A Career in Journalism
Most recruitment into Broadcast Journalism in the UK is now via a BJTC accredited course. However, Broadcast Journalism employers will not employ you until you have developed key journalist skills, knowledge and judgment and can show relevant maturity required for the industry - this could mean you are at least 23 years of age.
Once trained, there are a wide range of areas available in Broadcast Journalism. Listed below are some of the main areas.
- Radio
- Television
- On-line telecommunications (multiplatforming)
- On-line news bulletins
- Current affairs
- Magazine programmes
Within these areas, there are specialist roles that can be pursued depending on your strengths and abilities. The following lists the kind of roles that might be available.
- Reporting
- Interviewing
- Writing
- Presenting
- Research
- Entertainment
- History
- Interpreting and explaining
The route to a job as a Broadcast Journalist
You need to be clear in your mind about the career path you wish to follow, carry out your research and select the course which suits you, your pocket - or your parents' pocket - and where you want to study.
Any subject you learn at school can prove to be useful for journalism. However, try to select subjects that you are good at, enjoy and will do well at. The same applies when choosing your degree.
Subjects like Media Studies and Journalism have become very popular both at School and at Undergraduate levels, as they now provide academic and theoretical knowledge and practical skills. So, try to ensure that the course you choose contains a relevant mix of theory and practice.
Please remember that most employers will be looking for a relevant qualification - an Undergraduate degree, a Postgraduate Diploma or MA in Broadcasting, Radio, Multi-Media, TV or Online Journalism.
Postgraduate students should bear in mind that you may experience some repetition of undergraduate modules.
For more BJTC careers information please follow the links above.
