The importance of journalism, especially in today’s current political climate, can’t be overstated.
Journalism is the art and science of gathering, compiling, and presenting news through various forms and platforms, from newspapers to online media outlets. In a world where knowledge is power, journalists play a critical role in sharing a constant stream of updated and consistent information that people can use. Journalism isn’t just about reporting facts; it’s about documenting history and amplifying unheard voices.
The profession is vital to our society and upholding democratic ideals. If you’re a budding journalist looking to break into the workforce or advance your career, it’s worth considering a Masters Degree in Journalism online. Furthering your education may help you get your foot in the door and provide you with the skills to safeguard your career in a constantly evolving media landscape. If you want to learn more about how to future-proof your career in journalism, this article is for you.
What is journalism?
Before delving into how to break into journalism, it’s important to understand what the profession is and the role it plays in today’s society. By understanding its significance, you can further appreciate the profession and decide if it’s for you.
Journalism is defined by Britannica as “the collection, preparation, and distribution of news and related commentary and feature materials through print and electronic media.” News can be distributed on a range of media and platforms, such as:
- Newspapers
- Emails
- Magazines
- Books
- Blogs
- Websites
- Podcasts
- Social networking and social media platforms
- Radio
- Television
Journalism has been around for thousands of years. The earliest known journalistic product was a news sheet, the Acta Diurna, that circulated in ancient Rome. The Acta Diurna recorded daily events, like public speeches, and is said to date from before 59 BCE.
The profession has evolved and come a long way since ancient Rome, however. In the 19th and 20th centuries, journalism was marked by a growing sense of professionalism. This led to specialized education for journalism and organizations forming, such as England’s Chartered Institute of Journalists.
In the present day, the profession can come in many forms. Some journalists may choose to work independently, while others work for organizations like the New York Times. There are also many different media formats and topics they can specialize in, such as sports or technology.
Why is it important?
Journalism, specifically ethical journalism, is crucial for keeping the world informed, vital for democracy, and holding the nation’s power brokers accountable. Especially in today’s fast-paced digital world, journalists play a crucial role in combating misinformation and disinformation.
Statistics show that the risk of encountering disinformation across digital and legacy media has become increasingly common. Along with spreading news, journalists play a critical role in ensuring the information is ethical and truthful.
The different types of journalists
If you’re interested in becoming a journalist, it’s important to learn the different pathways that may become available to you. The various types can be categorized by their beat, medium, and style, which we’ve outlined below.
Beat
Beat refers to a specific topic, such as politics, sports, or crime. A beat reporter is a type of journalist who is an expert and reports on a specific topic. Common examples of the topics subject matter a beat journalist can focus on include:
- Politics
- Sports
- Business/finance
- Entertainment
- Crime
- Technology
Medium
Journalists can also be categorised by their medium. A “medium” refers to the format and/or channel in which the news is disseminated. For example, this can include:
- Print: Newspapers, magazines, or journals that share news as written content.
- Broadcast: News reported over television or radio.
- Online: Creating content for digital platforms (e.g., YouTube), blogs, or websites.
- Photojournalism: The practice of sharing news through images.
Style
Journalism can also fall into different styles or “forms”. These forms are useful because they reflect the content, the timeliness, and readers’ expectations. The different forms are:
- Investigative journalism
- Watchdog journalism
- Opinion journalism
- General news journalism
The beat, medium, and style of journalism can also overlap. For example, it’s possible to be a beat journalist who only works with traditional print media. It’s common for a journalist’s role to go across these types and combine them.
How to get into journalism
The most common way to break into journalism is through a bachelor’s degree. Formal study will teach you the skills you need as a journalist, from writing to communications. It can also help you build industry connections.
Your choice of major and minor areas is also important. Many up-and-coming journalists use their major and minor research areas to learn more about a topic or field they’re interested in, which can be useful for picking a beat.
Having a secondary area, such as within politics or economics, can also help you broaden your skill set and open more opportunities. Similarly, further study, such as a Master’s, can help you refine your journalistic abilities and advance your career.
Ways to get your foot in the door
Journalism is a difficult field to get into, but it is a worthwhile career path and fulfilling. There’s no feeling like breaking a news story and seeing your name on the byline. If you’re looking for ways to get your foot in the door, we recommend:
- Gain relevant experience: Even if it isn’t directly related to journalism, try to gain relevant experience through internships and volunteering. For example, copywriting or freelance writing assignments.
- Build a portfolio: It’s important for every writer, especially in journalism, to build a portfolio with as much published work as possible. This can help showcase your writing ability and style.
- Pitch, pitch, pitch: Wherever and whenever you can, pitch ideas and send stories to any media outlets accepting pitches/submissions. It can be a great way to gain experience and build your portfolio.
- Network with industry professionals: The most important thing you can do to break into journalism is to network. Build strong connections with your professors, other students in your cohort, and attend industry networking events whenever possible.
Future-proofing your career
If you want to future-proof your career as a journalist, it’s essential to understand that it is an evolving profession due to the nature of the job and technology.
If you want to secure your role, it’s important to learn the new tools that are changing the media landscape. For example, this includes learning the role that generative artificial intelligence has in news and how it can be used to share misinformation. Similarly, it’s also important to learn the software and tools used to run online platforms, like WordPress, and to edit photos/videos.
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Artificial intelligence tools are already changing newsrooms. Learning how to leverage these tools and having a thorough understanding of the other technologies used in the field is the key to a bright future.
