Electronic, Broadcast and Print Journalism
Journalists report on and analyze current events through electronic, broadcasting or print-based media. Continue reading to learn more about professional duties, career options, earnings and educational options for broadcast, electronic and print journalists.
<h2 id="section---IsElectronicBroadcastAndPrintJournalismForMe">Is Electronic, Broadcast and Print Journalism for Me?</h2>
<h3 id="section---CareerOverview">Career Overview</h3>
<p>If you like keeping yourself informed about current events and have a knack for reading and writing, then you might want to consider a career in journalism, such as traditional print or new electronic media. Journalists research topics and stories, interview sources and write about current news events for the general public.
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<h3 id="section---ProfessionalDuties">Professional Duties</h3>
<p>Print journalists write stories for newspapers or magazines, while professionals working in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_Electronic_Journalism.html">electronic journalism</a> incorporate video and audio clips into their online content. <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Broadcast_Journalist_Job_Duties_Career_Outlook_and_Education_Prerequisites.html">Broadcast journalists</a> work for radio or television companies, where they craft segments to be aired on news programs.
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<h3 id="section---CareerOptions">Career Options</h3>
<p>As a current events enthusiast, you may find a job as a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Newspaper_Journalist_Job_Duties_Career_Outlook_and_Educational_Requirements.html">newspaper journalist</a> or <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Freelance_Writer_Jobs_Your_Questions_Answered.html">freelance writer</a>. Experience in the field may also help you qualify for a position as an editor. A <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Broadcast_Journalism_Majors_Answers_to_Your_Questions.html">degree in broadcast journalism</a> can lead to a career as a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_a_TV_Anchor.html">news anchor</a> or <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Radio_Broadcaster_Career_Summary_Employment_Outlook_and_Education_Requirements.html">radio broadcaster</a>.
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<h3 id="section---EmploymentAndSalaryInformation">Employment and Salary Information</h3>
<p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has projected that employment of broadcast news analysts would <i>decrease</i> by 2% nationwide from 2012-2022. A 14% <i>decrease</i> was projected for reporters and correspondents during the same decade. As of May 2013, the median salary for broadcast news analysts was $60,470, while reporters and correspondents earned $35,600 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>).
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<h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInElectronicBroadcastAndPrintJournalism">How Can I Work in Electronic, Broadcast and Print Journalism?</h2>
<h3 id="section---Education">Education</h3>
<p><a href="https://learn.org/articles/Journalism_Degrees_and_Certificates_Online_Program_FAQs.html">Journalism programs</a> are available at the associate's, bachelor's and master's degree levels. According to the BLS, most employers prefer candidates who have completed a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Journalism_Bachelors_Degree_Programs.html">bachelor's degree in journalism</a>. <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Where_Can_I_Find_Journalism_Courses_Online.html">Journalism courses</a> typically include topics in research and writing techniques, communication theory, journalistic ethics and the history of journalism. Once enrolled, you'll learn how to write on a specific subject, take pictures to enhance a report, edit a news story and work with different journalistic styles.
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<p>Undergraduate and graduate degree programs in broadcast journalism may teach you how to put together a news program and provide hands-on opportunities at campus radio stations or local television shows. Through electronic journalism programs, you'll also explore the journalistic styles that are appropriate for the Internet. Internships can provide you with the chance to acquire bylines and work samples that you can show to future employers. <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Journalism_Masters_Degree.html">Master's degree programs in journalism</a> may allow for specializations in science writing or investigative reporting.
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<h3 id="section---RequiredSkills">Required Skills</h3>
<p>According to the BLS, reporters and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Broadcast_Journalism_5_Steps_to_Becoming_a_Broadcast_Journalist.html">broadcasting professionals</a> need to be organized, persistent and able to meet deadlines. A good memory can also be beneficial.</p>