Journalist Job Description information

There are many different levels and types of journalists. Some work as junior reporters for small newspapers or magazines, while other, more experienced journalists cover sports or national news for major newspapers or television stations. Most journalists are itinerant and spend a lot of their time in the field, talking to people from a variety of backgrounds and occupations. The job description of a journalist includes an entire gamut of functions from uncovering developing stories to getting the information to print, online or on the television screen.

 

Significance

• The job description of a journalist is foremost to inform people what is happening locally or on a more national or international scale. Journalism is the only way people can get information in real time (via the Internet) or on a daily basis. The job description of a journalist requires that the writer or reporter seek out fresh stories and clearly, accurately convey their findings to the public as they are transpiring.

Function

• The job description of a journalist includes researching available sources, attending council meetings and press conferences, interviewing people with the most relevant questions, analyzing their input and reporting events or stories in his own unique manner. Journalists are required to take pictures, record or videotape people and events and edit their news pieces to fit a specified word count or time limit.

Time Frame

• The job description of a journalist includes a sometimes long and unpredictable schedule. Her hours can be erratic and far exceed the average 40-hour work week. She must capture breaking news stories as they develop---whether in the middle of the night or on weekends---and meet the deadline for getting the story on the air or in the morning newspaper. Journalists must also meet the deadlines for feature stories in magazines, which can often be weeks or months in advance of the publication date for monthly magazines.

Considerations

• The job description of a journalist requires an unbiased and balanced approach to each story as every party must be given a chance to provide their input or account of what transpired. Moreover, a journalist's job description requires that he abide by the law and not make any unfounded allegations that could get his employer in legal trouble.

Salary And Outlook

• The salary of journalists can vary from $30,000 for more junior reporters to $80,000 annually for more experienced journalists, according to PayScale. Television journalists can make over $100,000 per year. A select few may even make over $1 million per year. The outlook for journalism positions online is average. While Internet usage for news consumption continues to grow each year, local newspaper readership has been declining since the mid-'90s. People have an insatiable appetite for news with no time lag; most newspapers now have online editions, too.

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Journalist Salary Information

The beginning salary for a journalist can vary greatly depending on the degree earned, industry, location, prior experience and company type. A first-time job for a journalist may be as a reporter for a newspaper or magazine, a copy-writer for an ad agency, or an assistant to an editor at a radio or television station.

 

Degree

• A journalism degree, which is required for most jobs in journalism, can increase the salary offered. With a bachelor's in arts or science, starting salaries range anywhere from $22,000 and $50,000 a year, with the higher amounts going to those with specific journalism or communication degrees. A master's in journalism can add another $10,000 to $20,000 to the initial salary.

Industry

• The industry you begin work in will make a difference in the starting salary for a journalist. The range for magazine and newspaper work is about the same, $28,000 to $40,000 annually, but it will be lower for a local publication than for a national one. Those working on the Internet or in a conglomerate of newspapers can earn about $10,000 a year more. Broadcast news journalists can command a salary as high as $60,000 when starting out.

Location

• Location makes a big difference in the salary of a journalist starting out. Large cities pay more in general, and usually have more opportunities. It is important, though, to keep in mind that the cost of living will be more in a large city like New York or Los Angeles. An entry-level newspaper reporter in New York City can expect to make about $10,000 more per year than one beginning in Seattle.

Experience

• Experience can make a big different in any starting salary. Journalists are unique in that they have plenty of opportunities to gain experience. Working for the campus newspaper or magazine can provide valuable clips. There also are opportunities on the Internet to gain bylines (and even cash) as a freelance writer. A journalist who has been published for five years (which can be accomplished while getting a degree) can command a salary range that's $7,000 to $12,000 more than the someone who has no experience.

Company Type

• Nonprofit companies don't necessarily start journalists out with a lower salary than corporations, and there are usually a lot of opportunities with press releases and campaigns to be written. There are, however, a lot more volunteer and internship positions with a nonprofit. Regardless of the type of company, be sure to clarify that the journalism job is a paying position and what the starting salary is.

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How to Become a Journalist

Becoming a journalist can be a fun and rewarding job, but getting that job starts with a good education and a desire to work hard. Journalism is a passion. You must love competition, have a sense for hard-nosed reporting, and love to write. Most people underestimate the dedication it takes to work in the journalism field. But if you're committed to it, you can become a journalist by following these steps.

1. Choose the right college. Most working journalists went to a journalism school and got a journalism degree. While some professional journalists got communication degrees and even English degrees, a degree in journalism goes a long way toward getting a good job. Choose an accredited school that not only offers journalism degree, but a place to practice your craft.
2. Decide which type of journalism you're going to pursue. Journalists work in all types of media including newspapers, magazines, photo, television and online. Different types of journalists do different things and make different money. You should be able to choose which type of journalism you're passionate about while in school.
3. Get an internship. Most professional journalists had at least one internship while they were in school. While that might not be the place you end up working, it will provide real-world experience and give you an in at at least one media outlet.
4. Start networking. Go to different journalism conventions and job fairs throughout the year. Bring your resume and some of your work to pass to possible employers.
5. Put your name out there. As you're trying to break into the field, send your resume and work to various media outlets across the country. Start up an email rapport with them. If they can't give you a job, they might know someone who can.
6. Talk to your professors. If you're at a journalism school, some of your professors have probably had real-world experience. Use them to help get your name out there and use them for ideas on how to find a job.
7. Scour the job boards. There are several job boards geared toward journalists. Check them out every day and apply to any jobs that interest you and even some that don't. You never know what opportunity a job could provide. 

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