J O U R N A L I S M

INTRODUCTION :
The flair of writing and reporting the day to day happenings normally covers the job of a Journalist. It is one of the lucrative careers in the contemporary world which offers name, fame and money. Both the print and the electronic media require journalists for reporting, writing, editing, photography and broadcasting. Generally a journalist should have –
1. The ability to understand national and international events
2. A basic knowledge about the world around
3. A flair for writing
4. Clarity in thinking and perception
5. An unbiased approach to issues.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: Openings for journalists are available in Newspapers, Magazines and Periodicals, News Agencies/Bureaus, Television and Radio, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, related Govt. Agencies like DAVP (Directorate of Audio, Visual Publicity) and some on-line web-sites.
A journalist can work in different capacities, viz. as Reporter, Sub-Editor, News-Editor, Feature-Writer, Columnist , Editor or freelance writer.
REPORTER :
A reporter is said to be the eyes and ears of a newspaper. He/she is always supposed to stick to facts and give accurate information only. They are required to cover a political gathering, an exhibition or an inaugural function. For this he/she has to stay in touch with police station, courts, hospitals, and he/she also makes use of press releases issued by various local bodies or private organisations. He may be a specialist in a particular field such as politics,sports, cinema, environment, crime etc, and receives invitations for press conferences, parliamentary or legislative sessions etc. A reporter is required to select the significant news items for printing.
SUB EDITOR :
The sub-editor deals with most of the editing work. All news items articles, etc. are checked and rechecked by him. He improves the language, inserts punctuation deletes the irrelevant portions and even rewrites the whole story. Not only this he even composes suitable headlines. The main aim behind so much of hardwork is to make the article clear, simple, appetising and genuine.
THE NEWS EDITOR :
The news editor heads the news desk. He controls the vast network of correspondents and other news sources like the news agencies, wire services etc. He is the right hand man of the editor and also a vital link between the editor and the newsroom i.e. sub-editors, reporters, feature writers, photographers etc. He keeps an eye on how news is featured, how it is edited and headlined.
FEATURE WRITERS :
Feature writers produce ideas for and write articles about a variety of subjects of general interest. They may also specialize in particular subjects. They collect information and opinions about current topics and may also do interviews with well known personalities. Feature writers often have to do a good deal of research for their articles.
COLUMNIST :
A columnist usually has years of experience of feature writing. He/She writes more or less about what interests him/her.
EDITOR :
The Editor is the keeper of public conscience, He comments editorially on important matters in an unbiased manner and he is the one who decides the topic for editorial column. The personality of a newspaper is dependent on the dynamism or otherwise of the editor.
INSTITUTIONS :
Courses in Journalism are offered by various institutions around the country. The eligibility and duration varies with the institution. Some of these institutions are :-
1) Indian Institute of Mass Communication, J.N.U. Campus New Delhi-110067 and Dhenkanal (Orissa) offers 1 year Postgraduate Study in Journalism and mass communication. Eligibility- Graduation, Age- maximum 25 years as on 31st. December.
In May every year the IIMC conducts an All India Entrance Test for entry. There are 40 seats each in Delhi and Dhenkanal, Orissa branch. The result of successful candidates is generally announced in 2nd week of June. Sale of forms usually begins from the month of February and advertised in leading National Dailies and Employment News.
2) South Gujarat University, P.B-49, Surat, Gujarat. Eligibility- H.S. Exam. of the GSEB or equivalent. It offers degree course in journalism. Duration-3 years.
3) Bangalore University, Jnana Bharati, Bangalore-560056 offers 3 years B.A. Journalism. Eligibility- must have passed 10+2 examination.
4) Goa University, PO-Santacrux, Bambolin-403005 offers 3 year B.A. with mass media communication. Eligibility- must have passed 10+2 examination.
5) Pune University, Ganeshkhind, Pune-411007 offers 3 years BA with journalism. Eligibility- must have passed 10+2 examination.
6) University of Calcutta, Senate House, 87 College Street, Calcutta-700073 offers 2 years BA with journalism. Eligibility-10+2.
7) University of Delhi, Delhi-110007 offers 3 years bachelor of journalism. Eligibility- must have passed 10+2 with 55% marks.
8) University of Mysore, Manas, Gangotri, Mysore-570005 offers 1 year Bachelor with Journalism. Eligibility- must have passed 10+2 exam.
3 years BA with journalism, Eligibility- must have passed 10+2 examination.
9) Rabindra Bharati university, Calcutta-700007 offers Bachelor degree course in mass communication. Eligibility-Graduates with 45% marks.
10) Bombay University, Bombay-400032 offers degree courses in journalism. Eligibility- must have passed 10+2 examination. Duration 3 years.
11) Mass Communication Research Centre, Jamia Melia Islamia, New Delhi offers courses in Journalism and mass communication. Entry through entrance test.
In Orissa, the Berhampur University is offering graduate and post-graduate level courses in Journalism.