Introduction

 

 

 

Journalism,  Broadcasting and Mass communication are different aspects of the same profession. The following explanation will elaborate it.

 

Journalism is a method of inquiry and literary style that aims to provide a service to the public by the dissemination and analysis of news and other information.Journalistic integrity is based on the principles of truth, disclosure, and editorial independence. Journalistic mediums can vary diversely, from print publishing to electronic broadcasting, and from newspaper to television channels, as well as to the web, and to digital technology.

 

Broadcasting is the distribution of audio and video content to a dispersed audience via any audio or visual mass communications medium, but usually one using electromagnetic radiation (radio waves). The receiving parties may include the general public or a relatively large subset thereof. Broadcasting has been used for purposes of private recreation, non-commercial exchange of messages, experimentation, self-training, and emergency communication such as amateur (ham) radio and amateur television (ATV) in addition to commercial purposes like popular radio or TV stations with advertisements.

 

Mass communication is the study of how individuals and entities relay information through mass media to large segments of the population at the same time. It is usually understood to relate to newspaper, magazine, and book publishing, as well as radio, television and film, as these mediums are used for disseminating information, news and advertising.

 

 

Job Description

 

 

This profession gives you a sope of the following jobs:

 

 

Newspaper journalists 

Newspaper journalists research and write stories for national, regional and local press. As well as news and politics, they report on sports, arts and culture, science and business. They also cover national and local events, entertainment and human interest stories.

 

Traditionally, junior reporters write up stories allocated to them by the news desk. They pass these to the news editor who in turn hands them to sub-editors. Other roles include correspondents, who are specialists in one field or location, and feature writers, who cover topics in greater depth, often using a more personal style.

 

On smaller newspapers many journalists have to multitask; they may work on layout, photography and sub-editing as well as stories.Newspaper journalism is becoming increasingly multi-platform, making IT, web and broadcast skills highly valued.

 

Typical work activities include:

• interviewing people in a range of different circumstances;

• building contacts to maintain a flow of news, for example, police and emergency services, local council, community groups, health trusts, press officers from a variety of organisations, the general public, etc;

• seeking out and investigating stories via your contacts, press releases and other media;

• attending press conferences and asking questions;

• attending a variety of events, such as council meetings, magistrates' court proceedings, football matches, talent contests, etc;

• answering the phones on the news desk and reacting to breaking news stories;

• working closely with the news team, photographers and editors;

• recording interviews and meetings using shorthand or technical equipment;

• producing concise and accurate copy according to the newspaper's house style and to strict deadlines - daily newspapers may have several each day;

• writing short 'fillers' to entertain, and researching and writing longer feature articles, sometimes for subsidiary publications and supplements;

• creating and uploading news content for the newspaper website;

• 'live' online reporting or real-time blogging when covering important events - a growing area of work, especially on national newspapers.

 

 

Press Sub-editors

Press sub-editors, or subs, check the written text of newspapers, magazines or websites before it is published. They are responsible for ensuring the correct grammar, spelling, house style and tone of the published work.

 

Subs make sure that the copy is factually correct and that it suits the target market. They also lay out the story on the page, write headings and may be involved with overall page design.

 

Like other journalism roles, sub-editing is demanding and requires constant attention to detail within a fast-paced working environment. Subs work on national and local newspapers, magazines and online publications.

 

To be a good sub, you must be an all-rounder: you need to know the law and be able to put a story together with speed and style.Depending on the nature of employment and the extent to which production and layout work falls within the sub-editor's remit, tasks typically involve the following:

• editing copy, written by reporters or features writers, to remove spelling mistakes and grammatical errors;

• rewriting material so that it flows or reads better and adheres to the house style of a particular publication;

• ensuring that a story fits a particular word count by cutting or expanding material as necessary;

• writing headlines that capture the essence of the story or are clever or amusing;

• writing standfirsts or 'sells' (brief introductions which sum up the story, underneath the headline);

• liaising with reporters or journalists, and editors;

• checking facts and stories to ensure they are accurate, adhere to copyright laws, are not libellous or go against the publication's policy;

• cropping photos and deciding where to use them for best effect, and writing picture captions;

• proofreading complete pages produced by other sub-editors using the main basic proofing symbols;

• working to a page plan to ensure that the right stories appear in the correct place on each page;

• laying out pages and, depending on the nature of the role, playing a part in page design;

• manipulating on-screen copy using appropriate desktop publishing software, such as Quark Express, InDesign and Photoshop;

• keeping up to date with sector issues, e.g. by reading related publications;

• adapting all these skills for a publication's website.

