JOURNALISM

If you dream of making a qualitative change in people’s life, bringing into light the dark side of the society as well as highlighting the brighter side of the world and are having the patience to get along with politicians, bureaucrats, criminals and myriad people desperate to get some free publicity, journalism is one of the best careers to pursue.  Media is known as the fourth pillar of democracy and as a media person, you can play an active role in nation-building.  In this field, you can get the opportunity to interact with the mighty and the powerful of the society.  Moreover, with the proliferation of television news channels, you will be assured of glamour in this industry. Handsome monetary returns are also assured since a lot of money is being pumped into this industry.

Journalism as such is more than a career, it is a mission.  A mission that generates one’s creativity helps one socialize, earn name along with livelihood, bring to the forefront problems facing the society and help implement the possible solutions. These inherent advantages of journalism attract a lot of young students. Journalism is the occupation of reporting, writing, editing, photographing, or broadcasting news or of conducting any news organization as business. 

What are the jobs of a journalist?

The job includes interviewing of sources, obtaining quotes from politicians, experts, officials or bureaucrats. Therefore, he is supposed to review records to assemble, reports and explore the implication of the facts. In a newspaper house, freshers usually joins as trainees at the news desk or the editing desk. Sub-Editor or copy Editor here and will be required to give final shape to stories. A sub-Editor usually assists in determining the layout of the publication. His job includes examining articles or news written by a journalist. As a Senior Editor, one will be required to write the editorial pieces and columns on various issues. As a field reporter, one has to convert various events or get specialized in particular area like politics, defence, business, and economics, sports or culture. 

A reporter in print media is said to be its eyes and ears. The hierarchy for reporters in most of the newspaper houses are as:- Trainee, Staff Reporter, Correspondent, Senior Reporter/Correspondent, Principal Reporter, Chief Reporter and Special Correspondents are reporters who deal with report activities of Union Ministers, Parliament and Political Parties etc.

Eligibility for journalist

The minimum educational qualification required to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in journalism is the 10+2 or equivalent. Or a bachelor’s degree in any discipline for post graduate courses.

The famous institutes in India where one can pursue degree/diploma in journalism.

1.  Amity School of Communication                                      -           NOIDA

Website: www.amity.edu

2. Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication                     -           Pune, Maharashtra

Website: www.simc.edu

3. Indian Institute of Mass Communication                           -           New Delhi

Website: www.iimc.nic.in

4. Delhi University                                                                  -           New Delhi

Website: www.du.ac.in

5. Manipal Institute of Communication                                  -           Manipal, Karnataka

Website: www.asianmedia.org