Journalism

A journalist investigates and reports upon events and issues to an audience. They can do this through many different kinds of media: newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and online.

Journalism can be separated very simply into two main schools, the first being news, where stories are broken – or reported – as they happen, investigations are carried out into issues, and in-depth studies, or features, into interesting subjects that may not be on the news agenda.

The second is opinion-based journalism, which includes columns, where a journalist can give their thoughts on a subject of their choosing, and reviews.

An inquisitive mind is key for a journalist, as is a good grasp of grammar, excellent communication skills, and a personable attitude.

While it can be a fun and glamorous job – especially at the top – with invitations to parties and press trips to see different parts of the world, it can also be very demanding and draining, with long and unsociable hours, shift work, and the need to be relentless in chasing the leads for a story. Expect to start at the bottom – you have to pay your dues in order to reap the benefits.

The contemporary face of journalism is changing, with a requirement to be able to work across the different media platforms, and especially online as the importance of print continues to decline.

How to get into journalism

Experience, luck and contacts are key. Journalism is a popular profession that is oversubscribed and competition for jobs is fierce. It is essential to demonstrate an interest in the profession and get as much experience as possible.

Involvement in student media is a great starting point, from working on the college or university newspaper, to helping out in your radio station. Setting up your own blog is also an ideal place to hone your voice, showcase your abilities and demonstrate your understanding of websites and social media, which are quickly usurping print in importance.

A degree is usually required of a candidate who wishes to get into journalism ; this degree doesn’t have to be subject-specific. There are undergraduate journalism degrees available at some institutions around the country, however a lot of people study an academic course for their undergraduate degree and then take a postgraduate journalism course to learn the basic skills for the profession.

General Entry Requirements

A minimum of six Leaving Certificate subjects at Grade O6 or H7, with at least two at H5, which must include the subjects Mathematics AND either English or Irish.

A minimum of H4 in English is often required.

What is the work like?

It is a journalist’s job to find news and to report on it as quickly as possible, in an arresting and engaging style.

Whether reporting on a local planning decision or a dramatic international conflict, journalists play a key role in society. They keep communities informed and satisfy the public’s right to know.

Most journalists start out as general news reporters. Their daily tasks might include:

• attending press conferences, court sessions, council meetings and other scheduled public events
• interviewing the people involved in news stories, in person or by telephone
• following up news releases, calls from the public or tip-offs from personal contacts
• writing news stories from notes taken, often to tight deadlines.

Reporters may use shorthand or tape recorders, or a combination, to take records of what is said. They type their stories up on a computer.

The work involves working closely with colleagues, such as photographers. A news editor usually assigns tasks to reporters.

Other types of journalist include:

• sub-editors, who check and shape the reporters’ work and add headlines
• feature writers, who produce longer pieces that are less time sensitive
• columnists and commentators
• those who specialise in a particular field, eg sports, politics or health.

The rolling deadlines of news operations can make the work demanding. There is often pressure to get stories in advance of rivals.

Getting the required information can be challenging. Some people are wary of journalists, or may simply want to conceal information.

Journalists also need to make sure every story is balanced, giving all parties a chance to have their say. Awareness of the law is important, as an unjustified allegation can expose the news organisation to a potentially expensive court case.

Hours and environment

Journalists generally work 39 hours a week, but sometimes more. The hours depend on the production deadlines of the news organisation. For example, core hours on an evening newspaper may be 8.00am to 4.30pm, or for a morning newspaper, 10.00am to 6.00pm.

Long and unpredictable hours are common, especially when responding to major incidents. Journalists may be expected to attend evening meetings, and some will work shifts, to cover nights, weekends and holidays.

Part-time work is not common. However, many journalists work on a freelance basis.

Journalists often have to travel in order to cover news items, and usually need a driving licence.

On some stories, journalists can find themselves working outdoors in all weathers. They may encounter hostile or aggressive people at times.

Salary and other benefits

These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.

• New journalists in a local news organisation may start on around €20,000.
• With experience, senior reporters can earn around €35,000.
• The top journalists in national news operations can earn €60,000 or more.

Skills and personal qualities

A journalist must have:

• an enquiring mind
• excellent written English and a concise writing style
• the ability to win the confidence of all kinds of people
• high standards of accuracy
• the ability to produce good work under pressure
• a thick skin in order to handle rejection
• persistence and stamina
• quick understanding – journalists often have to write with authority on unfamiliar subjects
• a knowledge of the law as it affects journalism.

Interests

It is important to have:

• a passion for current affairs
• an appreciation of the way news is presented by different outlets
• wide interests, which might lead to work in a specialist field.