story’s appeal to people ; ability to sum up situations and people quickly ; ability to draw people out; resourcefulness ; resilience willingness to work at unearthly hours, knowledge of regional and foreign languages and empathy are valuable assets.
* Journalists need to have a broad based education, good general knowledge and a style of writing that is accurate, readable and informed
* Reporters must possess an inquisitive mind, will power, an analytic approach, an ability to sense news, the faculty of keen observation, a sharp mind and memory, and the ability to perceive what lies beyond the obvious, perseverance, cool temperament, and self-confidence;
*An aptitude for presenting information in an accurate, thorough, clear and concise, lucid and effective manner, organize their thoughts and to express themselves clearly both orally and in writing, in easily understood English is also essential.
*Reporters should have good contacts with various news resources.
* When he/she is reporting, he/she has to define the parameters, which would ensure that he /she is not indulging in any type copyright violations and that his/her reporting is not amounting to any kind of defamation.
* He/she has to gather quality news through various sources, do research that would act as a backup to his report and present it in such a manner that is easily understood by anyone. At the same time a journalist has to be tactful, confident and organized while interviewing people from all walks of life.
*They must have the ability to sift relevant facts from the irrelevant. They have to distinguish the newsworthy stories from those which are not.
* They must have the ability to accept criticism and willingness to do considerable rewriting are also necessary.
Special Beats
Court Reporters make detailed records of what is said during court proceedings using specialized equipment designed to record or quickly input spoken words. Court Reporters learn the necessary skills through educational programs or on-the-job training. Licensing for Court Reporters is required in some states.
DESK WORK
Generally, a team of journalists work in a newspaper office. Reporting and subbing are complementary and equally important functions in the editorial department.
The editorial department, in fact, has a tremendous role of compilation, at times, piecing together news in the right context. Staff journalists are expected to handle a variety of tasks including picture research and sub-editing, depending on the number of staff employed.
The editorial department is headed by the editor under him there are sub-editors, correspondents, special reporters, reporters and freelance journalists, photojournalists etc. Newspaper editor and sub-editors sit at a desk most of the time, however, editors may attend local events.
THE TEAM
INTERNAL
In the editing section there are various key positions and duties involved with it. These titles and descriptions vary, depending on the segment of the industry and the specific organization. And since the overall industry trend seems to be toward the incredible shrinking of editorial staff, expect to see many of these jobs conflated soon if they haven't already been.
1. Editors: work tirelessly every day to produce daily papers, filling long hours with a wide variety of roles. They have to work within a time frame, a budget that must make a profit. In large publishing organizations, editors usually preside over specific desks—national, foreign, finance, arts, new fiction, or biography. They plan the contents of the publication and supervise its preparation. They decide what will appeal to readers, assign topics and oversee the production of the newspaper. They must be able to co-ordinate the efforts of a team. In smaller publications, they do it all—and a fair amount of the writing and layout as well.
Edition Plan
Editors working on newspapers and magazines should have sound knowledge of newspaper law.
Their duties include:
Writing
Although newspaper editors have many duties, they are still expected to write original articles frequently. News editors will generally write analysis-based copy that allows them to remain in the newsroom to coordinate their sections; features editors can expect to write lengthier profiles or features, including interviews.
Leads
Story leads and tips from the community are also often sent directly to the editor. It is her job to discern which leads can produce interesting and informative stories, and to match them to writers capable of "running down" the lead to produce good copy.
Assignments
Editors are responsible for scheduling daily and weekly assignments on their "budgets," lists of the contents of their sections that they produce every day. Editors hear pitches from their writers, and assign stories that they or the editor-in-chief believe will be of interest to writers.
Copyediting
The editor is responsible for all of the copy that runs in her section. Spelling and grammar errors, inconsistencies, incorrect facts or fabricated reporting are ultimately her responsibility.
Layout
At most newspapers, especially small- to mid-range papers, the editor is also responsible for "laying out" his own section- the process of fitting articles and graphics on a section's pages so that they are readable and aesthetically pleasing.
