Broadcast Journalism

Broadcast Journalism

Broadcast journalism provides a timely medium for individuals to obtain their news. Reporters have a duty to report the news in an accurate, fair, clear and interesting manner. Broadcast journalism differs to written journalism as radio and television are designed to be seen and heard sooner and more often than a daily or weekly newspaper therefore scripts for speaking to be broadcasted tend to be written differently than text to be read by the public.

| * | Broadcast Journalist | * | c * following up leads from contacts and using the internet and books to collect stories for news and interest features * going to the location to gather more background detail * attending press conferences, asking questions and ranking news stories in order of importance * writing stories and bulletins ready for presentation * editing tapes and scripts using specialist software so that they fit exactly into a time slot * planning interviews with key people and interviewing live on air, perhaps asking challenging questions * working to deadlines * specialising in a particular field such as politics, sport, the arts, history, popular science or crime * passing on write-ups of important Scottish news stories so that the London news team can present them.Conditions * You might be indoors or outdoors - outdoor work could be in all weathers and conditions. * You would work irregular hours including evenings, weekends and public holidays; shift work is common. * You sometimes travel locally or abroad, with overnights away from home. * You might be in challenging locations (for example out in a small boat, at the North Pole).Getting InGetting a start in broadcasting is harder than ever. Sometimes you have to take any job in the field, just to ‘get a foot in the door’ and make contacts. The BBC and ITV are the largest employers, but many broadcast journalists start off in local radio. There are many local radio stations in Scotland. Some broadcasters have moved initially to get experience. * There are no formal entry requirements, but most entrants have a degree or postgraduate qualification in journalism, broadcasting, radio, television, multimedia or online journalism. * Most common route is by a undergraduate Journalism or Media and Communication course at University. * A few get in straight from university, usually after a BA degree course related to journalism. * Many broadcasting journalists follow a route from local newspapers to local radio to national broadcasting. * Employers expect you to have practical experience. You can get this through student, hospital or local radio. * It helps to make a show reel to send on spec - make sure that the first 10-15 seconds is your best work. You must follow up with a phone call. * For newspaper experience contact local or national newspapers. You may have to do several unpaid work experience placements (internships) before earning your first wage.What Does It Take?You should be: * curious * tactful but persistent - you might have to interview people in distressing situations * resourceful and assertive * observant with good general knowledge * honest and accurate * articulate – with a good voice for broadcasting * adaptable in writing style, able to read and summarise quickly * able to work under pressure to tight deadlines * good at working in a team * safety-conscious.Training * The BBC and ITV, as well as some independent companies, run in-house on the job training schemes. * Channel 4 has launched a new internship scheme for people wanting to start a career in TV production and journalism, through its training arm 4talent. * The National Council for the Training of Broadcast Journalists and the BKSTS oversee training (see below).Getting On * Many journalists now work with multimedia – in radio, television and online. Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) has opened many new opportunities across radio and television. * Most work freelance, on short term contracts. You may have to move to get your next job. * Permanent contracts are rare. * You usually start off working in the newsroom. * If you get a long term contract you can seek promotion to a senior post as sub-editor, news producer, programme editor or special correspondent. PayThe figures below are only a guide. Actual salaries may vary, depending on: * where you work * the size of company or organisation you work for * the demand for the job.Starting salary can range from £15,000 to £22,000 a year. This can rise with experience to £52,000 or more. Senior broadcasting journalists can earn more than £100,000 a year. Salaries in television tend to be higher than in radio. More Information | | | | |
The Facts * Broadcast journalism is a form of the news media that is broadcast or transmitted to the public. This form of media includes: radio, television and the Internet. A unique factor influencing television and Internet hinges on the inclusion of pictures or video. Other forms of media rely solely on the story. Within the inclusion of pictures, reporters are required to write stories based on what the audience is viewing. Broadcast stories relay the information in a simplistic way and with a conversational tone.
History of * Radio was the first broadcast medium in 1906. People tuned in for the news, talk programs and music. In the 194's it shifted to drama and news programs, featuring more entertainment programs. In 1939, the United States got its first taste of television with the transmission of regularly scheduled broadcasts. However, it wasn't until the mid-to-late 1950s that television gained popularity in America. Color televisions hit the market in the late 1960s, and high definition broadcasting arrived in the late 1990s. The Internet, originally started as a government program in the 1960s, opened to the public in the 1990s. With each of these technological innovations, the demand for receiving up-to-the-minute news has increased.
Function
* Broadcast journalism is intended to provide a service to the public and in particular the individuals of a community. Each of the three forms of the media allows people to obtain up-to-date information about local and world events affecting their lives. Broadcast journalism works as a service allowing individuals to receive community information, emergency notices and important story updates.
Type
* Broadcast journalism can come in several forms. The traditional newscast highlights the events of the day, usually in a 30- to 60-minute program. These newscasts can also feature sports, weather, health and entertainment segments. The magazine-style program offers a more in-depth look at only a few topics. These feature stories make headlines, but not necessarily on any particular day. The newest type of media is interactive and blogging. These stories are updated within minutes and give everyone a chance to share an opinion of the story.
Expert Insight * The broadcast journalism industry is extremely competitive. Most reporters begin in small markets so they can refine their skills and develop a quality resume tape. This industry values prior work experience much more than where or in what you earned your degree.

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