All You Need To Know About A Career In Print Media
By: Shiksha Verma
Tags: Print, Journalism, Careers, Media, Skills

As mentioned in the previous blog- All you need to know about a career in Journalism and Mass Communication, this is a 5-episodic blog series with each episode focusing on the different career options in each field.

Image source- beyondsummits.com

So, let’s get started with this episode which is about a career in print media!

What exactly is print media and what all does it include?

As per as the definition given by Oxford dictionary, Print Media is broadly, any written or pictorial form of communication produced mechanically or electronically using printing, photocopying, or digital methods from which multiple copies can be made through automated processes.

Print Media is a means of mass communication in the form of printed publications. It comprises of magazines, newspapers, books, billboards, transit posters, direct mails, circulars, journals, pamphlets, periodicals, etc. Print Media is an incredibly important part of Journalism as well as the marketing mix and can help businesses to engage their target audiences and extend their reach to potential customers by investing in it.

What are skills required for one to have a career in Print Media?

Good knowledge of language- English or other vernacular languages

Meeting Deadlines

Communication skills

Woking well under pressure

Good time-management

Complete dedication

Good writing skills and styles

Detail Oriented

Knowledge about current affairs

Research

Background checking

Specialization and interest in specific beats for example- sports, science, politics, fashion, etc.

Good vocabulary

Patience

Flexible with writing styles and structures

360 approach

Presentation skills

Good adaptability skills

Fact-checking

Proofreading

What are the qualifications required to have a career in Print Media?

-Passed 12th grade with minimum required percentage in aggregate

-Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or Mass Communication or English (Depends)

-Diploma/ Masters degree in Journalism or Mass Communication (Optional/ Depends)

-Internship experience in Freshers and Work Experience in Professionals

What are the various career options available in Print Media?

· Chief Editor

An editor-in-chief or a Chief Editor is the highest-ranking member of the editorial team at a publication. They manage the team of writers and editors, determine the look and feel of the publication, decide what to publish and oversee the publication’s operations and policies.

· Senior Editor

A senior editor is an upper-level executive who works in a publishing capacity. The editor typically oversees lower-level editorial positions including writers, proof-readers, copy editors and junior editors. Among other work, a Senior editor determines editorial content for a publication. This involves creating a long-term editorial calendar that details articles, columns, editorials, photography and art needs. She also creates submission deadlines and timetables for advertising copy, proofreading, layout, print publication and distribution.

· Sub-Editors

Sub-editors are journalists or designers responsible for overseeing the content, accuracy, layout and design of newspapers and magazine articles and making sure that they are in keeping with house style. A sub editor checks newspaper articles and magazine features, as well as website content, to make sure there are no spelling mistakes, or factual and grammatical errors. They will also rewrite some of the content, if necessary, to try and make it clearer for readers. They collect reports from reporters and prepare the report to be published.

· Reporter

Reporting in Newspapers and Magazines means to file stories about local, state, national and international events; to present different viewpoints on current issues and to monitor the actions of public officials and others who exercise power.

· Feature Writer

A feature writer is somebody who writes feature articles for a magazine or a newspaper. Unlike typical journalistic writing and reporting, feature writing gives your style a chance to shine. Features are in depth and require a strong narrative tone. A feature is a longer piece of writing than a news story. A feature will often cover an issue in greater depth than a news story would do; or it might look at an ongoing story from a different angle.

· Columnist

A newspaper appoints specialists for regular columns. Columnists, being assigned a column, have to keep contributing to the column on a regular basis.

· Correspondent

Newspapers frequently station reporters known as correspondents in large cities and in other countries to prepare stories on major news events occurring in these locations. The work of a correspondent is the same as a reporter.

· Associate Editor

In a media house, an editor could be assisted by one or more associate editors to manage schedules and coordinate workflow. Responsibilities vary depending on the specific position, but they may include reviewing and editing the work of staff or freelance writers, enforcing deadlines, and overseeing the production details of one or more publications, such as newspapers, magazines, books and/or websites. Associate editors who work for media outlets may head a single department, such as local news or sports. They might also be called upon to write articles, conduct interviews, verify sources, and perform independent research.

· Assistant Editor

An assistant editor is responsible for supporting the editor-in-chief or editor-at-large of a newspaper, magazine, radio program or website, for example. His role is supportive, but also authoritative in that he can oversee his own editorial section, such as international news, feature stories or sports.

· Freelancer

One can also work as a freelance journalist for newspapers and magazines. Freelancers are not the regular employees of the organization. They are paid according to each piece or article they write.

· Photographer/ Photojournalist

Photojournalism is an art to tell a story with pictures. People having an interest in photography with an ability to link it with a news story can work for newspapers and magazines as a photojournalist.

· Artist

Illustrators and cartographers who specialize in maps and charts to illustrate data work in this medium.

· Cartoonist

A comical or satirical sketch on political, cultural events is the job of a cartoonist. While established cartoonists work for some big groups, others are generally free lancers.

Thank you for reading and stay tuned for the next blog on broadcast media!