Many journalists have very interesting and exciting careers. Their job is to inform the general public about events and news happening locally, nationally and internationally. They report the news for magazines, newspapers, television stations, websites and radio stations. As a result, a journalist can often have a profound effect on the way others view the world around them. One only has to look at how investigative journalism has made us more aware of environmental issues to see the truth in this statement.
While no two journalists have exactly the same job, duties generally include the following:
- Conducting research about various stories and topics assigned to them by a news director or editor.
- Interviewing individuals who can provide opinions, analysis or information about a particular article or story.
- Writing articles for magazines, blogs and newspapers, and writing news scripts to be read on radio and television.
- Reviewing articles for correct grammar, proper writing style and accuracy.
- Developing long-term relationships with contacts and experts who provide leads and tips on stories.
- Examining and interpreting data to enhance their audience’s comprehension of a particular topic.
- Updating news stories when new information becomes available.
Journalists often work for a specific kind of media organization, such as a newspaper, radio station, television station or news website.
Journalists are often required to maintain an online presence on more than one social media website. Many journalists use social media to keep their audiences up to date with breaking news and to promote their particular media firm. In this way, they often build up a huge and dedicated following on social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook.
Some journalists specialize in a particular topic, such as politics, medicine or sports, while others cover a broad range of issues.
How To Become A Journalist
Employers usually require at least a bachelor’s degree in journalism combined with an internship in the industry. An online journalism degree could be the start of a rewarding and exciting career in this industry.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay rate in the industry in May 2012 was around $35,870 per year, with the top ten percent of earners taking home more than $78,530 and the bottom ten percent earning less than $20,770.
To learn more about online colleges and universities offering degrees in journalism and many other fields, visit Accredited-Online-Colleges.com.