Skills and Knowledge
You can find some colourful definitions of what it takes to be a journalist. But, in general, the most important and perhaps the most valuable are your communications skills. The following are considered to be for most important for journalists:
- Verbal reasoning;
- Interviewing;
- Listening and
- Writing.
It is often considered that most good journalists have curious and inquisitive minds, and it's beneficial to have a good general knowledge, be empathetic, patient and understand what will make a good news story.
Presenting
Everyone wants to work in front of the camera or microphone. However, not everyone can - not least because those jobs are limited. But, for those that might, it is essential to have a good voice, an ability to speak clearly and naturally, and to master the skill of telling a story. However, there are many more jobs behind the camera or microphone where having a good voice may be desirable but not quite so critical.
It is also worth remembering that presenters are simply the top of a very large, wide based, production pyramid and, all the people in that pyramid are crucial to getting a bulletin or programme on air. All these people need to have essential broadcast journalism knowledge and skills.
Pressure
You have to meet deadlines - this means often you will be working hard and fast, against the clock - you need to be able to express, analyse and condense information, be resourceful, persistent, truthful and accurate. And, while a large proportion of the job will be researching facts and stories, you are expected to know a lot about the basics of life in Britain and abroad within your specialist area (politics, sport etc.). Also, understanding historical context can be very important for some jobs.
The BJTC accredits both Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses. If you feel you need specialist advice on careers in media - on training, funding, motivation and support - contact Skillset Careers by e-mail at info@skillset.org , telephoning 08080 300 900 or link to its website www.skillset.org.