Other Duties
In addition to copyediting and writing and layout work , newspaper editors manage writers and interact with the local community on a regular basis. Administrative duties include hiring writers, planning budgets, negotiating contracts with freelance writers, etc.
Professional Skills
A good editor must have all the qualities of a good reporter, the ability to write and edit articles, take speedy decisions, a questioning mentality and an awareness of current affairs, and be well informed about a broad range of subjects. Also essential is an excellent sense of language and grammar, as well as basic computer skills.
Editors must possess a sound knowledge of their market, and take the initiative in looking for new authors and new subjects. They need to put forward innovative ideas and establish the style of the publication.
Editors have to pay close attention to readership surveys, market trends, and everything that's happening in new media in addition to just making sure that the news is covered.
Educational Qualifications
Most editors hold a college degree in either English language or journalism. Sometimes, other college majors are acceptable, more so in the fields of technical or special-interest writing. School and college experience in your field of editing is always an added advantage.
Responsibility
If an editor’s job description sounds like the kind of work you would enjoy, you must first understand that the pressures of the job are great, and one is constantly working against time to meet deadlines. The job also carries great responsibilities, for the editor is the one who takes the fall for printed inaccuracies. Working as a newspaper editor can be a rewarding experience for those who love news and hard work. But it is not a job for the faint of heart.
2. Managing Editor: In most organizations, he sees to the daily functioning of the news department, and news/feature/sports editors assign work and the copy/sub editors edit a reporter/writers material for accuracy, content, grammar, and style.
Personal attributes: He should have excellent journalistic vision- awareness of the major or minor political and current affairs, communication skills, leadership quality and long term experience as an editor.
3. Chief Editor: is in charge of the over-all functions of the publication. His primary responsibility is to supervise the functions of collection, selection and presentation of news. He reads and corrects the copy for publication, decides on the editorial policy and the content of publications.
4. News Editor: is the right-hand man of the chief editor. He decides on the news to be published in the newspaper each day. He collects news, controls the network of correspondents, reporting staff and other news sources, allocates assignments and attends editorial conferences.
5. Executive Editor: is at a senior position, and may thus oversee the work of other editors, who may deal with specific areas such as international news, local news, feature stories, or sports. However, he/she has the final word on which stories are published and the perspective taken on them. They also have to ensure that the editorial stance of the material is in keeping with that of the publication.
6. Resident Editor: is in charge of a particular edition (Eg: Pune edition, Mumbai edition, Goa Edition etc.).
7. Associate Editor: In very large newspapers, there are associate or assistant editors who have responsibility for particular subjects. He directs the preparation of a section of a newspaper or magazine. He prepares news, feature articles and critical reviews, and plans the layout of the publication, assigns reporting staff and photographers to obtain coverage of matters of news or interest related to his section.
Features
There is the editor, associate editors and journalists who write specific stories assigned to them. The work involves researching, interviewing and stimulating writing. There are freelance contributions, columnists and special commentators involved even in magazine journalism.
8. Chief Sub Editor is in charge of the team of sub editors- he assigns work, co-ordinates and supervises them. He acts as a link between the chief editor and sub editors.
Sub-editors: Within the office is the news desk where sub-editors or copy editors. Sub-editors work behind the scene so to say while the reporter enjoys the limelight. There are number of sub editors for each newspaper.
They assist chief editor in selecting and sorting the contents. They are almost like a ‘gate keeper' editing, re-writing stories to fit the space assigned, improve the language, reformatting, objectively presenting each report or story keeping in mind the general policy of the newspaper. The sub-editor goes through the original and final scripts with a truly informed yet critical and unbiased outlook, giving the final shape to the story submitted by a reporter. They also help in page layout.
9. Features /Magazine Editor:
A big newspaper or magazine would employ several types of editors. There may be a News Editor, a Features Editor, a Sports Editor, and possibly several sub-editors. They also oversee the layout and appearance of articles, which may include duties such as overseeing artwork, design, photography and sometimes attending photo-shoots. They may occasionally have to negotiate payments with freelance writers and network at industry events.
