JOURNALISM

"This is Barkha Dutt reporting from Kargil. As you can see behind me, the war rages on ..."

Her voice reaches millions across the country and across the world, and is an integral part of our lives. She is a familiar face to us and we wait every day to know from her, what is happening in the world and why. Ladies & gentlemen, welcome to the world of journalism!

Journalists, be it on TV or print media, are our eyes and ears to the world. They are an important part of any democracy - and a very powerful one too. It has often been said that "the pen is mightier than the sword". We have seen this proven true many times when a crooked politician has been booked due to an exposé by a determined journalist; a social cause has been adopted after a passionate editorial; a new legislation has been introduced after a journalist spearheads a campaign for it - and many more. It is a tremendous responsibility to be a journalist, because you have the power of the written and spoken word (and the masses who believe in these words!).

Various institutions around the country offer courses in journalism. These are usually conducted in English or Hindi, and are often a part of a wider programme in Mass Communication studies. The majority of courses offer a diploma in journalism - training at a few universities can be taken up to a Post Graduate level. All aspects of communication and print and electronic journalism make up the academic programme. Many courses also include some period of internship with a publication.

Criteria for eligibility and the duration of training varies from one institution to another- generally, a B.A degree in any discipline is the minimum qualification for entry. And the duration of training is usually for one academic year.

Large newspapers and magazines prefer to induct fresh graduates from a variety of disciplines and give them vocational training. Training on the job proves to be the best kind of education because aspirants can see first-hand the insides and workings of the industry. Certain inborn abilities are very essential, as journalism is more of a vocation than a career (good news!! - formal training is not all that necessary).

Experience in this field is very relevant as it helps to establish your basis. Even when in college, would-be journalists should develop their skills in this area by sending in articles to various publications and building a "portfolio" of their writings.

The opportunities in this area are tremendous. Journalism, today, has gone beyond the traditional newspaper journalism to encompass the gamut of the audio-visual media. Journalists can now work for

newspapers, magazines, news agencies, radio and television, press bureaus, advertising agencies, government sectors, corporate - or freelance. They can further choose the kind of journalism they want to do - general, political, investigative, sports, financial, entertainment or celebrity (psst! did you know Salman was seen with Aishwarya at Mauritius!!).

A career in journalism does not necessarily mean being a reporter or editor only. The other facets like the research (poke your nose everywhere, pals! That's how scoops happen), writing, editing, photography, layout, production - everything contributes to the way the story is delivered. And each of these areas, offer career opportunities - so look for the area which fits you best.

The pay scales vary according to the place, reputation of the publication, experience, skills etc. as well as the specific area you cover. A reporter can earn anything between Rs 20 - 25 thousand / month while the Chief Editor earns anything between Rs 40 - 50 thousand (along with transport and accommodation). Apart from all the above, travel and reading allowance is provided to keep the journalists up to date with the latest information.

Then there are the other perks of being a journalist - special privileges, passes, recognition (people fawning over you to get their names in the papers), hob-nobbing with the rich and the famous, the chance to wax eloquent on any and every subject in the world (and god forbid! people actually listening to you even if you are talking nonsense - wish I could command that respect!).

A writing style that is lucid, engaging and accurate will get you places. A commanding presence is an added advantage if your are aiming at being a TV correspondent. Your general knowledge should be way above the top and so should your inquisitive nature coupled with the powers of observation. Since it will be your job to reveal important facts and truths to the society, an unprejudiced approach will help the people form public opinion. Your physical health and stamina will have to be sufficient, so that you are able to endure long hours of work in difficult circumstances (only if need arises!) You have to be mentally very strong to view death and mayhem dispassionately and report the same. Organizational skills, resourcefulness, team work and interactiveness should be your high points. Apart from all this, you should be aware of the pulse of the market in order to be successful in the market. You also have to be ready to bear tremendous risks if you are an investigative reporter committed to exposing the crimes of the high and mighty or a correspondent posted in a war zone or sensitive zone. If filing a report while bullets whiz by gives you a thrill - you are cut out to be a top-shot correspondent ...