The field of journalism is rapidly changing, and so are the journalism careers available to those with the skill and drive to pursue them. From traditional print and broadcast media to online news outlets, there are many different career paths available to those who are interested in journalism.

Journalism is a broad field that encompasses many different specialties and areas of expertise. Here is a closer look at the field and the types of opportunities available.

What is journalism?

Journalism is the profession of creating, collecting and using information to communicate effectively. The term applies broadly to the work of journalists, who may write for print and online media, broadcast on live television or produce documentaries.

Journalism is a selective process that requires skills in gathering information, evaluating claims on their truthfulness and communicating information effectively. It can take place through a range of different forms of media. Journalists gather information and communicate it to the public in a way that is timely, accurate and meaningful. They must accomplish these goals within tight deadlines and without sacrificing their accuracy.

Journalists may become involved in almost any type of communication, including:

• Radio broadcasting
• Print journalism
• Television journalism
• Documentary filmmaking
• Online blogging and internet journalism

Numerous careers are available to professionals who want to specialize in one of these areas.

How do I become a journalist?

There are no clear-cut guidelines for becoming a journalist. A journalism career should be based on your interests, abilities and long-term goals. You need to be good at writing, speaking and researching, in addition to having an investigative mindset. You’ll also need to have strong editing skills. To get started in this career field, you could enroll in online courses that provide foundational knowledge in the field of journalism.

For example, St Bonaventure University’s online programs include a wide range of journalism courses. Many online platforms boast a variety of features and resources that help students succeed in their journalism studies. These include a broad range of courses, programs, and services; a supportive and friendly community; and a wealth of support.

Common branches of journalism

There are many different types of news reporting and media production jobs. Each one requires a different set of skills and experience. Here is a look at the most common journalism jobs with different specialties.

Print journalism

Print journalism involves reporting and writing for newspapers or magazines. In print journalism, journalists need to be able to write quickly, clean up copy, and deal with tight deadlines. As a journalist, you will be responsible for making sure that the copy you write is accurate and well-researched. While working as a reporter, you will be required to cover newsworthy events as they happen, both in your local area and nationally or internationally.

The print journalism field includes careers in the world of newspapers and magazines. To succeed in the print field, it’s necessary to be detail-oriented and have an eye for creativity.

Investigative journalism

Investigative journalism is a form of journalism in which reporters actively seek and uncover wrongdoing. Investigative journalists often work with teams of reporters and editors to ensure that they have all their facts correct before publishing their stories.

To be an investigative journalist, you need to have a solid background in writing and editing, especially if you’re working on a team. You will also need to be willing to travel long distances for interviews or information if necessary. Investigative journalists need to have a lot of initiative and motivation, as well as strong interviewing skills.

Broadcast journalism

Broadcast journalism involves writing for television and radio. To succeed in the broadcast journalism field, you need to pay attention to detail and ensure that your writing is accurate and well-researched.

In addition to writing, you’ll also need strong skills in speaking if you wish to work as an on-air anchor or host. This means that you’ll need to be able to deliver the news in a clear and interesting way on a regular basis.

Watchdog journalism

Watchdog journalism is a form of investigative journalism in which reporters gather information, research the results and write a story about it. They use their findings to encourage change or action to protect the public good. Watchdog journalists are often involved in advocacy in the healthcare, conservation and environmental fields.

To be successful in this form of journalism, you need to have strong writing and editing skills as well as investigative skills. You also need to be willing to spend most of your time researching and gathering information rather than writing.

Opinion journalism

Opinion journalism is a form of mass communication in which journalists focus on the concerns and issues of society. A well-known example of opinion journalism can be seen in The New York Times, which publishes its opinion section as one of the most widely read newspapers in the world.

To succeed in this field, you need to have strong writing and presentation skills, especially for any opinion pieces you write. You will need to be able to gather information and interpret facts in order to form your own opinions and deliver them convincingly on television, radio or online.

Online journalism

Online journalism is one of the newest forms of journalism, and it involves writing stories on the internet. As an online journalist, you may need to be able to write short blogs, publish photos on websites or moderate comments on a website.

As an online journalist, your job will be to write pieces that are interesting and engaging to readers. You will also need a strong knowledge of social media, especially how technology works and how to use it. Online journalists work primarily on their own or in teams, which means that they can work at home or anywhere else as long as they have reliable internet access.

Trade journalism

Trade journalism refers to writing that is intended for business or trade-related publications. Trade journalists usually write about topics related to business and finance, technology, engineering or science.

Trade journalists must have a background in the area they will be writing about, and they must also be able to speak clearly and confidently in front of the camera or at public events. In some cases, you may need to conduct research on your own before writing a story; you may also be required to interview experts in the field before publishing something.

Sports journalism

Sports journalism is a form of mass communication in which journalists cover the world of sports. This can include writing about sports teams, athletes and sports news. Sports journalism focuses on the stories behind what fans see, providing highlights and reporting what is happening as it happens along with scoring data, statistics and video clips.

A journalist who seeks to succeed in this field must have strong language abilities as well as an eye for detail and accuracy. They will also need to have a solid background in writing, especially writing sports articles or columns.

Political journalism

Political journalism involves writing and editing news stories, analyses and other commentaries that are intended to inform people about politics in the United States and globally. As a political journalist, you will need to have strong research skills, especially if you are writing news stories rather than opinion pieces.

