How to become a journalist
Journalists help to report news and events to audiences of newspapers, radio and television programmes. A journalist will investigate a story or event and produce their account for local, regional or national distribution.
Some journalists specialise in certain areas, such as war correspondent, local law cases, entertainment or sport. Alternatively, a journalist may work on a freelance basis and be called upon to report on a variety of events.
Competition for journalism vacancies is usually very tough, and the most skilled and experienced journalists will regularly have worked for their employer for several years. The following guide offers information on how to become a journalist, including details on the entry requirements for the career, what you can expect to be paid, the hours you are likely to work and what your day-to-day activities will be.
Average Salary
£18,000 to £50,000+
Qualification Level
Varied
Weekly Hours
37 to 42 hours
What qualifications are needed to become a journalist in the UK?
Entry requirements for a career in journalism will vary depending upon the employer you work for. Effectively, there is no set list of requirements that must be met, and there are no formal qualifications that are absolute requirements. Instead, a journalist will normally need to demonstrate a sound knowledge of a specialised area and exceptional reporting skills.
You might enter the career as a trainee journalist or reporter with a local newspaper or radio station. These types of opportunities are not commonplace, so you will likely encounter a great deal of competition. Maintaining a portfolio of previous work and demonstrating your skills will be key to impressing your potential employer. It may also be possible to start your journalism career on an apprenticeship, which would be a similar journey but with the benefit of qualifications and a more structured working contract.
Many journalists begin their career academically and complete a degree in journalism or English. Some choose to further their academic achievements by completing a postgraduate course too. This is an excellent way to give yourself an edge over competitors and ensure you have a wealth of knowledge to start you on your way. Alternative journalism qualifications, such as those run by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ), are available.
For further information on how to become a journalist, visit the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) website.
What skills are needed for a career in journalism?
Journalists draw upon a number of skills to obtain new and interesting stories and angles. A journalist needs to be inquisitive, approachable and focused, as well as being able to take a story in one format and relay it well in another.
Becoming a journalist in the UK typically involves a combination of education, experience, and a particular set of skills. While many journalists hold a degree in journalism or a related field, such as English, Media Studies, or Communications, there are also many pathways into journalism that don’t necessarily require formal education. What’s crucial, regardless of your educational background, is to possess a core set of skills that will make you excel in this dynamic profession.
- Strong Writing Ability: Whether you’re crafting an article, scripting a video, or tweeting a quick update, strong writing skills are essential for conveying information clearly and engagingly.
- Research Skills: Journalists often have to dig deep to uncover the facts that make a story. Strong research skills include everything from conducting interviews to navigating complex databases.
- Critical Thinking: Being able to analyse situations, view issues from multiple perspectives, and foresee consequences is vital, especially when handling controversial or sensitive topics.
- Attention to Detail: In journalism, even minor errors can significantly affect a story’s credibility. A keen eye for detail helps in everything from fact-checking to proofreading.
- Tech Savvy: Understanding the basics of content management systems (CMS), social media platforms, and some level of multimedia editing (like video or audio) can give you a significant edge.
- Ethical Judgment: With the power to inform the public comes the responsibility to do so accurately and ethically. Knowing the laws around libel, contempt, and public interest is crucial.
- Adaptability: The world of journalism is constantly evolving, especially with the rise of digital media. Being able to adapt to new tools and trends is essential for staying relevant in the field.
- Interpersonal Skills: Networking and relationship-building are a big part of journalism. Good interpersonal skills enable you to interact effectively with sources, colleagues, and the public.
- Resilience and Stamina: The job can be stressful, with tight deadlines and high expectations. Being resilient helps you to cope with the pressures, while stamina enables you to keep going during long hours or when covering unfolding events.
What will my job role entail if I become a journalist?
Working as a journalist may see you covering a story ‘out in the field’, researching an event from an office, writing a report at home or interviewing witnesses or those in the know. Your days will be very varied and will allow you to work in a number of settings and with a host of different people.