Feature writer: writes detailed stories or presents commentaries on specific news topics. Feature writing is more descriptive and detailed than news reporting and can cover any topic of general interest.
They research and analyse facts and draw conclusions on a particular topic. They can cover any topic of public interest like interviews, organising data and evidence, feature story leads etc. Feature writing is more descriptive and detailed than news reporting.
Leader Writer: gives ideas on news topics in the editorial columns of newspapers or magazines and discusses prospects of improvement with trainee writers.
Copyeditor or Proof-reader
A job that involves chasing the commas and checking the facts is a bit like that of a CPA. No one loves you. No one pays any attention to you. But without you, the paper/magazine/book/online feature programmes goes out riddled with typos and errors. If you don't mind cleaning up after others, this is flexible, steady work. It's also one of the last truly democratic institutions in the industry: You take the copy test, and you pass or you fail. Either you know the difference between restrictive and non-restrictive clauses or you don't. You have an edge if you're also knowledgeable about a particular subject, but meticulous attention to detail is the only qualification necessary. Proofreaders compare proofs and edited copy (Written, typed or printed material) to ensure that the final text is complete and accurate, and that the spelling and punctuation are correct before final printing. They mark proofs for corrections, check revised proofs to ensure that the corrections have been made. They must have sound knowledge of spelling, punctuation and grammar should be able to pay particular attention to detail and retain concentration for a long period.
Layout Artists
In smaller publishing companies, journalists might be expected to lay out pages as well as write them. For a long time, the standard application for layout was Quark XPress. Now Adobe InDesign is gaining in popularity. It's a valuable skill to be able to edit documents in layout applications.
Photographer or Graphic Artist
We know it's not fair to lump these two together, but if you're interested in visual information, you understand the differences between the two. Increasingly, this work is outsourced to freelancers. Job seekers who need a steady income. Once you have a good portfolio and can pick and choose your assignments, you may decide you prefer the diversity and freedom anyway.
Artist - Besides illustrations, more so in magazines, a special group of artists are the cartographers who specialize in maps and charts to illustrate data. Cartographers are generally geography graduates. This is a growing field as most magazines have begun to rely on illustrations and charts.
Cartoonist - A comical or satirical sketch on political, cultural events is the job of a cartoonist. While established cartoonists are working for some big groups, others are generally freelancers.
Photojournalist - A photojournalist is not a photographer who can write as well as take pictures. He is a photographer who is able to tell a story with pictures. He/she is a visual reporter. Photo journalists accompany reporters on assignments to take pictures that support a news story, feature or interview. They must know what makes a good news picture; be able to write accurate captions, work well with reporters, be quick and often work under difficult conditions. They must have good knowledge about technical aspects of photography like lighting, speed etc. to take photographs apt for the particular situation.
More than a decade or so ago the economic climate was such that magazines had few opportunities for the work of photojournalists, but during the past few years there has been a trend towards the use of such material.
Editorial Assistant
It used to be a lifetime stigma, stamped somewhere on your forehead for every editor to see; it's now something of a badge of honour. This is now the gateway for those with fire in their belly, the pay-the-bills job for actors taking a break, the catchall job for all the overflow from the copy desk and every other overworked, understaffed department. Editorial and desk assistants now have significantly more responsibility than they did in the past. Some publications rely on editorial assistants for major articles instead of hiring experienced staff writers or freelancers
Work Environment
The work of reporters and correspondents is usually hectic. They work under pressure to meet deadlines and may work under trying conditions. They work while people make loud conversation and amidst the confusion of people constantly on the go. They work even under the curious eyes of onlookers, police, and emergency workers. They handle assignments which may be dangerous.
Erratic Hours
Many journalists work long and irregular hours, with evening and late night work common. An assignment cannot be dropped just because a shift has finished; a journalist must see it through to the end. Often they are called back to work to cover an unexpected development, and they are frequently required to work when other people are not-at night, on weekends, on public holidays. The unusual work hours can make social life difficult. Besides the open-ended work hours, there are also pressures to meet tight deadlines and to ensure the facts presented are accurate. Working hours vary with the employer. Morning newspaper reporters work from late afternoon to midnight. Radio and television reporters work in shifts. Magazine reporters may schedule their work. To meet deadlines they often work late.
