In this article, we are not so narrowly focused; we can look at all the other words people strive to get out and the outlets they use to do so. But this career path should not be viewed as a rain barrel of excess categories, the catchall of the communications field. The media and all it encompasses is perhaps the most vital system for communication in a free enterprise system and democracy.
Here, the messages are broad and far-reaching, the goals as varied as the professionals who work in the different fields. Loosely defined, the media is any outlet that lets us get the word out; and the word we get out enables our audiences to be informed, educated, and entertained.
The United States supports the largest mass media system of any country in the world, which in turn has generated millions of jobs. The choices for communications majors in search of great jobs could almost be daunting if it weren't so exciting.
The field of journalism is perhaps the most traditional path open to communications majors, but no longer does the fourth estate refer only to newspapers. It includes syndicates and wire services, television and radio, and consumer and trade publications. And while these outlets provide a home for journalists to report and interpret the news, they also furnish niches for creative writers with a vast array of specialties, as well as important frontline and support positions for editors, agents, entertainers, broadcasters, producers, photographers, computer experts, and others.
Communications majors can plan ahead while in school, taking courses and honing the skills that will allow them to work in any number of media outlets. While many of the skills needed are field specific, many others can be transferred for use from one sector of the media to another.
Definition Ofthe Career Path
Because there is such a vast range of jobs within the media, and many of the same positions are found in several different outlets, it is more efficient here to examine each outlet as a career path unto itself. While the role of editor, for example, will vary to some degree depending upon the setting, many of the same functions are performed and the same skills used in newspapers as well as magazines. The definitive question is not whether to become an editor, but which milieu would best suit the future editor.
Similarly, a communications major with hopes of becoming a writer will benefit from knowing the types of assignments and working conditions involved at the different job settings, or whether a career as a freelancer is a viable alternative.
For every interest a communications major has, there is a job and a setting to satisfy it.
Working Conditions
Reporters and photojournalists always have deadlines hanging over their heads. Unlike fiction writers, who can work at their own pace, reporters do not have the luxury of waiting for their creative juices to begin to flow. A news reporter has to file a story, or maybe even two, every day by a certain time. A staff writer or section editor with a weekly column has more leeway, but everything must still be in by press time.
Reporters gather information by visiting the scene, interviewing people, following leads and news tips, and examining documents. While some reporters might rely on their memory, most take notes or use a tape recorder while collecting facts. Back, in the office, they organize their material, decide what the focus or emphasis should be, and then write their stories, generally using a computer. Because of deadlines, while away from the office many reporters use portable computers to file the story, which is then sent by telephone modem directly to the newspapers computer system.
Some newspapers have modern, state-of-the-art equipment; others do not have the financing they need to update. A reporter might work in a comfortable, private office, or in a room filled with the noise of computer printers and coworkers talking on the telephone.
Working hours vary. Some writers and editors work Monday through Friday, nine to five, while others cover evenings, nights, and weekends.
On some occasions, reporters work longer than normal hours to cover an important ongoing story or to follow late-breaking developments.
Although some desk work is involved, newspaper reporting is definitely not a desk job. Reporters must have excellent interviewing and research skills and the ability to juggle several assignments at once. Computer and typing skills are very important, too.
A reporter also must know how to write tight. While feature writers can be more creative, news reporters must make sure they get all the facts in within a certain amount of space. The editor might allocate only a column inch or two for your story, leaving room for just the who, what, when, where, why, and how.
Training and Qualifications
A college degree is a must; most employers prefer a B.A. in journalism or communications, while others accept a degree in a related field such as political science or English.
The courses you should take in college include introductory mass media, basic reporting and copyediting, history of journalism, and press law and ethics.
Previous work on a school paper or an internship at a newspaper will help to enhance your resume. Experience as a stringer-a part-time reporter who is paid only for stories printed-is also helpful.
Photojournalism is highly competitive, so having a good portfolio is very important. Most photojournalists have at least a bachelors degree, many, especially those with management inclinations, have a masters.
Program Director/Production Manager/Public Service Director
At small stations one person might handle the duties of all three job titles; at larger market stations each position will have its own director. Program directors manage a staff of announcers, writers, and producers, and schedule broadcasts on a day-to-day basis. A production manager makes sure that programs are aired on schedule, and a public service director determines which public service announcements best serve the needs of the community and deserve air time.
