Journalism Courses in India

Journalism is a discipline which involves the reporting of events at the local, provincial, national and international levels. Reporting involves the gathering of information through interviewing and research, the results of which are turned into a fair and balanced story for publication or for television or radio broadcast. The profession of reporting involves a wide spectrum of media. These include newspapers, magazines, radio and television, the internet and even the mobile phone. Those involved in the profession of Journalism are known as Journalists. They could be writers, editors, photographers, broadcast presenters or producers. Journalists cover hard news stories such as community news, courts, crime, speeches by notable people, pre-interviews and research for senior journalists. An entry-level reporter are often given general assignment stories rather than stories for a specific beat. General assignment stories are given out to reporters by the city desk or assignment editor.

Some of its specialized fields are -

• Professional Journalism.
• Sports Journalism.
• Science Journalism.
• Investigative Journalism.
• New Journalism.
• Gonzo Journalism.
• Celebrity or People Journalism.
• Convergence Journalism.
• Ambush Journalism.
• Advocacy Journalism.
• Citizen Journalism.
• Social News.
• Participatory Media.
• Community Journalism.
• Environmental Journalism.
• Fashion Journalism.
• Innovation Journalism.
• Online Journalism.
• Parachute Journalism.
• Service Journalism.
• Trade Journalism.
• Video Journalism.
• Enterprise Journalism.

Content

The study of this field includes all or few of these –

1. Fundamentals of Journalism.
2. Media Laws And Indian Constitution.
3. Basic Audio and Visual Media.
4. Introduction to Advertising and Public Relations.

Objectives

• To develop journalistic skills in a manner in which the principles and ethics intrinsic to the profession are not compromised.
• To handle fundamental issues intelligently and disseminate information accordingly.
• To bring the performance of the media up to and beyond advanced international levels.

Basic Requirements

Minimum eligibility for Bachelor degree in Journalism is 10+2. For Post graduate degree courses, a Bachelor degree in Journalism is required. Some institutes also provide one year certificate courses in journalism for which eligibility is 10+2. There are also courses in specialized areas of journalism like sports, television, photo, press law etc.

Some Institutes providing Journalism are:

1. A.J.K. Mass Communication Research Centre, New Delhi (Delhi).
2. Academy 18, Kalkaji (Delhi).
3. Academy of Media Studies, Palwal (Haryana).
4. Acharya Nagarjuna University , Guntur (Andhra Pradesh).
5. Ajmera Institute Of Media Studies (A.I.M.S.), Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh).
6. Alagappa University, Karaikudi (Tamil Nadu).

Personal Attributes

To become a journalist one should have an inquisitive mind, will power, an aptitude for presenting information in an accurate, concise and effective manner, organize their thoughts and to express themselves clearly both orally and in writing. A Journalist also has to be tactful, confident and organised while interviewing people from all walks of life. They must have the ability to sort relevant facts from the irrelevant. The ability to accept criticism and willingness to do considerable rewriting are also necessary. Ability to do regular travelling is another attribute which a Journalist needs to have.

Job Perspectives

Career in journalism is a prestigious profession as well as a highly paid one. It is through Journalist that we get information about daily happenings in the society. The opportunities for journalists are endless. Journalists specialize in diverse areas, such as politics, finance and economics, investigation, culture and sports for newspapers and periodicals. They can find employment with AIR (All India Radio) and TV channels like Doordarshan, ZEE TV, Star TV etc. They can also do freelancing. One can also take up this career as a part time employment along with any other field of work.

Remuneration

The minimum salary as per government directive is expected to start from Rs. 5500 to Rs. 9000 for reporters and senior reporters, Rs. 5000 to Rs. 10,500 for the chief reporters and sub-editors, and Rs. 7500 to 12000 for editors. Actual salaries offered depend on the company one is working with, and can be anything from very high to very low. Travel and stay expenses as well as allowances are additional with all pay packets. Freelancers are paid for each piece of work they submit.

Some Job Types

• Editors.
• Reporters.
• Columnists.
• Correspondents.
• Staff or Freelance Writer.
• Photojournalists.
• Proofreaders.
• News Analysts.
• Critics.
• Cartoonists.
• Illustrators.

Some Employment Areas

1. Broadcasting Corporations.
2. TV Channels.
3. Newspapers.
4. Magazines.
5. Books and Novels.
6. Radio Telecasting Companies.
7. Websites.
8. News Agencies.
9. Photography Companies.
10. Blogs.
11. Periodicals.
12. Journals.
13. Central Information Service.
14. Press Information Bureau.
15. Advertising Agencies.
16. Legal Affairs Department.
17. Circulation and Public Relations.