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Print Journalist

Print journalists collect information and write stories about events and topics of interest for publication in newspapers, magazines or on the Internet.

 

Tasks & duties

Print journalists may do some or all of the following:

  • interview people
  • take notes in shorthand and/or record interviews on tape
  • cover stories for rounds or specific subject areas
  • write stories for newspapers, magazines and the Internet
  • carry out background research for stories or features
  • discuss their work with sub-editors, the chief reporter and the editor
  • take photographs
  • write news stories for radio

 

Specialisations

Print journalists may specialise in a particular area of reporting such as health, sports, politics or court reporting.

 

Skills & knowledge

Print journalists need to have:

  • excellent interviewing and reporting skills
  • excellent writing skills, including knowledge of grammar
  • a good general knowledge of local, national and world affairs
  • an awareness of what people are interested in
  • research skills, including knowledge of where to find specialised information
  • good communication and people skills
  • shorthand skills
  • typing skills
  • knowledge of media ethics and law, including libel, defamation, privacy and copyright
  • time management skills
  • the ability to work well independently and in a team

Photography skills may also be useful.

 

Entry requirements

To become a print journalist you need to have a Graduate Diploma in Journalism or a National Diploma in Journalism.

 

Secondary education

Sixth Form Certificate or NCEA equivalent, with a good grade in English is needed to apply for journalism training courses. Bursary English or NCEA equivalent is preferred.

 

Training on the job

Most skills are gained through university or polytechnic training courses. Print journalists may attend courses on specific areas of journalism, such as business reporting or photography.

 

Useful experience

Useful experience for print journalists includes:

  • writing stories for a newspaper, magazine or website
  • advertising or copywriting work
  • proof-reading
  • radio, television or video work
  • working as a reporter or columnist

 

Related courses

Journalism, Communication and Media Studies

 

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

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