Broadcast Journalism
What is Broadcast Journalism?
Broadcast Journalists investigate, research and present news including current affairs for television, radio and the internet for a wide range of audiences. Broadcast Journalists objective is to present information they find in an accurate, fair and balanced way through news bulletins, factual programmes and documentaries. They can be part of a small local team or a regional/national newsroom. They can also work from home as well as a newsroom and may be required to work with a variety of shifts, such as night shifts, weekends or even the holidays. Therefore, they should be prepared to travel in order to get the information they have been told to get. They may be told to travel even in long distances such as different countries at any hour of the day or night. They can carry out research by using personal contacts and figure out appropriate background articles and locations.
Also, they are expected to understand the media law and follow the regulations and industry codes. Before an interview, they should prepare their questions so they can be organised and know what they are saying before they are recording. Radio Journalists sometimes take photographs or record a simple video to give an idea to their viewers about what their story is about on their website.
Here are some of the things Broadcasts Journalists are involved in:
- Creating ideas for stories for news agencies, the public, press conferences and even the police.
- Pitching ideas to editors and commissioners.
- Researching and collecting evidence to support their story.
- Writing scripts for reports, headlines and bulletins.
- Choosing appropriate pictures, sound and locations for their story.
- Advising people on what to film and record.
- Using portable DV cameras and other cameras to record and use editing softwares.
- Preparing and presenting material on air for live performances and well as pre-recorded.
- Prepare the timings for news items.
- Deciding the order for bulletins and making any changes during broadcasting.
- Developing and maintaining local contacts.
To become a Broadcast Journalist, you must:
- Take a degree or a postgraduate course in Broadcast Journalism before you look for work
- Be involved in a training scheme with a TV or Radio Broadcaster
- Started as a Newspaper Journalist and then moving into Television/Radio.
However, you must have certain skills and qualities to become a Broadcast Journalist which are:
- Outstanding communication skills
- Good listening and questioning skills
- Excellent writing and research skills
- A confident and a clear voice
- Motivation
- To be calm when under pressure and the ability to meet strict deadlines
- A creative approach when you have to think of something on the spot
- An understanding of what makes a good news story that will attract the audience
- Accuracy with the information you fine
- To work independently as well as working as a group
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