Journalist - overview

Journalist - Press
Newspaper Journalist
Press Journalist
Reporter - Press

Introduction

Some newspaper journalists are reporters who collect information, investigate stories and events, and write articles. Others work as sub-editors who prepare reporters' articles for print. New entrants start as reporters, usually on local newspapers.

Work Activities

Some newspaper (press) journalists work as reporters collecting information, investigating stories and events, and writing articles. Others work as sub-editors who prepare reporters' material for print. New entrants start as reporters and may later become sub-editors.

Direct entry to the national press is almost impossible. Nearly all journalists start work on local newspapers and report on regular events such as council meetings, court sessions, football matches and local shows. These 'on diary' events are assigned to reporters by the editor or chief reporter. For some assignments, the reporter has to collect background information by using personal contacts and libraries. They gain insight into events by interviewing commentators or participants.

News must be up-to-date, which means the reporter may have to compromise between gathering information and meeting deadlines. As well as covering planned events, reporters seek their own news items by, for example, relating national news to local affairs, making regular contact with hospitals, the fire service and police, and using their own contacts.

Journalists who work for the national press may need to travel long distances, sometimes at short notice.

Personal Qualities and Skills

As a journalist, you will need to have an excellent command of English, a lively interest in current affairs and a good understanding of your readership. Personal qualities include persistence, inquisitiveness and confidence. Interviewing skills are vital as a lot of information is gained this way. You also need to consider people's feelings when dealing with sensitive issues. Journalists need typing skills and knowledge of shorthand is useful.

Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for journalists vary depending on the branch of journalism and the company they work for. The pay rates given below are approximate. Journalists earn in the range of £16,500 - £18,000 a year, rising to £22,500 - £29,500 a year. Higher earners can make around £38,500 a year. Higher rates are possible for some journalists, depending on their responsibilities.

Journalists may work long and irregular hours, which may include nights and weekends.

In the course of their work, journalists sometimes face dangerous and/or disturbing situations.

Employers are local and national newspapers. Other employers are local and national government departments and large commercial and industrial companies, in which a journalist may be employed to work on in-house publications. Some experienced journalists work freelance, often specialising in a particular area such as agriculture, politics or women's issues. Competition for all jobs in journalism is fierce.

Entry Routes and Training

Entry to journalism and subsequent progression is highly competitive. Evidence of relevant experience such as work on student newspapers may be useful. You need to gain experience on a local paper before you are likely to be considered for a full-time job with the national press.

You may join a newspaper directly from school, college or university. Direct entrants usually take a six-month foundation course by distance learning followed by a day-release or three-month block-release course at college

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