 

 

Reporters and Correspondents

Reporters and correspondents collect and analyze facts about newsworthy events by interview, investigation, or observation. Report and write stories for newspaper, news magazine, radio, or television.

Their usual job titles are: Reporter, Anchor, News Reporter, General Assignment Reporter, Television News Anchor (TV News Anchor), Television News Reporter, Television Reporter (TV Reporter), Staff Writer, Sports Writer, News Director

 

 

Their responsibilities include:

• Report news stories for publication or broadcast, describing the background and details of events.

• Arrange interviews with people who can provide information about a story.

• Review copy and correct errors in content, grammar, and punctuation, following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines.

• Review and evaluate notes taken about event aspects in order to isolate pertinent facts and details.

• Determine a story's emphasis, length, and format, and organize material accordingly.

• Research and analyze background information related to stories in order to be able to provide complete and accurate information.

• Gather information about events through research, interviews, experience, or attendance at political, news, sports, artistic, social, or other functions.

• Investigate breaking news developments, such as disasters, crimes, or human-interest stories.

• Research and report on specialized fields such as medicine, science and technology, politics, foreign affairs, sports, arts, consumer affairs, business, religion, crime, or education.

• Receive assignments or evaluate leads or tips to develop story ideas

 

 

Broadcast journalists 

Broadcast journalists research, investigate and present news and current affairs for television, radio and the internet. Their aim is to present information in a fair, balanced and accurate way through news bulletins, documentaries and other factual programmes.

 

Broadcast journalists can fill a number of roles within the media including editor, reporter, presenter/news anchor, producer and correspondent.

 

Although exact duties and responsibilities will vary from role to role and between radio, television and the internet, broadcast journalists will generally be involved in many of the following duties on a daily basis:

• generating ideas for stories and features and following leads from news agencies, the police, the public, press conferences and other sources;

• pitching ideas to editors and commissioners;

• researching and collating evidence and information to support a story using relevant information sources such as the internet, archives, databases, etc.;

• writing scripts for bulletins, headlines and reports;

• selecting appropriate locations, pictures and sound and exercising editorial judgement on the best angle to approach a story from;

• identifying necessary resources and deploying/managing technical crews for location shoots, including sound operators and camera crew;

• providing directorial input, advising crews on what to film or record;

• using portable digital video (DV) cameras and other equipment to record material and appropriate editing software to produce complete packages for broadcast;

• preparing and presenting material 'on air' for both pre-recorded and live pieces;

• identifying potential interviewees, briefing them, preparing interview questions and conducting both live and recorded interviews;

• preparing timings for each news item and monitoring these during broadcast;

• deciding on the running order for bulletins and making any necessary changes during broadcast;

• developing and maintaining local contacts and assuming a public relations role;

• understanding and complying with media law and industry codes of conduct.

 

 

Broadcast Engineer 

A broadcast engineer works with hardware and broadcast systems that are used across television, radio and new media. They make sure that programmes are broadcast on time and to the highest possible level of quality. As well as operating and maintaining the systems, they also carry out updates and repairs.

 

Broadcast engineers work in a range of locations and situations. They may carry out studio or set work or post-production operations. They could also be involved in outside broadcasts, where sound and images are relayed live back to a studio or straight to the network.

 

They work with a range of people including producers, studio managers, presenters and other technical staff.

