Journalism

The wise Arthur Miller once noted that a good newspaper is a nation talking to itself, an observation that seems more like an ideal standard than an accurate description of today’s publications. In reality nearly all media today relies on advertising and is often more concerned with celebrities in short dresses getting in and out of cars than holding a mirror up to the nation.

Journalists are often treated with the same mistrust and depicted as soulless, opportunistic characters with questionable dress sense; not all of these accusations are true. Journalists have the honourable aim of gathering, assessing and chronicling the news. The reality that disaster and tragedy are consistently the most popular news items can lead to the down trodden and unsavoury image that has affected the profession for decades.

Journalism courses teach a wide range of vocational and technical skills including how to research and write a story within a certain social context. A journalism course can teach you the technical skills, but the tenacity and determination should be an inherent part of your pursuit; as well as an individual flair with the written word.

Education
If you are interested in studying journalism at third-level, you have several options. There are journalism degrees available at DCU and DIT, while Griffith College also offers courses at levels six and seven and a number of FETAC qualifications are available at colleges around the country.

The first journalism degree outside of Dublin has been introduced this year in the University of Limerick. The title of the course is Journalism and New Media and it seeks to combine journalism and new media with the study of sociology, history, law, politics, local government and languages, including Irish. During the four-year degree students will get the opportunity for work placement in North America or Continental Europe and also must take part in a six-month work experience scheme.  It is difficult to assess the points needed as it is the first year but since most requirements in journalism are in the 450 region, this is a good guideline.

Some students decide to take more general media studies or arts courses, which provide them with a solid humanities education from which to move into a journalism career.

The subjects you will take on a journalism course include News Writing, News Reporting, Politics, Law, Media Studies, Cultural Studies, Research, Media History, Social & Economic Studies, TV & Radio Reporting and Media Ethics.

Many courses include work placements with newspapers, TV or radio stations. It is a good idea for student journalists to get involved with their college newspaper or radio station and build up a portfolio of articles to impress potential employers.

Options After Qualification
Although some graduates go straight to work with a national station or newspaper, many work in consumer or trade magazines, local press and radio or websites. Some graduates work freelance, while others move into related areas such as PR, marketing, multimedia, IT and general business.

Journalism is a very popular subject at postgraduate level and many people with degrees or certificates in diverse subjects (from law to music or science) decide to study a journalism qualification and aim for a career in the media.

The Work
Many graduates start as reporters for freesheets, Internet sites, trade magazines or the local press, where they hone their skills on local issues or specific subjects (e.g., court reporting, entertainment listings) and may gain experience conducting interviews, writing stories, reporting news, web publishing, sub-editing copy and page layout. This can allow younger journalists to build up a portfolio of stories with which to impress more prestigious national or specialist outlets.

The telephone is probably the most important tool of the professional journalist. More time is spent chasing stories, making contacts, researching information and conducting interviews than actually writing the articles. Journalists can become experts in their particular areas (such as politics, sport, celebrity marriages) and many must explain complex issues in a language that everyone can understand.

Often, journalists aim to move from reporting to features or opinion writing. This means they concentrate less on breaking news, and analyse the issues and contexts behind the stories.

Related careers to journalism include sub-editing and editing newspapers or magazines, and researching or producing for TV and radio news programmes. Sub-editors check and rearrange the text submitted to fit with the paper’s point of view. Radio and TV researchers and producers source information, organise interviewees and plan schedules for news programmes.

Personal Qualities & Work Environment
 An elephantine thick skin is almost a rudimentary requirement for any kind of success in the world of journalism; the ability to respond well to pressure and work under severe time constraints are also hugely important attributes.

A clear writing style will aid success in journalism; and while a distinct voice is an asset that will make your articles more memorable and enjoyable, you must also be able to switch style in order to match the tone of whatever publication you are reporting for at the time.

Journalists are usually required to work anti-social hours. Time can be divided between the newsroom and travelling to find stories and talk to people involved.

The Money
As journalism is a highly desirable career, starting salaries aren’t brilliant and start at around €20,000 a year. This rises with the profile of the journalist along with experience and success, national journalists can earn €55,000 a year, while top columnists and editors can rake in over €100,000 annually.

The Jargon
Pull quote: (also known as a lift-out quote or a call-out) is a quotation or edited excerpt from an article that is placed in a larger typeface on the same page, serving to lead readers into an article and to highlight a key topic or quotation
Freelance: Where journalists work independently to come up with ideas and pitch them to different editors
Copy: The text that goes into a journalistic article or story
Tabloid: A smaller form of newspaper that prints news in a condensed and/or simplified style

Job Titles
Journalist
Writer
Editor
Researcher
Sub-Editor

Further Resources
National Union of Journalists
Spencer House
Spencer Row
Dublin 1
Phone: 01 817 0340
Web: www.nuj.ie
Email: liberty.hall@nuj.ie

Indymedia Ireland
www.indymedia.ie

Hold the Front Page
Web: www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk

The Pulitzer Prizes
Web: www.pulitzer.org