By Ranjan K Baruah
Many students ask me about journalism and whether it is a good career option. There is no doubt that journalism is one of the best options. But in recent years we have seen changes in this field. Technology has bought many changes and one must be equipped to be successful as journalists.
Journalism is the production and distribution of reports on recent events. The word applies to the occupation as well as citizen journalists using methods of gathering information and using literary techniques. Journalistic media include print, television, radio and digital media.
Concepts of the appropriate role for journalism vary between countries. In some nations, the news media are controlled by government intervention and may not be fully independent. In others, the news media are independent of the government and operate as private industry motivated by profit. In addition to the varying nature of how media organisations are run and funded, countries may have differing implementations of laws related to freedom of speech or expression.
In recent years, the advent of the internet and smart phones has brought significant changes to the media landscape. Mainly the rise of social media has drastically changed the nature of journalistic reporting,
It is challenging to advice someone to take up journalism as profession as there are many challenges when it comes to employment and earnings.
Students studying journalism in degree or in masters may get sustainable job or may have to struggle for a better job. Mere academic qualification is not sufficient to be successful in this field. One must be very actives since young age like from the time of studying in college. Effective communication and networking skills is must to be successful as journalist.
One may take admission at graduation level courses of journalism or choose during masters. Most of the leading universities in India offer courses related to Journalism. As a journalist one may work with newspapers, television channels, web portals, work as photo journalist or nowadays one may also become citizen journalist for which one does not need much formal qualification.
Being journalist is not limited to collecting news or presenting them for readers. One must learn press or other media laws and ethics related to journalism. It is easy to be a citizen journalist but to become a successful journalist it is advisable to take up courses related to journalism.
Few job profiles are reporters , correspondent , editor , assistant editor , executive editor , feature writer , columnist , broadcast reporters , video journalist , photo journalist , etc. Apart from BA or MA courses there are short-term diploma courses and advance diploma courses related to journalism. Apart from colleges or universities few media houses also provides diploma or advance diploma for aspirants who wants to become journalists.
This is a profession which was well-respected in the past but in recent years there are many controversies related to media houses and people working with them. There are good and bad things everywhere and it depends upon us what we do. I would appeal students to take up the courses and work for the community and development of the nation by becoming a journalist.
Updates:
AICTE PG (GATE/GPAT) Scholarship 2019-20: All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) invites applications from GATE/GPAT qualified students for AICTE PG (GATE/GPAT) Scholarship 2019-20. The key objective of the scholarship is to ensure the development of technical education in India. Eligible scholars will get a monthly stipend of INR 12,400 for their post-graduate studies. The scholarship is provided and regulated by the All India Council for Technical Education, Ministry of Human Resource and Development. Aspirants may apply before September 30.
(The author is a career mentor, skill trainer and motivational speaker and can be reached at [email protected] or 8473943734 for any career related queries)