Journalists (NOC 5123)
Description
Journalists research, investigate, interpret and communicate news and public affairs through newspapers, television, radio and other media. Journalists are employed by radio and television networks and stations, newspapers and magazines. Journalists may also work on a freelance basis.
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Example Titles
- book reviewer
- broadcast journalist
- columnist
- correspondent
- cyberjournalist
- investigative reporter
- journalist
- news commentator
- newspaper critic
- network reporter
- reporter
- television news anchorperson
>> View all titles
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Classified Elsewhere
- Announcers and Other Broadcasters (5231)
- Editors (5122)
- Photojournalists (in 5221 Photographers)
- Writers (5121)
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Duties
Journalists perform some or all of the following duties:
- Collect local, national and international news through interviews, investigation and observation
- Write news stories for publication and broadcast
- Receive, analyze and verify news and other copy for accuracy
- Arrange for and conduct interviews as part of research and for radio and television programs
- Research and report on developments in specialized fields such as medicine, science and technology
- Prepare regular feature columns and stories on specialized topics
- Write editorials and commentaries on topics of current interest to stimulate public interest and express the views of a publication or broadcasting station
- Write critical reviews of literary, musical and other artistic works based on knowledge, judgement and experience.
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Skills
Journalists should have the following skills and abilities:
- an interest in people and current events,
- an understanding of the topics being reported: community, business, sports, arts, etc.,
- communication: interviewing skills, ability to present facts an opinions clearly, concisely, logically, in a style free of grammar and spelling errors,
- the ability to work in a stressful environment, working to deadlines with a high degree of accuracy,
- initiative, curiosity, persistence, resourcefulness, objectivity, creativity and an accurate memory,
- an analytical and critical mind,
- an organized approach to conducting research and keeping information,
- broadcast media reporters need a clear speaking voice and composure on-camera,
- good keyboard skills,
- some journalists may require foreign language skills and should be able to travel overseas,
- be able to work independently or as part of a team,
- have a drivers' licence.
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Employment Requirements
- In Manitoba, a university degree or college diploma in journalism or a related field such as communications is usually required.
- Journalists come from a variety of backgrounds. Many have a university degree in journalism, or a liberal arts degree in English, Canadian studies, economics, political science or history plus a two-year diploma in journalism. Minimum qualifications considered by large daily newspapers usually include at least a two-year program in journalism followed by three or more years of practical experience with another newspaper.
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Terms & Conditions
Journalists commonly work in an office environment and outside. They often work in noisy and sometimes crowded rooms filled with telephones, computers and printers. Journalists are frequently out of their offices gathering news or other information on local and regional events. Meeting deadlines and working irregular hours can cause stress.
Most work full-time (81%), although hours will vary. Approximately 7% of journalists in Manitoba are self employed.
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Earnings
$27,000 per annum - starting
$46,200 per annum - average
$77,500 per annum - high
Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.
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Education / Training
- Brandon University, University of Winnipeg, Canadian Mennonite University and University of Manitoba offer three-year and four-year B.A. degree programs in related fields such as English, Canadian studies, economics, political science and history.
- Red River College and the University of Winnipeg offer a four-year joint Diploma/Degree program in Communications.
- The University of Winnipeg also offers a program in Communications through the Continuing Education Division.
- Red River College also offers a two-year diploma program in Creative Communications. Graduates of this program can receive advanced credit towards a Bachelor of Professional Arts degree (Communications Studies) at Athabasca University.
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Career Paths
Small weekly publications or radio and television stations in smaller communities are good starting points for new reporters, and the experience gained is considered valuable by employers. A move to a larger station or publication is often considered a promotion.
Experienced reporters may advance to editorial positions (print media) or become producers (broadcast media).
Journalists may specialize in print, broadcast or Webcast media, in particular issues such as political affairs or entertainment news, or in a particular geographic area.
Good writing skills can also be applied in related occupations such as technical writer, advertising copywriter, public relations worker, media consultant, legislative aide or advisor, educational writer, fiction writer, biographer, screen writer or editor.
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Outlook
Employment prospects for journalists in permanent fulltime work are expected to be limited in the period 2010 - 2014. Employment in Manitoba in 2010 is estimated at 380.
There has been a consolidation of ownership in both print and broadcast media. Companies that have a combination of radio, television, and newspapers have the option of sharing news rooms and staff. Community newspapers often provide the best opportunities for entering the field of journalism and gaining experience.
This is a popular occupation. A high degree of talent and motivation are required to secure obtain full-time career positions as there is usually strong competition for available jobs.
A proportionally larger share of jobs are located in Winnipeg. Most journalists are employed in Information and Cultural Industries (88%).
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Employment by Age Group
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Employment by Industry
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Employment by Region
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Employment by Gender
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Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification
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Employment by Visible Minority
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Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.
Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies...
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Other Related Information...
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