External
Freelancers: Newspapers cover a wide spectrum of events, issues and areas. People with interest in specific areas contribute occasionally to newspaper features. They often work alone in their own home. They are paid for each piece or article they write. Because of the nature of magazine writing, many magazine writers work as freelancers. Some have cushy at-large positions, while others may live assignment-to-assignment. Freelance magazine writers who don’t have steady gigs - i.e. stories for a certain section that magazine editors regularly assign to them - can find it stressful to constantly be chasing assignments. Some full-time freelance magazine writers find success pitching stories, but many rely on editors to assign them pieces. And the key to being a top-of-mind writer to editors is producing good, timely work. Because so many freelance magazine writers rely on assignments from editors, many people who get into this field come from full-time jobs at magazines.
Columnists: A newspaper appoints specialists for regular columns on general or specific subjects. They write a regular segment within their particular interest category, e.g. gardening, fashion, food, politics, music & dance, theatre, films, art etc. . The columnist usually projects a point of view, and could either be a commentator or a critic. They review developments in special areas they write on and may contribute to a number of news papers at the same time. Columnists, being assigned a column, have to keep up contributing to the column on a regular basis for which they receive a fixed amount.
Critics: can also be columnists. He/she needs to be well read, have adequate knowledge and experience in his respective field. One can be a critic in various fields like film, art, drama etc. Only persons having good knowledge about the particular subject/art can authoritatively write about the subject.
Commentators: Very prominent personnel, an authority in a field, are invited to write on topical issues or leading articles on a selected subject. Often special commentators are eminent social/political scientists, economists, social workers, authors, etc.
There are positive and negative aspects of being Journalists or Media Persons.
* So what’s so great about being Journalists?
The Power of the Press
The pay may be lousy, the hours may be long, but even the cub reporter for a small local paper can break very big stories. And this is still a fairly honourable crowd. You'll usually get the credit you deserve for your scoop. Move on up to a bigger job at a more recognized publication and captains of industry and PR people earning three times your salary will actively seek to curry favour. Most journalists and publishers won't openly admit it, but their jobs are ego trips. The power you wield can be immense.
Work with Words
Sometimes it's tedious. Sometimes it's repetitive. But you won't find a lot of jobs out there that allow this much creative expression and diversity, with money as compensation. Working with words—or words with pictures—is stimulating. Even working with people who work with words is stimulating. "This will sound a little corny," says one editor, "but I really think my job is exciting. I've been doing it for a long time, and I still think it's really cool to be on top of the news all the time."
Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say
If you've been told ever since first grade that you have a problem with authority, you're too opinionated, too blunt, and too outspoken; this is the career for you. With the possible exception of sales and promotion, people in these jobs tend to be nonconformist and even downright eccentric at times. They're sceptical and tough, but they're also honest and fair, for the most part. No one minces words or pretties them up for the greater corporate benefit. Of course, earnest beginners and senior management are regularly tempted to try, but as their efforts are usually met with gleeful derision and scorn, they invariably wish they hadn't.
Perks and Advantages
Who could blame people who are trying their best to launch a journalism career when a list of opportunities awaits them? Here are some of the perks and advantages of being a journalist:
1. The opportunity to influence other people’s way of thinking. The biggest privilege that journalists have, is the opportunity to be a catalyst of social change. How? Since they are given the opportunity to get their thoughts printed, they have the chance to influence a lot of people who will be reading it. This may sound petty to some but real journalists consider this as a very big opportunity to change the society that is why they are doing everything to be responsible for their writing.
2. Getting a dose of fame. The computer keyboard these days is indeed a mighty weapon to be successful. People, who, given the privilege to hold it and use it are considered lucky because they have the chance to gain popularity for writing stories that could create an impact to the society. Once this impact has been acknowledged by prominent people in government and in the society in general, he or she will get a dose of fame right away. What makes it all worthwhile is the by-line. Everyone else may only get to be famous for 15 minutes, but reporters get their name and, increasingly, their faces out there all the time. Now a number of them have graduate degrees in journalism or communications. But the profession is one of a dwindling number to embrace people with a well-rounded, liberal arts degree. Glamour quotient: very high. Work quotient: even higher.
