A Journalist is a person who reports on current events, breaking news, or exciting stories. These reports get published by digital media, print media, television, or radio. 

Many Journalists work on a freelance basis, which means they do stories when asked by editors but are not employed full-time. Full-time positions are considered highly desirable, but as newsrooms across the country are being asked to cut budgets, they are becoming harder and harder to land. 

A significant portion of a Journalist’s job consists of collecting information. In this regard, Journalists conduct research, perform interviews, analyze opinions and impressions uttered by people to report and publish what was gathered in a manner that adheres to Journalistic standards. Journalists seek to engage their audience in their field of interest (e.g., entertainment, economy, or politics).

More and more Journalists are now in charge of other related Journalistic tasks that used to be assigned to other professionals in the field. For example, it is not uncommon for Journalists to take care of the visual aspect of their story, meaning that taking or acquiring pictures now also falls under their responsibility.

 Personality of a Journalist

• Strong Personal Ethics

The number one rule of journalism is to report the truth. If you find yourself writing something untrue or pulling an unchecked fact, you must have a solid moral compass and speak up. 

• Great People Skills

You need to be comfortable talking to people on the phone and over video chat. You also need people to make people trust you and want to open up to you. 

• Curiosity

Why or how does X happen, and who are the actors? What are the consequences? These are all critical questions to your audience, and you need to be able to ask the right questions to get to the heart of the issue at hand and understand it. 

• Good Written Communication Skills

Journalists need to have excellent writing skills to present their story as clearly and concisely to their audience as possible.

• Good Verbal Communication Skills

This is important for interviews and for working in television or radio. Journalists are also often asked to sit on panels, attend conferences, and strong speaking skills are essential in this regard.