Journalist

• Freelance Journalism

Princess Diana's death in a Paris tunnel or the inauguration of a new American President. Each morning we wake up to newsworthy events, which have been researched, reported or written by journalists from around the globe. Journalists may work in the newspaper, radio and television media. They are required to write and edit news reports, commentaries and feature stories suitable for the medium which employs them.

In order to write a comprehensive and balanced account of events, journalists employ investigative techniques. They telephone, fax or e-mail people, they search through archived files for background information (including searching the Internet) or they meet their interviewee face to face, preferably at the 'scene' of the newsworthy event. Journalists may also write articles commenting on past events, based on their expertise or experience of reporting in a particular area. Writing their opinions on the nation's economy, on new legislation or on a major sporting event, are just a few examples.

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Of the Journalists currently employed there are 40% who have a Bachelor Degree, 7% who have a Graduate Diploma or Certificate, 5% who have a Certificate III or IV, 5% who have an Advanced Diploma or Diploma and 31% who have no post school qualification.

The University of Adelaide offers a Bachelor of Media degree.

The University of South Australia offers a Bachelor of Journalism degree.

Journalists usually start as cadets and report routine events. In newspapers and on radio and television, most journalists are expected to be able to cover almost any topic of interest. As they progress in their careers, there is the opportunity for journalists to be graded and move to higher positions, such as sub editor or editor. Journalists may also be able to use their skills as a copywriter or technical writer in other industries, such as public relations.

For further information, contact:

Advertiser Newspaper Pty Ltd
GPO Box 339 Adelaide SA 5001
Ph: (08) 8206 2000
Fax: (08) 8206 3669
Email: tiser@adv.newsltd.com.au
Internet Address: http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au

Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (SA/NT)
First Floor 241 Pirie St Adelaide SA 5000
Ph: (08) 8223 6055
Fax: (08) 8223 7176
Email: sa@alliance.org.au
Internet Address: http://www.alliance.org.au

Communication Services,  Cultural and Recreational Services

To be updated.

People interested in journalism, should have excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work to tight deadlines. A good general knowledge is vital, as is an interest in current affairs. Journalists must be able to use word processors, take shorthand and have a high level of presentation and vocal ability if considering a career in television or radio. Above all, you need to be an inquisitive person who wants to get to the heart of a story quickly. People are generally journalists by nature. Are you the kind of person who takes photos and records events in daily life and or have an innate desire to record history.''

Journalists go wherever news breaks. Travel may be a condition of employment, particularly for foreign correspondents who go to different parts of the world to cover news stories. Journalists also report outdoors, so a willingness to work under all types of weather conditions is necessary. Be prepared also to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines. Monday morning's newspaper is produced by people who work all day and night on Sunday.

Only a small percentage of journalists work in the regional, non metropolitan areas. Employment growth is expected to remain steady or fall slightly. Syndication of stories is contributing to this trend, though as the ease of electronic publishing increases, opportunities could open up in other areas. It is suggested that there will be less full time jobs for journalists in the future. There are getting to be fewer and fewer full time jobs in this industry. Syndicated stories across newspapers and TV companies adds to the lack of jobs, one highly paid journalist writes a column for all the papers owned by a company, or a presenter will file a story which goes Australia wide, instead of each State having its own local stories.

A spokesperson for the industry, says salaries for journalists working in Australia vary between organisations. The starting salary for a cadet journalist working for a country newspaper is about $20,000 in some states per year while the most senior journalist earns about $48,000. Freelance Journalists have the opportunity to earn much more money.

For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or email tafeinfo@saugov.sa.gov.au