Journalist, Radio/TelevisionAlso known as:Broadcast JournalistNews Reporter, Radio/Television Radio/Television Journalist Reporter, Radio/Television Television Journalist TV Journalist |
Radio/television journalists report on news items. It is necessary to respond to a story at very short notice and have the material ready by a deadline.
| Central Aspects |
| Explaining ideas and information to people |
| Seeking out and analysing information |
| Speaking in front of groups of people |
| Interviewing people |
| Presenting ideas and information in writing |
| Secondary Aspects |
| Planning how work is to be carried out |
| Organising and storing information |
| Providing information |
| Influencing the actions or decisions of others |
| Travelling around locally from place to place |
| Working under pressure |
| Working evenings or weekends |
| Other Aspects |
| Being aware of and taking into account the feelings, views or behaviour of others |
| Using keyboard skills |
| Using the telephone or two-way radio |
| Work involving teamwork and co-operation |
| Coping with awkward or difficult people |
| Being away from home regularly |
Radio/television journalists collect and report on news and other items of interest to radio and television. Ideas for news and features are found by monitoring other media and following up leads provided by specialist staff, local contacts and members of the public. In presenting news slots, journalists need to select and prioritise items, giving more time or attention to those that are judged to be most important.
Journalists in local radio, in RTE and commercial broadcasting companies, gain a wide range of experience; attending public events, conducting interviews and editing tapes, as well as researching and writing bulletins and reports.
Journalists employed in national television and radio are either reporters, who go out and collect stories, or sub-editors (sometimes known as writers), who write bulletins in the newsroom. Writers work alongside technical and production staff. They organise maps, graphics and captions and scripts that accompany reporters' stories. However, these roles are becoming more blurred due to advances in digital technology.
The programme editor decides upon news items and sends the reporter (sometimes accompanied by a technical and camera crew) to collect more information. Reporters assess the event to be covered, collect and present background information and interview key people. Reports may be broadcast 'live', but if they are recorded, the reporter makes detailed notes to assist in editing the video. Many reporters file their stories for radio as well as television.
You must be able to write in an objective, clear, direct style using language appropriate to the audience. As you may present your own material, verbal fluency and a good microphone voice are important. To interview effectively, you need to think of a series of good questions and then ask them in a tactful and persuasive way.
Commitment and stamina are vital in order to survive the long, irregular hours of highly pressured work. Shorthand and typing skills are useful. Knowledge of legal, ethical and company guidelines is essential.
Opportunities exist with local and national radio and television stations. Entry to this profession is highly competitive. Trainees can start at minimum wage (see www.citizensinformation.ie). EUR30k to EUR35k per year can be earned with further experience. Once established a broadcast journalist can earn more than this depending on profile, employer etc.
Some national radio/television journalists start their careers by working on newspapers or in local radio. Practical training is carried out in the office. The trainee has the opportunity of observing senior journalists at work and accompanying them on assignments to collect news. Alternatively, courses in Journalism are available countrywide.
Please visit QualifaX at http://www.qualifax.ie/ for more information on relevant courses. (Please note that you will be leaving the Career Directions website. You should save your answers if you wish to return later).
To become a trainee or junior journalist one must have obtained the Leaving Certificate or its equivalent with specific grades in at least five subjects, including English.
However, as there are a number of pre-entry courses in journalism the majority of employers now seek trainees from those who have completed one or other of these courses.
Application for admission to undergraduate courses must be made in accordance with the regulations and procedures and timetable described in the CAO Handbook.
The Handbook is confined to giving information on how to apply for admission to the relevant institutions. Applicants should not attempt to complete the application form without first referring to the information literature on courses, which is available from the institutions to which application is to be made.
Please see http://www.cao.ie/courses.php for information on course qualifications.
Candidates are advised to check the prospectuses from the individual institutions for further details.
There is no upper age limit for entry to this profession. You may be able to enter relevant training through universities or colleges that relax normal academic entrance requirements for suitable mature applicants.
Most academic institutions define people aged 23 years or over as mature candidates.