Welcome to Gaia! :: Journalism

Um... I wasn't sure where to put this, as it can also refer to work in the media (radio, TV, etc.), so if anyone could help me out, that'd be great. : P

I was just wondering if there was anyone around Gaia who was into journalism, possibly as a career, that could give me some pointers on how to get into the business. I'm really interested in it, and have been for a long time.

Unfortunately, my local college doesn't offer any journalism courses. But, I'm looking into other places that I could apply for the future ( since right now I don't have the means to pay anyhow : ( ),

It would just be great to hear of some experiences. How tough the industry is... Things that I should expect... Possible places I could gain work experience (I'm currently living in the UK). That sort of thing.

I'm sorry again if this is the wrong forum.
Thanks in advance!

I am into journalism. When I get to college, it is what I want to major in.

Hi,

Well, what is it, what interests you about journalism? I just had one class about "science journalism" yet, so there isn't much I can tell you, but we will have a sequel about publicity for enterprises. That is another possible sector to work in.

Are you interested in politics, news, science, what is it?
I think your considerations about steps for a career might depend on what subject you are interested in.
I know for an example, to really work in science journalism, you better be a physist, chemist, biologist etc...and you will write about news in this subject.
So if you are interested in politics and economics, you might try to get courses about these subjects.
It's a start.
When you can't access a course about writing right now, you can do one about the background information you might need. It might also help you to find out which subjects you are interested in.
If you are specialized I don't think it will be so much a vow to poverty.... mrgreen

I' m not so extremly familiar with the UK college system, do you have the opportunity to do a practicum?
So you could look into a local newspaper publisher and "look over their shoulders", to see what their work actually is like. It might be different from what you imagine it to be. It's always a good reference for a future job search, too.

Hello
I was in Hournalism club when I was in high school. its really challenging for me to keep up
but it was fun. Though it might be difficult 'cause being a journalist you should be focus on what is
your major when it comes to writing. Like me i was major in writing poems and i was really good at it. but sometimes even though your good there is still comment in your piece so you need to have
courage and confidence. Being a writer is like a dj the only difference is your ways of communicating. so thats all.

Really? I've heard that it's more lucrative to specialize. Of course it depends on what type of "journalism" the original poster meant.

For freelance writers (magazine freelancers, especially), I hear it's better to become highly, highly specialized in a niche market and then pitch stories to trade publications.

It's probably different for newspapers, though.

What worries me, personally, is the rumors that print is dying. =( Better brush up on web programming skills! It might also be smart to learn to write for online as oppose to for print.

Most importantly, though, learn how to spin "facts" into a coherent, compelling story that has value for the readers. Expand your vocabulary. Learn how to trim cliches out of your writing. And, for print especially, learn to be concise. Word counts will always be against you -- make every word count. Oh, and also, befriend creative, precise verbs!

It's not really a rumor. Print is shrinking, but some people think weekly papers that serve local areas will last a while yet.

Luckily, Web programing isn't something that needs to be learned. Even so, knowing your way around a content managment system is a must and so is not being afraid of a video or audio recorder.