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No single set of rules exist to define the qualities of the ideal journalist for every publication. With all the journalistic venues in existence -- from small town newspapers to nationally recognized news magazines, from consumer magazines about cosmetics to scholarly trade journals -- a good journalist must understand the specific expectations held in her venue of choice. Several essential qualities do exist from venue to venue, however.
Music journalists can be found working in a range of capacities such as newspapers, magazines and websites. They report on the latest developments in the music industry and write album and gig reviews. Some music journalists may write only for one publication, while others work freelance and write for a range of clients.
A print journalist is an individual who writes for a printed publication, such as a magazine or newspaper. Sometimes called reporters, print journalists work in a variety of fields including news, feature writing, current affairs and specialty publications. Competition for journalism roles is fierce and reporters sometimes must ask difficult or awkward questions to their interview subjects.
The age of video journalism is widespread due to the online media giant YouTube. Video journalists, the jack of all trades in journalism, produce, write and report the news solo. Since about 2008, they have found themselves in a position of opportunity as the industry tightens up and news organizations try to get the most bang for their buck by hiring one individual to perform a job that used to take a team.
There is no feeling comparable to seeing your name as a featured writer in a magazine for the first time. It's the moment you realize that, as a writer, you have become immortal. Then, there is the opportunity to meet interesting people, report important events and share your opinion with readers. Your career as a magazine journalist starts with a pen and a pad and a little direction.
There are many different levels and types of journalists. Some work as junior reporters for small newspapers or magazines, while other, more experienced journalists cover sports or national news for major newspapers or television stations. Most journalists are itinerant and spend a lot of their time in the field, talking to people from a variety of backgrounds and occupations. The job description of a journalist includes an entire gamut of functions from uncovering developing stories to getting the information to print, online or on the television screen.
