Journalist

OFO No:

• Print Journalist: 264203
• Radio Journalist: 264204
• TV Journalist: 264205

Other names for Journalists:

• See below

CLICK HERE

to meet Eric Markham:  Sports Journalist intern

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – The Career of a Reporter

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Journalist?

• Do you love writing? 
• Is your grammar and spelling good?
• Do you have a lively interest in people and events? 
• Are you are curious, determined and persistent?
• Do you want to know the story behind the story? 
• Are you scared to poke your nose in or ruffle feathers to get at the truth.  
• Do you have a balanced approach?
• Do you see both sides of an issue?
• Do you look at things objectively?

If you have answered yes to most of these questions, then maybe journalism is the right career path for you.

There are many different areas of specialisation in journalism.  As your studies progress, you will find out what suits you best, at community, regional, national or international level.

Some Journalists specialise in a particular field, for example:

• sports
• entertainment
• news
• crime
• politics
• human interest
• food and wine etc

Here are a few industries you might be interested in:

• print media: newspapers and magazines
• broadcast media: radio and television
• on-line media via the internet: blogging etc

What does a Journalist do? (this may depend on your field of expertise)

• researches stories before writing
• writes news and feature stories (usually topical with an in-depth approach) for example: interviews, travel reports, ‘how-to’ articles or opinion columns/blogs
• takes photographs – sometimes the job requires multi-skilling especially if you are working for a smaller company.  See Press Photographer on our website for more details.
• edits other people’s work (correcting grammar, writing headlines and making sure the publication has a consistent style)
• checks the facts

Are you … ?

• extremely inquisitive?
• confident?
• a good writer and communicator?
• a person who enjoys collecting and checking facts?
• persistent?
• aware of things around you?
• dedicated?
• prepared to work long and unusual hours?

How do I become a Journalist?

Good basic language skills are a great start.

It would be advisable to further your education and training in, for example, writing, media communication and/or journalism. With experience, you will learn to identify what will grab public attention and how to report on it in an easy-to-read, informative and entertaining way. 

Collecting and analysing facts gathered from interviews, investigation, observation and research will become a way of life for you.

PATH 1

Certificate in Journalism

• Tshwane University of Technology

PATH 2

Diploma in Journalism

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• Tshwane University of Technology
• Walter Sisulu University

PATH 3

Bachelor of Journalism

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• Tshwane University of Technology
• Walter Sisulu University

PATH 4

Degree in Journalism

Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism

• Rhodes University
• University of Venda

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

Other names for Print Journalist:

Other names for Radio Journalist:

Other names for Television Journalist:

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Copywriter … or … Crime Reporter … or … Scriptwriter

Is becoming a Journalist the right career choice for me?