 

The nature of the work varies according to location and whether it is based in television, radio or new media, but tasks typically involve:

• maintaining specialist equipment for video production, broadcast and satellite transmission, and interactive media;

• setting up and monitoring audiovisual links between units in different locations;

• installing and testing new facilities and equipment;setting up and operating editing facilities in post-production suites;

• analysing and rectifying technical faults on equipment and systems

• ;minimising loss of service at times of equipment failure by rapidly identifying and implementing alternative methods of service provision;

• keeping abreast of constant changes in technology by investigating new systems, techniques and equipment - especially new internet technologies;

• setting up and operating equipment and transmission links during outside broadcasts;

• designing and installing custom audiovisual circuits;repairing hardware, software and other broadcast technology systems;

• designing and manufacturing new circuits, hardware and systems;developing and using awareness of best practice in health and safety for the workplace;

• interpreting and implementing instructions and requests from producers, directors and other colleagues;

• communicating effectively with members of the team and other colleagues;

• keeping up to date with the industry by building and maintaining a network of contacts.

 

 

Film / Video Editor 

A film or video editor is responsible for assembling recorded raw material into a finished product suitable for broadcasting. The material may consist of camera footage, dialogue, sound effects, graphics and special effects. This is a key role in the post-production process and the editor's skill can determine the quality and delivery of the final product. The editor may be part of a team and they will usually work closely with the director to achieve the desired end result.

 

The majority of film/video editors are employed on a freelance basis, working on short-term contracts for post-production studios, television companies and corporate employers. Editors may work on a variety of productions including feature films, television programmes, music videos, corporate training videos or commercials.

 

The process of work for an editor involves:

• receiving a brief, and maybe an outline of footage and/or a shot list, script, or screenplay;

• assembling all raw footage, with camera shots either recorded or transferred onto video tape in preparation for inputting into the computer;

• inputting uncut rushes and sound, and synchronising and storing them into files on the computer;

• digitally cutting the files to put together the sequence of the film and deciding what is usable;

• creating a 'rough cut' (or assembly edit) of the programme/film and determining the exact cutting for the next and final stages;

• reordering and tweaking the content to ensure the logical sequencing and smooth running of the film/video.

 

 

Lighting Technicians 

Lighting technicians ('sparks') set up and operate lighting equipment in television and in film, generally specialising in one or the other as the techniques and equipment differ. The lighting team's work is crucial as lighting creates the right atmosphere to evoke an audience's response and demands high-level technical and creative skills.

 

Many lighting technicians begin their career as apprentice lighting technicians, lighting electricians or lighting assistants. In film, a more experienced technician can specialise as a moving light operator, practical light operator, genny operator or console operator, or take a supervisory post as a 'best boy'.

 

Tasks vary according to the type of production and the level of experience of the individual, but you may be involved in all or some of the following:

• liaising with the director and/or other staff to interpret their creative vision into the lighting design;

• managing the lighting budget and advising on the purchase/hire of suitable equipment;

• visiting and assessing locations for technical purposes;conducting risk assessments for health and safety purposes;

• establishing lighting requirements;

• plotting the lighting;

• working as part of a large crew, especially on feature films;

• deciding on the lighting crew numbers and equipment needed and then employing the crew and hiring the equipment;

• coordinating the equipment and the technical crew and training other crew members as required;assembling all the lighting and filter equipment needed;

• ensuring all lighting equipment is in working order and organising any necessary scaffolding and cranes;

• pre-rigging the lighting and ensuring all cables and wires are safely concealed;

• loading automated colour change systems;

• programming and operating lighting consoles;s

• upervising the focusing of lighting at rehearsals;operating and maintaining equipment during the shoot;

• changing lighting between shots, as necessary;

• de-rigging all equipment at the end of the broadcast or production and ensuring it is safely transported away from the location and/or stored;

• reviewing footage shots with the director;

• liaising with the floor manager, producer and sound technician throughout the project.

 

 

Location managers

Location managers are responsible for making all the practical arrangements for film, television or photographic shoots taking place outside the studio. Productions are made in a wide range of places and location managers need to research, identify and organise access to appropriate sites.

