Journalism

Journalism is concerned with collection and dissemination of news through the print media as well as the electronic media. This involves various areas of works like reporting, writing, editing, photographing, broadcasting or cable casting news items.

Journalism is classified into two on the basis of media- (i) Print Journalism and (ii) Electronic (Audio/Visual) Journalism. Print Journalism includes newspapers, magazines and journals. In print journalism one can work as editors, reporters, columnists, correspondents etc. Electronic journalism includes working for Radio, Television and the Web. In the web, skilled people are required to maintain sites by web newspapers (which cater only to the web and do not have print editions) and popular newspapers and magazines who have their own web editions. In electronic journalism one can be a reporter, writer, editor, researcher, correspondent and anchor.

Career in journalism is a prestigious profession as well as a highly paid one. Journalist play a major role in the development of nation. It is through them that we get information about daily happenings in the society. The purpose of journalism itself is to inform and interpret, educate and enlighten the people.

The opportunities for journalists are endless and at the same time the job has become more challenging, as the new world is proving the adage that "the pen (and the camera) is mightier than the sword." Simple reporting of events is no more sufficient, more specialisation and professionalism in reporting is required. Journalists specialize in diverse areas, such as politics, finance and economics, investigation, culture and sports for newspapers and periodicals.

One definitely finds it useful to pursue these courses in order to hone their skills and make themselves better to compete with the best in the industry.

Advertising

Advertising is brand building process of a product, idea, thought or a even a service, through effective mediums of communication. From newspapers, magazines, posters, signboards, bills to the commercials on radio, television and even Internet, advertising has come a long way. Business organisations, political organisations, social organisations, all find it important to advertise in order to influence public opinion.

Since advertising is a service industry, the reputation of the ad agency depends on the effective work being done and campaign released from time to time. This makes the job even more challenging. With the advent of the multinational companies, more and more Indian agencies are tying up with the the foreign agencies to pitch for international clients which is clearly indicative of high growth in coming years in this industry.

Public Relations

Once, the simple operation of publicity, today has emerged as an important management function. Public Relations, as the name suggests, is used to generate and portray, positive image of an organisation by various means. Business houses, schools, universities, hospitals, government institutions, etc. engage public relations personnel's and agencies to cast and present their image, objectives and policies in the best possible light. For somebody to become a successful public relation consultant, it is imperative to have a liking to meet people along with excellent communication skills, ability to interact with, convince people, and build a rapport is important. The other traits should be, quick decision making abilities and good organisational skills.

Career Prospects

Diversification in different areas of mass communication is witnessing a steep rise and is expected to thrive further, on account of growing professionalism and advancement in this sector. Anyone who is creative, dynamic, enterprising and has a flair to project his ideas, thoughts, observation through different mediums of communication can accomodate himself comfortably in this industry. Computers, especially the advent of Internet has furthermore brought new and challenging opportunities in the communication segment. It is attracting a more and more people from traditional forms of mass media.

Opportunities for placement in diverse fields of mass communication are available in publishing houses, radio and television companies, corporate world, entertainment industry, media industry, advertising agencies, public relations agencies, government organisations etc. As far as remuneration is concerned it varies from one area of mass communication to another. However in every area, it is much dependent on the size of the organisation, its location combined together with the level of responsibility and experience of the candidate.

Advertising is the tool for informing and influencing the general public to purchase products or services through visual or oral messages.

The basic idea of advertising is to create awareness in the minds of potential customers. Some of the normally used media for advertising are: T.V., radio, websites, newspapers, magazines, bill-boards, hoardings etc. With the globalization of Indian economy along with the arrival of more and more MNCs to India, a lucrative career option for professional proficient in advertising & marketing of products has surely surfaced in a big way.

While in the creative department, a general BA with a command of the language of communication plus knowledge of designing packages like Photo-shop, coral draw or fine arts is the prerequisite.

Creative Department

The Creative department designs and conceptualizes the advertisement. This consists of copy-writing department and art department. While copy-writing department works on text for the ad and themes, art department visualizes the campaign.

Copywriters

The Copywriter develops a theme for the campaign and provides the text for ads. He is responsible for delivering the message to the masses. They formulate the campaign slogan, jingles, scripts and promotional literature of the product or service. They are also responsible for editing all textual matter and making them free of all factual, syntax and typesetting discrepancies.

Visualizers

The Visualizers are responsible to make a decision how the ad shall finally look. They execute the overall layout of message including graphics, sketching etc. For making a mark as a visualizer, one should have a degree/diploma in commercial arts or fine arts and the knowledge of designing software like Photo-shop, Page-Maker, and Corel Draw etc. are often handy qualifications.

Photographers

Photographers, besides possessing good technical ability and knowledge of cameras must also have an idea about angles and lighting effects.

A career in advertising fetches attractive remuneration. Fresh graduates can start with a salary of Rs. 9,000 - 15,000 per month. While those with MBAs and professional training in advertising can get salaries ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 per month. Salary of a successful advertising person you can be around 30,000 to 50,000 per month depending on the ad agency

Advertising field offers a range of lucrative, interesting careers. The job in this field is categorized into two broad divisions, executive and creative. Executive side comprises of Client Servicing, Market Research and Media Research while creative side consists of copywriters, scriptwriters, visualizers, photographers and typographers. Besides, a professional can always take up freelancing too.The executive department realizes client needs, finds new business and retains existing business, selects the appropriate media, analyzes timing and placement of advertisements and negotiate the financial aspects of the deal. Creative department creates the advertisement copy and visualize the specific needs of the client.

Reporter

As a reporter of a newspaper, magazine, news agency, radio or television channel, your job will be to report with speed, clarity and accuracy. The intellect to distinguish a story and objectivity will be very important in this role.

Correspondent/Special reporter

To be a reporter for a particular purpose, you must have thorough knowledge in a particular field like politics and sports etc. You must also have the ability to read between the lines and explain the news on the basis of your understanding.

Feature writer

A feature writer's job revolves around writing in-depth stories and observations on specific topics.

Leader writer

They are concerned with putting across their views on news topics through editorial columns only.

Proof Reader

Proof Reader's job is to evaluate and compare proofs with the edited copy. For this job one must possess skills in grammar, spelling and punctuation.

Editor

Editor is the key head whose chief responsibility is to ensure uniformity and continuity of the print media. He/she presents the newspaper in an eye-catching fashion.

Columnist

As a columnist, one writes for a particular segment in the newspaper or magazine. Your column would highlight your viewpoint concerning any topic under the sun like fashion, politics or films and the like.

Critic

In order to be a critic, you will have to be well-read and experienced. Irrespective of the field one must have comprehensive knowledge in the subject concerned.

Photojournalist

To become a successful Photojournalists or in simple words, visual reporters one must be swift in taking pictures which represent a news-story and willing to work in difficult conditions. Furthermore, He/ she should have the skills of writing appropriate captions and knowledge of the technical aspects of photography.

Cartoonist

You have to artistic and humorous to get recognition as a cartoonist. A cartoonist comments on public personalities and other happenings in a satirical manner.

Researchers

Researchers job revolve around doing the research work for the channel or the site. To be a researcher, you must be creative and inquisitive.

Broadcast Reporters

a broadcast reporter must have good communication and presentation skills coupled with a nose for news.

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