3. Experiencing things one has never experienced before. A career in journalism opens the doors and windows to a different worlds a person has never experience before. These may include travelling to the most beautiful places for free and meeting people from all walks of life. These may also include getting special treatments from people from different sectors of the society.
4. Experience freedom through writing. People in other fields are restricted to do the things other than their job requires. In journalism, while there are minor restrictions, this doesn’t affect the fact that they have better chances of relishing their freedom since they can always write about things without the fear of being questioned in doing so.
So what’s to hate about being Journalists?
Sheer Hard Work
While it can be glamorous or prestigious, in reality it is hard work, learning on the run, handling the pressure of deadlines and not knowing what your working day will be like from one day to the next.
Holier Than Thou
Thou refers to anyone unfortunate enough to work on the business side, in television, or in Public Relations. In fact, thou probably includes any human not currently filing from a war zone or writing a blistering exposé of corporate malfeasance. Think of the worst snobs you know. Journalists and the lonely few still publishing worthy books are much worse than that. American author David Eisenhower once said, “Journalists are an interesting bunch, but nowhere near as interesting as they think they are.” How high is your moral superiority quotient? It needs to be very high to survive in this crowd.
Faster! Faster!
The daily deadlines for newspapers are beginning to look positively leisured and calm compared to the exigencies of online media. Television news upped the deadline ante years ago and radio and wire reporters have always had to write faster than they think, but now even “in-depth analysis” is done in 25 words—or 25 seconds—or less. If you like to reflect before putting pen to paper and you don’t work well under pressure, even book publishing may be a bit too revved up for you these days.
Those Who Can, Do…
…Those who can't, go into journalism and publishing. Chroniclers are by definition the ones who stand on the sidelines of life and observe. With the passage of time what they chronicle becomes history, but they are not the actual players. Sooner or later everyone in this industry, even the publisher, has to come to grips with the fact that he or she is not the one who matters in the story or book or show. Sportswriters usually can't play the games they cover; finance writers typically can't make killings in the market.
ADMINISTRATION
Publisher
This is the business side of the industry—the world of money first, words second. Publishers make sure that enough advertisements are coming in, that enough people are buying or clicking to keep the editorial wheels turning.
This is a thankless job, mostly because you get none of the credit and all of the blame. But it also offers a good deal of satisfaction to those who manage to turn a profit or rescue a failing venture. And amidst all the upheaval and change in the industry right now, publishers enjoy increasing amounts of leverage in editorial direction and development.
ADVERTISING & MARKETING
Ad Sales
Folks in these careers sell space (in the newspaper or magazine—or on the website—they work for) to anyone willing to pay, from local merchants to foreign tourist boards, to finance editorial operations. The sales force makes cold calls, follows up on leads, and takes clients out for nice dinners and rounds of golf.
This is discouraging and difficult work—only the most zealous survive and move up to the less-demanding plateaus of publishing. It's one of the only areas in this business where you don't need a college degree for an entry-level position; enthusiasm and the ability to persuade most of the people most of the time are the only musts.
Sales Representatives
This is known in book publishing as being in the field. You trundle around to bookstores, colleges, and any other possible sales outlets for your wares. If you're lucky, you follow in the well-worn path of cordial relations established by your predecessors. The less fortunate find that their best orders are snatched up by competitors, and they spend all their time cultivating new and non-paying customers. It's usually a three-year stint, and if you survive, you'll be welcomed back to headquarters and given a less difficult desk job. Anyone who has endured this rite of passage swears by it. "It's the only way to really know the customer," says one. "You can read all of the [marketing] data you want, but being in the field is what really matters."