 

As well as arranging and negotiating site use, the role usually includes managing sites throughout the shooting process. This involves working to strict budgetary and time limits and maintaining a high standard of health and safety and security. The demands of organising crews and dealing with a range of people make this an intense and varied role.

 

A location manager's role follows a sequence of activities from pre-planning to the completion stages of a production. Tasks that may be carried out include:

• assessing and interpreting scripts or story boards to get an understanding of the location required;

• meeting with the director and designer to discuss projects and working to their creative vision;

• collating ideas and undertaking research using resources such as the internet, specialist location libraries, local and regional film commissions and agencies;

• visiting and photographing locations appropriate to budget in order to assess suitability;

• making preliminary enquiries regarding access, parking and location use;liaising with the director to discuss and show ideas and photographs;

• collating practical information on potential locations, such as hotels for accommodating the crew and cast, and in the case of photography shoots, often booking the hotel and making travel arrangements;

• liaising with key members of the production team to assess visual and technical specifications;

• researching locations thoroughly to ensure no disruptive noises or events are likely to occur during the shoot;

• negotiating access and drawing up a contract with location owners;

• organising permissions for access, for example, with local authorities and the police;

• scheduling crew arrival dates and times and keeping all parties informed on site;ensuring the technical specifications for equipment, power sources and crew accommodation on site are met;

• ensuring compliance with health and safety and security requirements and undertaking risk assessments;

• distributing maps and directions to locations, often known as movement orders, to ensure all services and crews reach the locations as directly, safely and quickly as possible;

• providing all relevant support information to all services and crew;arranging schedules for the day with the assistant director to ensure continuity;

• managing the location on the day and resolving practical or people-related problems as they arise;supervising location support staff throughout the process;

• dealing with members of the public who may intrude upon a shooting location;

• ensuring the final clearing up ('the wrap') runs smoothly and thanking site owners.

 

 

Programme Researcher

A programme researcher provides support to the producer and production team. Researchers contribute ideas for programmes, source contacts and contributors and collect, verify and prepare information for film, television and radio productions. A researcher can work on a wide variety of programmes or within one subject area.

 

The work involves organising, planning and researching everything that will happen during the programme - who will be interviewed; location; will the film crew fit; does the budget stretch? The researcher has a responsibility for fact checking, writing briefs for presenters and ensuring that there is adherence to appropriate legislation relating to the production.

 

The role may also be known as a specialist, live-footage or picture researcher, broadcast assistant or assistant producer. The job can be seen as an apprenticeship for the producer role and a chance for ambitious recruits to show their potential.

 

Typical work activities are, therefore, extremely varied but may include:

• meeting with producers, directors, designers, presenters and writers to discuss the research needs of a programme;

• generating and developing new programme ideas;

• conveying findings accurately to others in report form and 'briefs';

• sourcing and researching facts, figures and information using the internet, film and tape archives, specialist collections, picture libraries, museums and government departments;

• assessing contributors' suitability for the programme, researching and booking appropriate people and locations;

• booking resources and facilities;recruiting freelance staff and negotiating fees;providing administrative support such as typing, answering the phone and dealing with contracts;

• briefing scriptwriters and presenters on topics, updating scripts and editing news reports;

• sourcing copyright for literary and music sources and gaining clearance for any materials used;

• negotiating broadcasting rights and producing information and fact sheets for websites;

• providing research to production staff in a clear, concise format and tracking down film, archive and video tapes;

• finding interviewees to conduct initial interviews with and getting vox pop responses to current events from members of the public;

• directing a small shoot and carrying out straightforward editing.

 

 

Media Planners 

Media planners work within advertising agencies or media planning and buying agencies. They enable their clients to maximise the impact of their advertising campaigns through the use of a range of media.

 

Media planners combine creative thinking with factual analysis to develop appropriate strategies to ensure that campaigns reach their target audiences as effectively as possible. They apply knowledge of media and communication platforms to identify the most appropriate mediums for building awareness of a client's brand.

