Electronic Journalism Career Information
Today when the world is shrinking all thanks to modern means of communication, speed is everything. It’s not the age when you wait for the latest news through your morning newspapers. Instead it is available to you through the electronic medium of television, radio and Internet.
What an Electronic Journalism does
Journalism is concerned with collection and dissemination of news through the print as well as the electronic media. Print Journalism includes newspapers, magazines and journals where as Electronic journalism includes working for Radio, Television and the Web.
Journalists play a major role in the development of nation. It is through them that we get information about daily happenings in the society. The purpose of journalism itself is to inform and interpret, educate and enlighten the people. In today’s time, simple reporting of events is no more sufficient, and requires more specialization and professionalism. Journalists specialize in diverse areas, such as politics, finance and economics, investigation, culture and sports for newspapers and periodicals.
In electronic journalism one can be a reporter, writer, editor, researcher, correspondent and anchor.
Job Opportunity
With the entry of many news channels, radio stations and news portals, the opportunity in the Electronic Media for As Electronic journalists are endless. It offers a whole gamut of job opportunities as Researchers, Camera Personnel, Production Personnel, Floor Managers, Sound Technicians/ Engineers, Presenters, Transmission Executives, Editors, Reporters, etc.
Career Prospects
With an increasing awareness among the masses and due to intense competition in the media industry with the entry of many companies and multiple mediums, the work of a journalist has become more challenging than it had been earlier. But this has also lead to an increase of job opportunities, scope for more specializations and good remuneration. Today TV channels like Star TV, Doordarshan and Websites like Rediff.com, Yahoo.com are on the look out for people with that creative streak.
Abilities & Traits Required
To become a journalist one should have an inquisitive mind, will power, and an aptitude for presenting information in an accurate, concise and effective manner.
As Electronic journalists they should be able to organize their thoughts and express themselves clearly both orally and in writing. A journalist has to be tactful, confident and organized while interviewing people from all walks of life.
As Electronic journalists they must have the ability to sift relevant facts from the irrelevant. The ability to accept criticism and willingness to do considerable rewriting are also necessary.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or post-graduate degree in journalism/mass communication is required to pursue a career in this field. Additional course work, specialized training or experience, fieldwork or internship increases one's opportunities in the field. There are a number of universities and institutes offering training in journalism.
Salary
The Electronic Media definitely pays better than the print media. With wide ranges of jobs available in television, radio and web, the choices for the journalists are plenty.
The remuneration in this sector depends on the field of specialization, medium and the company one is working for. One can even freelance articles and earn Rs 5 – 10 per word.