Marketing and Promotion
This job varies from one segment of the industry to another. In magazines and newspapers the marketing staff's job is to get the publication into as many hands as possible. It may involve developing new subscription programs or checking out newsstands. In the book world, it may involve arranging book tours for your hot author. In the Internet world, it probably involves trying to get as many visitors as possible to your website. Despite grumbling from the hard-core editors, this job is increasingly important to the success of publishing ventures in all segments of the industry.
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MAGAZINES/PERIODICALS
Periodical publishing includes two main areas - consumer press and business press. This is a multibillion-dollar industry that expands each year, with top publishers focussing on niche publications with special magazines published on health, nutrition, travel, golf, and such are a growing presence, too—they've been thriving for the past 20 years and are slated for even more impressive growth. Magazines may be produced weekly, monthly or bi-monthly, with journalists working to tight deadlines to ensure that production schedules are met.
The structure in a magazine publishing house is almost the same as that of a magazine/supplement in a newspaper. The nature of their work is very similar to those in newspaper journalism.
Magazine Editor
When you flip through the first pages of a magazine, before you hit the table of contents (or “toc” in industry parlance), you’ll come across the masthead. This list of names and titles includes, among others, the editors who put that publication together. And, while much of a Magazine Editor’s job, deals with editing stories.
One of the biggest differences between what a magazine editor does and what a book editor does, has to do with the type of content they’re working with. Magazines come out, usually, on a weekly or monthly basis, so editors at magazines work on more stories in a shorter period of time. Magazine Editors are also more involved in coming up with story ideas and shaping specific sections of their magazine. They are not, as book editors are, sifting through material looking for good things to publish.
Overseeing a Section
If you look closely at any magazine, you’ll notice that there are recurring sections and specific kinds of stories that run in that magazine. Editors determine the look and feel of these sections. Just as editors at newspapers work on specific sections of the paper, magazine editors also specialize. Magazines are generally (though not always) broken down into three sections: the front-of-the-book (or FOB); the feature well; and the back-of-the-book (BOB). Generally, the FOB caters to smaller, newsier stories, while the well contains the longer stories and the BOB has a mix of recurring columns and shorter stories.
Often Magazine Editors will work on a specific section of a magazine coming up with story ideas, finding good writers and, sometimes, writing the stories themselves. Magazine Editors are therefore major idea generators as well as occasional writers and traditional editors.
Finding Magazine Stories
Magazine stories usually come about in one of three ways: A writer comes to an editor with an idea (or “pitches” him), an editor approaches a writer with an idea, or the idea is born in an editorial meeting. Editorial meetings are essentially brainstorming sessions that most editorial staffs hold. During these meetings ideas are batted around and, often, group discussions will help flesh out and focus general ideas.
What Defines a Magazine Story?
Although there is a lot of overlap between stories that run in newspapers and magazines, the big difference between magazine content and newspaper content is the time devoted to them. For the most part, newspapers work on daily deadlines and therefore newspaper stories are more driven by things developing moment-to-moment and day-to-day. Because magazines plan their content weeks and months in advance, they can’t report on breaking news the way newspapers - which get printed every day .That said, there are exceptions. Some newspapers, for example, will put reporters on a single story for many months and then run a series about it, or a long magazine-style story. But, like newspaper stories, all magazine stories need hooks.
Finding a Hook
Hooks come in all shapes and sizes or, more specifically, some are obvious and some less so. Hooks are the piece of a story that makes it relevant right now. Although there are stories that are considered “evergreen” - i.e. they have perennial relevance - the majority of magazine stories (like newspaper stories) need a hook. If you work at, say, Entertainment Weekly, you will usually work on stories about an actor or a musician when they have a current project coming out. So the hook of the story - the reason you’re writing a piece at that moment in time - is because he’s about to release a new movie. An evergreen piece, however, might be a summer movie round-up. Every summer EW might do a rundown of what the big movies are in theatres because the idea addresses new content every year.
Magazine writers: are, in essence, journalists. The kind of journalism that magazine writers are involved in can vary widely from what a journalist working on a daily newspaper would produce. Generally, magazine writers do more feature-oriented pieces. Some magazine writers focus on smaller stories, while others produce long-form, or narrative, pieces.
