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Journalist

Also known as Reporter.

Journalists write and edit news reports, commentaries, feature articles and blogs for newspapers, magazines, radio, television and websites, including online publications.

Journalists usually start as cadets and report routine events.

In newspapers and on radio and television, most reporters are expected to be 'generalists' who are 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 meet deadlines.

Journalists may work indoors and carry out interviews by telephone or may have to work outdoors in all kinds of weather.

Travel is often required.

With experience, and sometimes further training, journalists may perform a variety of tasks according to their area of specialisation.

They may also work as editors or progress to the role of editor after several years of experience. See the separate entry for Editor.

TASKS

Journalists 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, ensuring they are within an established style and format, and edit as necessary
write articles that comment on or interpret news events, some of which may put forward a point of view on behalf of the publication
present news on air (television and radio)

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

able to write clear, concise, objective and accurate material quickly
good general knowledge
interest in current events
aptitude to learn keyboard and shorthand skills
able to speak clearly when working on radio and television

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Columnist - writes a regular segment within their particular interest category (creative arts, politics or technology, for example), often incorporating a personal view or opinion.

Feature Writer - writes detailed stories or presents commentaries on specific news topics.

Leader Writer - discusses news topics in the editorial columns of newspapers or magazines.

News Reporter - reports on day-to-day news events (crime, education, health or sport, for example).

Roundsperson - reports on and discusses a specialised area (politics, economics or education, for example).

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a journalist you usually have to complete a degree in journalism or in a related field with a major in journalism, followed by a 1-year graduate cadetship involving on-the-job training. Alternatively, you can become a journalist by completing a 3-year cadetship, during which you receive instruction and gain experience in practical journalism under the supervision of senior journalists.

To get into the degree courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12 with English. A number of universities in Australia offer relevant degrees.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

Cadetships are offered by national, regional and local media organisations. Entry requirements vary, but you will need to demonstrate a passion for journalism and a flair for writing. Competition is very strong. Contact the organisations you are interested in to find out about their cadetship programme and application process.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Most journalists work for country, metropolitan and suburban newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations. They may also work for press agencies. Due to changes in the industry, it is common for journalists to work on a freelance basis. Others move into publicity roles in government departments, work as press secretaries for government ministers or work in related fields such as advertising, marketing and public relations.

Technological changes have increased the speed of information exchange, leading to a more interpretative role for journalists. This has increased the demand for journalists with expertise in specialist fields such as economics and political science.

Factors that influence employment range from the number, size and economic viability of media organisations to the use of modern technology and the degree of networking and resource sharing between organisations.