The future of journalism is becoming clearer but yet remains cloudy. Journalists are becoming more of a function than a title. According to a survey made by theRadio-Television News Directors Association in 2006, 90% of new hires in broadcast news fell.
With this evolving industry, prospective journalists must be prepared and must be a multiskilled. Employers still want people who can report accurately, clearly and quickly.
Journalism students must understand the big picture. Some of the issues students can encounter are: media management, employment trends, and employee- employer contracts and negotiations. One thing is to enter the field but another is to move up the news business.
Language, culture, and local laws are very important in the field of journalism. Developing and maintaining sources is another important factor.
Obtaining news sources requires networking, and joining news organizations such as: The Society of Professional Journalists, The Investigative Reporters and Editors or The American Copy Editors Society .
Being a multiskilled journalist consist of, being able to write to various platforms, being able to gather information from the field, possess interviewing skills, know how to synthesize and organize facts and lastly how to incorporate text, images, audio and graphics.
Here is a link of what WGN-TV is asking for its general assignment reporter position.
Prospective journalists can also gain skills by having internships
Converged journalists will find themselves the need to build a marketable personality, like celebrities have agents; however, hiring an agent can be costly.
Prospective journalists must have a well-prepared resume, a cover letter, and a portfolio that includes samples of their work including a blog or a web site that demonstrates their skills.
The goal is to market and show others that you are credible, interesting, and professional. The Job interview is an opportunity to test each other sides. During the interview, dress professional, bring extra copies of your resume and sell yourself.
