How to become a Journalist

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

Personal requirements for a Journalist

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

Education & Training for a Journalist

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 one-year graduate cadetship involving on-the-job training. Alternatively, you can become a journalist by completing a three-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 Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with English. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

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 program and application process.

Duties & Tasks of a Journalist

Journalists:

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).

Tasks

Making decisions about the specific content of publications in conjunction with other senior editors and in accordance with editorial policies and guidelines
Writing news reports, commentaries, articles and feature stories for newspapers, magazines, journals, television and radio on topics of public interest
Reviewing copy for publication to ensure conformity with accepted rules of grammar, style and format, coherence of story, and accuracy, legality and probity of content
Critically discussing daily news topics in the editorial columns of newspapers and reviewing books, films and plays
Collecting and analysing facts about newsworthy events from interviews, printed matter, investigations and observations
Writing advertisements for press, radio, television, cinema screens, billboards, catalogues and shop displays
Researching and writing technical, information-based material and documentation for manuals, text books, handbooks and multimedia products
Determining advertising approach by consulting clients and management, and studying products to establish principal selling features

Working conditions for a Journalist

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.

Employment Opportunities for a Journalist

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.

Specializations

par - 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. 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.

Columnist

A 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

A feature writer writes detailed stories or presents commentaries on specific news topics.

Leader Writer

A leader writer discusses news topics in the editorial columns of newspapers or magazines.

News Reporter

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

Roundsperson

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

Journalist

Average age
41
Future Growth
Positive
Gender Share
55% female
Average full-time
42 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,842
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
73%
Employment Size
25,500
Employment by state
ACT: 3.3%
NSW: 42.0%
NT: 0.6%
QLD: 14.8%
SA: 4.9%
TAS: 1.7%
VIC: 25.4%
WA: 7.3%
Age brackets
15-19: 0.7%
20-24: 9.1%
25-34: 29.1%
35-44: 23.5%
45-54: 19.6%
55-59: 7.6%
60-64: 5.2%
65 and Over: 5.2%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 7.9%
Bachelor degree: 52.4%
Below Year 10: 0%
Certificate III/IV: 4.2%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 18.5%
Year 10 and below: 1.6%
Year 11: 1%
Year 12: 14.3%
Years 11 & 10: 7.9%