How to become a journalist
What does a journalist do?
Journalists research, compose and edit news stories, reports and opinion pieces for print or electronic publication. They may write for news, travel or entertainment purposes or for the advertisement of products.
Duties and tasks
- Analyse current events, news articles, films, books, performances and celebrity news to write opinion pieces and reviews.
- Create advertisements for a variety of media based on product attributes and targeted market.
- Research and analyse information on important current events, product information, recent studies or entertainment using factual information, interviews, police reports and investigations.
- Work with clients, management, editors and stakeholders to produce appropriate content for intended audience and purpose.
- Write and edit informative material for textbooks, product manuals, references, brochures, etc.
- Write and edit pieces on public interest for a variety of sources such as television, newspapers, magazines and online news sources.
Industry bodies
- Australian Society of Authors (ASA)
- Institute of Professional Editors Limited
- Journalism Education and Research Association of Australia
- Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA)
Related jobs
- Author
- Columnist
- Feature writer
- Leader writer
- Media producer & presenter
- Public relations professional
- Reporter
- Researcher
- Technical writer
- Writer and editor
Discover related degrees
Undergraduate USA-BCJ-DEG-2023
Undergraduate GRF-COM-DEG-2023
Available majors
- Major in Journalism
- Major in Public Relations
- Major in Business Communication
- Major in Creative Writing
- Major in Screen and Media Studies
Undergraduate USA-COM-DEG-2023
Undergraduate GRF-ART-DEG-2023
Available majors
- Major in Art History
- Major in Creative Writing
- Major in Criminal Justice
- Major in History
- Major in Journalism
- Major in Literature
- Major in Public Relations
- Major in Screen and Media Studies
- Major in Sociology
Discover related subjects
Undergraduate LTU-JRN2POD-2023
Postgraduate SWI-PWR60004-2023
Undergraduate USA-COMM1074-2023
Undergraduate GRF-LHS155-2023
Related degrees
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