You will also need to be able to speak confidently in front of the camera or at public events. You must have a good understanding of politics, as well as good computer skills to navigate the internet for information.

Entertainment journalism

Entertainment journalism is a form of mass communication in which journalists write about the entertainment world, including movies, music and the performing arts. Writers in this field often work alongside entertainment reporters, critics and columnists.

To succeed as an entertainment journalist, you need to have strong writing skills and the ability to write about various aspects of the entertainment world. You will also need a background in journalism and a firm understanding of how people think and act.

In order to succeed as an entertainment journalist, you will need to be in a position to write with a flair that speaks to your reader. You will also need to be good at deciphering what is happening in the world of entertainment.

Famous and influential journalists

The realm of journalism is amazing. With its foundation as a key watchdog for injustice and corruption and focus on keeping people informed, it is a steady and widespread industry. Equally hard-working and skilled, journalists have an unequivocal responsibility to be ethical and virtuous. However, the prevalence of quality journalists has greatly been impeded by the digital world we live in today. The clickbait culture, citizen journalism and instantaneous access to information have all seriously affected the field of media and journalism.

Nevertheless, there are journalists who have and are still showcasing outstanding work. In today’s media sector, they are considered highly influential risk-takers. Let’s take a look at a few noteworthy journalists that students may wish to emulate.

Lester Holt

Lester Holt has been an influential broadcast journalist at NBC News since 2015 and has served as an anchor of NBC Nightly News. Prior to this, the American journalist served at CBS News for nearly 19 years. He is also well known in pop culture and has made appearances in The Primal Fear (1996), and Fugitive (1993), as well as episodes of Law & Order.

Any journalist student who wants a promising career in the realm of broadcast journalism can look up to Lester Holt’s career as an example.

Eugene Scott

This journalist and writer is currently a Washington Post reporter who focuses mainly on identity politics. Scott previously worked for CNN Politics as a reporter. He had a brief stint as an editor for the Washington Post in 2015 before joining CNN. While there, he actively participated in the series dubbed “The First Time I Realized I Was Black.”

Eugene Scott’s passion and hard work have paid off. He is an influential figure today and can be an example to students who aspire to carve out a career as a broadcast journalist or political commentator.

Robin Roberts

One of the most inspiring female journalists of the modern era, Robin Roberts has worked hard to build a stable and promising career. She is best known for being the co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America. In 2013, she was awarded an honorary Doctorate Degree in Humane Letters by Northeastern University as recognition for her work in broadcasting. She also has a commendable work ethic and compassion. Despite her home being devastated by Hurricane Katrina, she works hard and continues to push forward professionally.

Some of her additional highlights include induction into the Hall of Fame (Sports Broadcasting) in 2016, an Award for Excellence in Journalism (Walter Cronkite), and an interview with President Obama on May 9, 2012, for Good Morning America.

Yamiche Alcindor

Alcindor has worked as a reporter for PBS and commentator for NPR’s Click. She is known for being an advocate for women of color and the marginalized people of society. On April 27, 2016, Yamiche was awarded the Henry J. Heinz Humanitarian Award at the National Women’s History Museum in recognition of her work highlighting stories of everyday people — especially victims of natural disasters and the forms of violence that still occur in society today.

Her noteworthy coverage of Hurricane Katrina, the Haiti Earthquake, and the plight of the Haitian people has brought her recognition from CNN, among others. Her advocacy for human rights is inspiring and something that students can look up to.

Anderson Cooper

One of the most influential figures in American media, Anderson Cooper is known for being an anchor at CNN. Currently, he hosts his own programs. Before CNN hired him, he was a news anchor for CBS and also had a stint with ABC News. He is listed in the 2012 Guinness Book of World Records as the youngest male in history to occupy the position of the most powerful news anchor in television.

With his hard work, he has been able to catapult himself into a distinguished reporting career. He is an example for any aspiring journalist.

How do you choose the right type of journalism?

Now that you have a clear idea of the different types of journalism jobs available, how can you choose the right one for you? Sticking to the very basics, one can choose a career in a specialized niche or branch of journalism. For example, working in the realm of broadcast journalism might entail seeking a role with a news channel like CNN or FOX News.

Here are a few tips that can help you choose the right type of journalism for you.

• Choose your career path: Given the dynamic nature of this profession, it is crucial to know what you want from a career in journalism. Take the time to consider your interests and priorities, and then narrow down your selection from there.

• Decide on the right medium: Once you figure out what kind of journalism interests you, make sure that you choose the right type of medium for your career. Hosting a morning talk show and working in a network newsroom appeals to very different personality types.

• Research the requirements: It is important to know what the essential requirements are for a given job in the field of journalism to help you steer clear of unsuitable jobs.

• Choose a specialization: While there are many types of journalism, it is important to understand what you want from your career in this field. If you want to be an editor, for example, learn the basics of editing before you make a decision.

Final thoughts

The field of journalism is a highly dynamic and exciting one. It is important to stay updated on the growth of the industry and choose a career accordingly. The world has changed, and journalism has mostly adapted to the change by diversifying into different sub-specialties. With these changes come new opportunities, but also a lot of responsibility.

Those who know their way around the industry can guide students who want to pursue a career in journalism and serve as role models and mentors.