 

Media planners work with the press, television, radio and new media, in particular the internet, as well as more unusual platforms, for example, promotion on the sides of buses and taxis. Some agencies may combine the role of planner with the role of media buyer. Media planners may also be known ascommunications planners, brand planners or strategists.

 

Media planners usually work on several projects at the same time, often for a number of different clients. Work activities generally fall into two main areas, with levels of client contact increasing with seniority:

 

1.Preparation:

• Working with the client and the account team to understand the client's business objectives and advertising strategy.

• Liaising with the creative agency team, clients and consumers to develop media strategies and campaigns.

• Making decisions on the best form of media for specific clients and campaigns.

• Undertaking research and analysing data using specialist industry resources.

• Identifying target audiences and analysing their characteristics, behaviour and media habits.

• Presenting proposals, including cost schedules, to clients.

 

2.Implementation:

• Recommending the most appropriate types of media to use, as well as the most effective time spans and locations.

• Working with colleagues, other departments and media buyers either in-house or in a specialist agency.

• Making and maintaining good contacts with media owners, such as newspapers, magazines and websites.

• Managing client relationships to build respect and trust in your judgement.

• Proofreading advertisement content before release.

• Maintaining detailed records.

• Evaluating the effectiveness of campaigns in order to inform future campaigns.

 

 

Radio Producers

Radio producers are responsible for the audio content of broadcasts via radio, the internet and other mobile platforms. They are involved in the entire process, from generating ideas to managing the audience response after a programme. Producers manage and work with broadcasting assistants, presenters and DJs, engineers and IT staff. They may also be responsible for the business and commercial management of a programme.

 

Producers can work in the publicly funded, commercial or voluntary sectors of broadcasting. Wherever they work, they are part of a digital revolution which is having a profound impact on the way in which radio is produced and accessed.

 

 

• Specific responsibilities vary depending on the programme and station, and producers may sometimes also take on the roles of presenters or reporters, but typical tasks include:

• generating and researching ideas for programmes and pitching for commissions;

• developing content, writing material for scripts, bulletins and links;

• sourcing potential contributors and interviewees;

• selecting music appropriate to the programme, the audience and the station;

• producing pre-production briefings for presenters, reporters, technical staff and other contributors;managing the logistics of getting people, resources and equipment together to the right place at the right time;

• undertaking editing, interviewing and reporting duties as necessary;

• presenting programmes or managing presenters for both pre-recorded and recorded output;

• checking that copyrights are cleared and understanding media law;

• converting text, graphics, video and audio files into other formats;

• contributing to and making use of an archive of audio resources which can be re-used;

• responding to audience feedback, referring on to other departments as necessary;

• producing and making use of user-generated content;

• using technology, such as RadioMan, Cool Edit Pro, Pro Tools and Adobe Audition, for editing and production purposes;

• ensuring that health and safety standards and trade union requirements are met.

 

 

TV Producers

Producers are the main players in the television, film and video industries. A producer will oversee each project from conception to completion and may also be involved in the marketing and distribution processes.

 

Producers work closely with directors and other production staff on the shoot. Increasingly, they need to have directing skills themselves as the producer may also be the director and may take care of all project operations. Producers arrange funding for each project and are responsible for keeping the production within the allocated budget.

 

Producers are responsible for facilitating a project from beginning to end. They are involved in every stage of the television programme, film or video, overseeing the project from start to finish, both in the studio and on location.Essentially team leaders, they are supported by production assistants, coordinators and managers, depending on the size of the project.

 

Typical work activities include:

• include:raising funding;reading, researching and assessing ideas and finished scripts;

• commissioning writers or securing the rights to novels, plays or screenplays;

• building and developing a network of contacts;

• liaising and discussing projects with financial backers - projects vary from a small, corporate video costing £500 to a Hollywood feature film at more than £100million;

• using computer software packages for screenwriting, budgeting and scheduling;

• hiring key staff, including a director and a crew to shoot films or videos;

• controlling the budget and allocating resources;

• pulling together all the strands of creative and practical talent involved in the project to create a team;

• maintaining contemporary technical skills;

• organising shooting schedules - dependent on the type of producer and availability of support staff;

• troubleshooting;

• supervising the progress of the project from production to post production;

• holding regular meetings with the director to discuss characters and scenes;

• acting as a sounding board for the director;

• bringing the finished production in on budget.

