Journalism is concerned with collection and dissemination of news through the print media as well as the electronic media. It is the timely reporting of events at the local, national and international levels. Reporting involves the gathering of information through interviewing and research, which is then turned into a fair and balanced story for publication or for television or radio broadcast. Thus it is a profession that involves gathering, reporting, writing, editing, photographing and broadcasting of news. A journalist collects and disseminates information about current events, people, trends, and issues.
Journalism comes different forms:
1) News: It is further divided into
Hard News (Breaking News) and Soft News (Feature stories)
2) Opinion:
Opinion Journalism is divided into Editorials, Columns and Reviews.
Similarly, Journalism is classified into two on the basis of media- (i) Print Journalism and (ii) Electronic (Audio/Visual) Journalism. Print journalists can work for a wide variety of newspapers, magazines, journals and technical publications, while broadcast journalists are usually assigned to work for radio and/or television. In print journalism one can work as editor, reporter, columnist, correspondent etc whereas in electronic journalism one can be a reporter, writer, editor, researcher, correspondent or an anchor.
If you are thinking of pursuing a career in the field of journalism, the first and foremost thing that you should have is a 'nose for news.' You should also have a keen interest in current affairs, an ability to write in a style which is easy to understand, a lively interest in meeting new people and visiting places and an ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines. You must be a group worker and be able to handle criticism. And above all, as a Journalist you must have a willingness to accept odd working hours. The uncertainty of the daily routine makes it difficult to assign time for family, personal hobbies, and any regularly scheduled plans; but those who don't like the predictability of ten-to-five jobs are attracted to journalism because "no day resembles the day before."
A candidate holding a certificate level degree or a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university can work as a Journalist. But it is better to have the degree in Journalism. However, solely taking mass communication does not mean one can qualify as a journalist. A degree in Mass Communication and Journalism is a plus point but that doesn't guarantee you a career of a journalist; your skill and your ability counts the most. Anybody who has completed the 10+2 or the certificate level equivalent can apply for a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism & Mass Communication. Likewise, A candidate holding a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university can apply for admission to the Master’s in Journalism and Mass Communication.
JOB PROSPECT
The start of private media houses with the
restoration of democracy in the country in 1990, has opened up new career
avenues for the aspirants of Journalism and Mass Communication. Since then the
demand of Journalists in Nepalese Media, be it print or electronic, is ever
increasing increasing. The opportunities for journalists are endless and at
the same time the job has become more challenging and more competitive.
Journalists usually specialize in either print journalism or broadcast
journalism. Print journalists can work for a wide variety of newspapers,
magazines, journals and technical publications, while broadcast journalists
are usually assigned to work for radio and/or television. In print journalism
one can work as editor, reporter, columnist, correspondent etc whereas in
electronic journalism one can be a reporter, writer, editor, researcher,
correspondent or an anchor.
Jobs have never been a problem for the aspirants of journalism as there are lots of media houses for job placements. They can find employment with newspapers, magazines, journals, periodicals, websites, radio, television channels like Kantiputr, CNN, BBC, Avenues, Image Channel, Sagarmatha etc. Journalists who don't like working in media houses can work as professors, researchers, and analysts. While some may also work in Non governmental organizations and corporate houses as communication officer. Pursuing a career in photojournalism or press photography are also some of the varying options available.
And if you still don't like to work in any of the above areas for you detest the office environment, you can still work as a freelancer. Freelance journalists work on their own, often without a regular income. These journalists write on a wide variety of topics for various publications, radio and television stations.
SALARY:
The monthly salary of a reporter ranges from NRs. 5,000 15,000, if he/she is a fresher. But it may rise upto 20000 a month with
experience. Similarly the salary of an assistant editor or editor ranges from
NRs. 20,000 - 30,000 in national newspapers and magazines while the pay scale
reaches upto 50,000 with the experience. But it is important to note that the
salary range can be higher in case of international journals, papers or
websites. Similarly, If one opts for the job in development agencies, NGOs/
INGOs, and business organizations as a communication officer, the pay scale
can range from NRs. 40,000 - 100,000 a month.
Institutes offering Journalism classes as follows:
- Bachelor in
Media Studies at Kathmandu University Department of Language and Mass
Communication, Hattiban, 977-1- 5251294 / 5251306
- Bachelor in Media
Studies at Kathmandu University-School of Arts, Hattiban, 977-1- 5251294 /
5251306
- Bachelor in Media Technology at Shepherd College, New
Baneshwor, 01-4488274
- Masters in Media Technology at Shepherd College,
New Baneshwor, 01-4488274
