How to Become a Broadcast Journalist

Broadcast journalists differ from news anchors because they research and report on stories in addition to reading them. The competition is fierce and the work is hard, but the job perks and, depending on the market, salary more than make up for it. Training as a broadcast journalist takes many forms.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

1. Have good verbal and written command of the English language. Take as many nonfiction and news writing courses as you can. Learn debating and public speaking skills, and become an expert in adlibbing. You may be on location without a script or teleprompter in front of you, so think and speak quickly and succinctly.

2. Be insatiably curious about current events, history and everything else. If you don't have a broad general knowledge of popular culture, politics and geography, read up as much as possible through college courses and in your free time. You'll have to report on many different types of stories, so brushing up on a few facts will help you become a better broadcast journalist.

3. Enroll in a broadcasting school or study journalism and broadcasting at a university. While a four year school is appropriate for some, other students may choose a broadcasting program at a trade school so they can complete their studies and enter the job market sooner.

4. Intern and work behind the scenes at a broadcast or cable station. All radio and TV stations need paid and unpaid interns to do a variety of jobs. These positions range from news writer to assistant director and weather reporter to production assistant.

5. Choose your specialty when you become a broadcast journalist. Once you have some intern or campus experience, experiment with different broadcast positions. You can become a city hall reporter, sports commentator or foreign correspondent. Many broadcast journalists try a number of different jobs before settling on their permanent area of expertise.

Tips & Warnings

• Get experience by working at your campus TV or radio station.

Resources

• Check out the Broadcasting School Guide at the Education Portal website.