Journalist
Alternative Titles:
Reporter
Journalists write and edit news reports, commentaries and
features for newspapers, magazines and for radio or television
stations.
Journalists who work for large commercial organisations and
government departments prepare annual reports and media
releases.
A journalist may perform the following tasks:
- gather news and information by interviewing people and
attending events
- undertake research to provide background information for
articles
- assess the suitability of reports and articles for
publication or broadcasting, within an established style and
format, and edit as necessary
- write articles that comment on or interpret news events
and that may put forward a point of view on behalf of the
publication
- present news on-air.
Journalists usually start as cadets and report routine
events. In newspapers and on radio and television, most
reporters are expected to be 'generalists', that is, able to
cover almost any topic of interest.
All journalists are required to understand the laws of
defamation, contempt and copyright. They may have to work long
and irregular hours and are often under pressure to complete
work to meet deadlines.
Reporters may work indoors and carry out interviews by
telephone or may have to work outdoors in all kinds of
weather. Travel is sometimes a necessary part of the work.
With experience and sometimes further training, journalists
may perform a variety of tasks according to their area of
specialisation. Journalists may also work as editors. See the
separate entry for Editor.
Journalists may specialise as a:
Columnist who writes a regular segment within their
particular interest category, e.g. gardening, fashion,
politics.
Feature Writer who writes detailed stories or
presents commentaries on specific news topics.
Leader Writer who discusses news topics in the
editorial columns of newspapers or magazines.
News Reporter who reports on day-to-day news events,
e.g. crime, education, health, sport.
Roundsperson who reports and discusses a specialised
area, e.g. politics, economics, education.
Required Skills - Journalist
- able to write clear, concise, objective and accurate
material quickly
- a good general knowledge
- interested in current events
- aptitude to learn keyboard and shorthand skills
- able to speak clearly when working on radio and
television
Similar Jobs - Journalist
Find work - Journalist
Job Search - Journalist
|