Your day-to-day activities as a journalist could involve a huge selection of undertakings. Some of the most likely activities include:
- Visiting scenes of an event, accident, entertainment venue or site of significance.
- Researching detailed background issues for the story that you are covering.
- Gathering witness accounts, interviews, opinions and feedback from people related to the report that you are creating.
- Being the first journalist on the scene to cover a news story as soon as it breaks.
- Joining press conferences.
- Arranging press passes for entertainment events.
- Arranging interviews.
- Maintaining records of all of your research.
- Writing articles for publication.
- Meeting stringent deadlines.
- Providing updates, feedback and discoveries to your editor.
- Sub-editing and training other reporters.
- Following up leads for future stories.
How much does a journalist earn?
The salary you earn as a journalist will depend on your employer, location, the gravity of the stories you cover and your experience level. As a guide, the starting salary for a journalist who works at a local outlet will be around £18,000.
With experience, the journalist can expect their salary to double. Once they have a good reputation, strong links and are considered to be highly experienced, a salary of over £50,000 is not uncommon.
Journalists working on national newspapers and stations will likely be paid considerably more. A freelance journalist will usually issue a quote on an individual basis and be paid per piece of work that they submit.
Career progression with a career as a journalist
In the fast-paced world of journalism, career progression can look different for everyone. It can depend on the type of journalism you’re involved in, the size of the organisation you work for, and your own career goals. However, there is a general path that many journalists follow as they move up the career ladder.
Entry Level
Most journalists start out in entry-level roles, such as a junior reporter or editorial assistant. These roles often involve a lot of legwork, including conducting interviews, writing basic articles, and handling social media updates. For those without a journalism degree, internship opportunities or freelance work are common starting points to gain valuable work experience.
Mid-Career
As you gain experience, you can expect to move on to more senior reporting roles or become a staff writer. Journalists with a specific area of interest or expertise might transition into specialised reporting, covering sectors like finance, politics, or technology. In a newsroom, this might mean becoming a section editor, overseeing a specific area of news coverage. Some journalists also make a move into investigative journalism, which involves in-depth research and extended projects.
Senior Roles
After several years of experience and a strong portfolio, you may move into editorial roles such as deputy editor or editor-in-chief. These roles involve managerial responsibilities and editorial decision-making. Alternatively, some journalists pivot into roles like columnists or commentators, offering expertise and opinions on specific topics.
Career progression in journalism is often nonlinear, and the industry’s evolving nature means new roles and specialisations are continually emerging. Networking, upskilling, and adaptability can significantly affect how quickly you move up the career ladder. Whether you aim to be a renowned investigative reporter or the editor of a major publication, the paths are as varied as the stories you’ll cover. Make sure to set clear career goals and continuously work on developing your skills and portfolio to achieve them.
What will my working hours be if I become a journalist?
Working hours for journalists can vary significantly depending on the type of journalism they are involved in, the outlet they work for, and whether they are employed full-time or work on a freelance basis.
In a traditional newsroom setting, journalists might expect a standard 9-to-5 working day, although “standard” is a term rarely associated with this profession. News is a 24/7 industry, and many journalists find themselves working outside of these conventional hours. Evenings and weekends are not off-limits, especially when a breaking story demands immediate coverage.
Many media outlets operate around the clock, requiring journalists to work in shifts. This is particularly true for those in broadcast journalism and online media. Shifts can include early mornings, late nights, and weekends. Working on a rota system is common, and journalists should expect their working hours to change week-by-week.
Journalists who are required to report from the field have the most unpredictable schedules. Whether covering political events, natural disasters, or overseas conflicts, they need to be ready to go at a moment’s notice, often working extended hours in challenging conditions.
While journalism can be incredibly rewarding, irregular hours can make achieving a work-life balance challenging. Many journalists find themselves working more than the standard 40-hour workweek. The high-pressure environment, especially when approaching deadlines, means that extra hours are often required.