 

 

Camera Operator 

A television camera operator works with digital, electronic and film cameras and produces pictures for directors by combining the use of complex technology with creative visual skills.

 

A camera operator usually works under a director or director of photography and may be supported by a camera assistant. The role involves a mix of technical and creative skills.Work activities vary greatly depending on the type of programme, for example studio or outside broadcast programmes, television dramas, commercials, documentaries, current affair and news, and whether the camera operator is using one of several cameras or a portable single camera (PSB).

 

Generally typical work activities include:

• assembling, preparing and setting up equipment prior to filming, which may include tripods, monitors, lighting, cables and leads, and headphones;

• offering advice on how best to shoot a scene, explaining the visual impact created by particular shots;

• planning shots - when filming an expensive drama scene, such as an explosion, there may be only one chance to get things right so shots need to be meticulously planned beforehand;

• practising the camera moves required for pre-arranged shots;studying scripts;

• finding solutions to technical or other practical problems (for an outside broadcast, for example, the natural light conditions need to be taken into account when setting up shots);

• being prepared to innovate and experiment with ideas;

• working quickly, especially as timing is such an important factor;

• taking sole responsibility in situations where only one camera operator is involved in the filming;

• keeping up to date with filming methods and equipment;

• repairing and maintaining equipment;

• demonstrating a good awareness of health and safety issues;

• driving crew, actors and equipment to and from locations.

 

 

Sound Technicians

Sound technicians are required to assemble, operate and maintain the technical equipment used to record, amplify, enhance, mix or reproduce sound.They identify the sound requirements for a given task or situation and perform the appropriate actions to produce this sound.

 

Sound technicians of different types are required in a range of industries including film, broadcasting (radio or television), live performance (theatre, music, dance), advertising and audio recordings.

 

Production activities include:

• assessing the acoustics of the performance area and assembling and operating the necessary equipment;

• consulting with producers and performers to determine the sound requirements;

• selecting, positioning, adjusting and operating the equipment used for amplification and recording;

• applying technical knowledge of sound recording equipment to achieve the determined artistic objectives;

• recording sound onto digital audio tape or hard disk recorders;

• monitoring audio signals to detect sound-quality deviations or malfunctions;

• anticipating and correcting any problems

• maintaining and repairing sound equipment.

 

 

TV Floor Manager

Television floor managers ensure that sets, props and technical equipment are safe, ready to use and in the right position prior to filming. They have a liaising and coordinating role, acting as the link between the director and the many people involved in a production. It is the floor manager's responsibility to pass on cues to presenters and guests to ensure timings are met and the broadcast goes smoothly. The floor manager ensures that events go according to a set plan and that people taking part know their particular roles and how it fits in with whatever else is happening.

 

Typical work activities include:

• checking that equipment, e.g. microphones and earpieces, are working before the show;

• seating the audience (if in attendance);referring to floor plans;

• assisting guests on the show;

• relaying instructions from the control room to the studio floor using a talkback system;

• keeping the director and producer informed of action off-camera;

• assisting in the planning and preparation of productions;

• overseeing the work of other departments, such as sound, lighting and props;

• rehearsing live shows;

• giving cues and time counts to presenters, actors or guests;

• organising runners to make the best use of studio time;

• looking ahead in the programme schedule to anticipate any changes to the set or to see what props are required later in the show;

• briefing and looking after those involved in the programme;

• managing the audience, e.g. explaining safety requirements, show timings and what will happen during filming and when the programme will be aired;

• dealing with any technical problems;

• controlling the studio and halting production if necessary;

• liaising with public relations staff to agree who will be interviewed, for example at sports matches;

• passing information and progress reports from live events to studio presenters;adhering to health and safety regulations, e.g. keeping 'safe areas' and fire exits clear of equipment.