Job Profile
Full-time positions as magazine writers are some of the most coveted in the print media world. Some lucky - and of course talented - magazine writers work as staff writers. Staff writers usually work in the office and have a more 9-to-5 schedule. Other magazine writers have official affiliations with magazines and may have "at large" titles - i.e. writer-at-large or editor-at-large - which means they usually get assigned a certain number of stories for a set fee. At-large positions often require no time in the office.
Employment Avenues
The opportunities for journalists are endless and at the same time the job has become more challenging, as the new world is proving the adage that "the pen (and the camera) is mightier than the sword."
Journalists trained and interested in the print medium have job opportunities with Newspaper groups of the English/Vernacular medium, News agencies, News Bureaus, Press Trust of India, English/Vernacular magazines and journals, Indian Information Service (Group A) of the government, Directorates of publicity. Many journalists are free lancers.
Remuneration
The wages differ in newspaper groups and magazines. Salaries can vary from place to place and time to time. You can expect to start off with a salary of Rs.6000-Rs. 10000 as a trainee. As a reporter, you can expect to make Rs.12000 - Rs.18000. Editors draw a salary of Rs.20,000-Rs.35,000 besides Perks like housing and travelling concessions are also provided. Private sector even offers higher remuneration including lucrative various fringe benefits. However salaries offered depend on the company one is working with. Field journalists are given travel and stay expenses as well as allowances are additional with all pay packets.
The minimum salary according to Government directives has to be Rs. 5500 to 9000 for reporters, and senior reporters, Rs. 6500 to 10500 for chief reporters and sub-editors. Editors get Rs. 7500 to 12000. Travel and stay expenses as well as allowances are additional with all pay packets.
Freelancers are paid for each piece of work they submit. They do can earn well, depending upon the nature and extension of their business. Journalist with convergence skills may earn anything between 20,000 - 1 lakh a month.
Newspaper and Magazine publishers scales are as follows :-
* Managing Editor , Rs. 25000 to Rs. 35000 per month
* Senior Content Writer/Editor/Senior Editor, Rs. 15,000 to 25,000 per month
Women in journalism
Women are increasingly coming to the fore in journalism. They hold permanent positions in newspaper and magazine offices. Journalism in all its branches provides the uncommon opportunity of doing work at home without being tied down to any one employer. During periods of enforced inactivity between jobs or at times of one's own convenience, it is possible to do a wide variety of writing, research, editing, design and graphics job work either on assignment or in reasonable anticipation of a customer.
IIMC, New Delhi
JNU new campus, Aruna Asif Ali Marg, New Delhi
Phone No - 91-011-26109268/60940/60
Email: pbapaiah@yahoo.com
Courses Offered: Post-graduate Diploma in Journalism (English and Hindi), Radio & Television Journalism and Advertising & Public Relations.
JNU new campus, Aruna Asif Ali Marg, New Delhi
Phone No - 91-011-26109268/60940/60
Email: pbapaiah@yahoo.com
Courses Offered: Post-graduate Diploma in Journalism (English and Hindi), Radio & Television Journalism and Advertising & Public Relations.
Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication, Pune
Senapati Bapat Road, Pune 411 004
Phone No - 020 - 25652303 / 25660972
Website: www.simc.edu
Courses Offered: MBA in Communication Management (Advertising, Public Relations. Masters in Mass Communication (Journalism and T.V and Radio Production)
Senapati Bapat Road, Pune 411 004
Phone No - 020 - 25652303 / 25660972
Website: www.simc.edu
Courses Offered: MBA in Communication Management (Advertising, Public Relations. Masters in Mass Communication (Journalism and T.V and Radio Production)
Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad
Shela, Ahmedabad (380058)
Phone No - 2717-237946-51
E-mail: admissions@mica.ac.in
Courses Offered: Executive Diploma Programme in Media Management. Certificate Programme in Managing Integrated Media, Retail Communications, Crafting Creative Comm and Visual Merchandising. Post Graduate Programme in Communications Management and Entrepreneurship (PGP CME)
Shela, Ahmedabad (380058)
Phone No - 2717-237946-51
E-mail: admissions@mica.ac.in
Courses Offered: Executive Diploma Programme in Media Management. Certificate Programme in Managing Integrated Media, Retail Communications, Crafting Creative Comm and Visual Merchandising. Post Graduate Programme in Communications Management and Entrepreneurship (PGP CME)
AJ Kidwai Mass Comm Research Centre, Jamia, New Delhi
Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi
Phone No - +91(11)26981717
Courses Offered: Ph.D and M.A. in Mass Communication. Post Graduate Diploma in Development Communication, Journalism and Broadcast System Maintenance.
Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi
Phone No - +91(11)26981717
Courses Offered: Ph.D and M.A. in Mass Communication. Post Graduate Diploma in Development Communication, Journalism and Broadcast System Maintenance.
Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media, Bangalore
HRBR Layout 3rd Block, Kalyananagar Post Bangalore 560 043
Pone No - 91-80-28437907 / 7903
E-mail: admin@iijnm.org
Courses Offered: The Post-graduate programmes offer courses on Reporting and Writing for Radio and Television, Ethical and Legal Issues in Journalism, Advanced Media Concentration and Business and Financial Reporting.
HRBR Layout 3rd Block, Kalyananagar Post Bangalore 560 043
Pone No - 91-80-28437907 / 7903
E-mail: admin@iijnm.org
Courses Offered: The Post-graduate programmes offer courses on Reporting and Writing for Radio and Television, Ethical and Legal Issues in Journalism, Advanced Media Concentration and Business and Financial Reporting.
Xavier Institute of Communication, Mumbai
Mumbai, Maharashtra- 400 001
Phone No - (91-22) 262 1366/1639/2877
Website: www.xaviercomm.org
Courses Offered: Journalism & Mass Communication, Public Relations & Corporate Communications, Advertising & Marketing, Digital Animation and Television & Video Production.
Mumbai, Maharashtra- 400 001
Phone No - (91-22) 262 1366/1639/2877
Website: www.xaviercomm.org
Courses Offered: Journalism & Mass Communication, Public Relations & Corporate Communications, Advertising & Marketing, Digital Animation and Television & Video Production.
Asian College of Journalism, Chennai
Kasturi Centre, 124, Wallajah Road, Chennai - 600002
Phone No - 91-44-28418254/55, 28526227/49
Email: asian_media@vsnl.com
Courses Offered: The Masters Degree course includes Reporting, Writing, and Editing, Modern Issues in Journalism, History of the Media, Law of Media.
Kasturi Centre, 124, Wallajah Road, Chennai - 600002
Phone No - 91-44-28418254/55, 28526227/49
Email: asian_media@vsnl.com
Courses Offered: The Masters Degree course includes Reporting, Writing, and Editing, Modern Issues in Journalism, History of the Media, Law of Media.
Film and Television Institute of India, Pune
Law College Road, Pune
Phone No - 91 - 020- 25431817 / 25433016 / 25430017
Email: tutorial_sec@ftiindia.com
Courses Offered: Direction, Acting, Cinematography, Art Direction and Production Design, Audiography, Animation and Computer Graphics, Editing, Feature Film Screenplay Writing.
Law College Road, Pune
Phone No - 91 - 020- 25431817 / 25433016 / 25430017
Email: tutorial_sec@ftiindia.com
Courses Offered: Direction, Acting, Cinematography, Art Direction and Production Design, Audiography, Animation and Computer Graphics, Editing, Feature Film Screenplay Writing.
Manorama School of Communication, Kottayam
PB No: 229, Kottayam, Kerala
Phone No - +91-481-2300851
Website: www.manoramajschool.com
Courses Offered: Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism.
PB No: 229, Kottayam, Kerala
Phone No - +91-481-2300851
Website: www.manoramajschool.com
Courses Offered: Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism.
Times School of Journalism, New Delhi
Times Centre for Media Studies, Darya Ganj, New Delhi
Courses Offered: Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism
Times Centre for Media Studies, Darya Ganj, New Delhi
Courses Offered: Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism
