Job Profiles in Journalism and career in Journalism

Chief Editor/Resident Editor

Chief Editor is the captain of the editorial department. His primary responsibility is to supervisor the functions of collection, selection and presentation of all news items. In newspapers having multiple editions, resident editors are appointed. He is in-charge of the edition.

The Chief Editor is a well read person, not less than a graduate long time experience as an editor.

He must have an excellent comment of the major or minor political and current affairs. The resident editor will also be a graduate with long time experience as an editor.

News Editors

News editor is the right-hand man of the chief editor. He is the man to decide and to collect news items to be included in the newspaper next day. He controls the vast network of correspondents and other news sources. He must have leadership qualities and ability to take decisions quicklyFor this post one should be a graduate and must have adequate experience.

Assistant editors and chief-sub editors

Their duties are similar to those of the editor. But they have to work in a limited area as compared the editor. For these posts also one should be a graduate and have adequate experience. They must, have the ability to write well regarded and in-depth articles and features. A chief sub-editor assigns work various sub-editors working under him, followed by coordination and supervision of the staff working under him.

Sub-editors

Each newspaper has a number of sub editors in their office. Sub-editors select and sort out all news items coming to the newspaper office through various sources A sub-editor improves the language, inserts punctuation and deletes the irrelevant portions of the news stories. The major concern is to make the story clear, simple and genuine.

He should have an analytical mind; quick understanding and ability to judge the newsworthiness of the reports that are put up to him. He should be prepared to work in shifts.

• Sub-editors perform the following tasks:
• assist in determining the layout of the publication or broadcast;
• examine a news item or article written by an author or journalist and change it where
• Necessary to make it clearer, to fit a particular space or to make it more suitable for the publication;
• receive copy from reporters and wire services including news agencies and check its suitability;
• read copy to find errors in spelling construction, continuity, punctuation and content, or adapt articles written to suit the market;

Check facts in news stories to ensure they are accurate and not misleading or libelous by referring to newspaper files, other sources and talking to writers; and write headlines.

Reporters and special correspondents

The reporter is said to be the ears and eyes of the newspaper. A person in the field of journalism is likely to enter as a reporter. He must have a nose to sense news. He must be flexible enough to mix up with others and to stay in constant touch with various news resources. He must be smart, quick and at the same time, possess good writing skill. He should also train himself to have self discipline and use restraint is whatever the reports. Intelligence, analytic approach, self-confidence, perseverance, cool temperament, is some of qualities that a successful reporter needs.Special correspondents are reporters for special purposes. They have to report activity of Union Ministries, Parliament and political parties, etc. To become a special correspondent are should have sufficient experience as a reporter.

Critics

TO become a critic one must have adequate knowledge in the field of one's specialization. There are various fields to choose from. One can be a film critic, drama critic, art critic etc. He or she is supposed to be well read and have adequate experience in his respective field. Only a person who knows the fine nuances of the subject/art is preferred. It is still better if he in addition, also undergoes professional training and gains experience. This will make his entry into the profession easy and lucrative.

Radio and Television Journalism

Radio and Television also offer various positions for young and trained journalists. The main skill of radio and television journalism is to achieve accuracy in the possible space. The reporter of radio and television must be highly skilled précis writer. The television journalist often travels with a camera and sound crew. He is responsible for selecting the subjects to be reported, selecting the backgrounds, writing the report and delivering it to camera. The camera and sound crew are responsible for capturing the report as the journalist intends and obtaining the best possible technical quality. Cable channels and various private radio channels offer different positions in this field and the salary is also good.