Who is a citizen journalist, and can you be one?

Have a smart phone with a good camera? You can get a scoop if you are at the right spot at the right time. Nowadays, newspapers and TV channels encourage ordinary people to actively participate in news-making by requesting them to send reports, videos and photographs of incidents taking place where they live. This is called citizen journalism or participatory journalism. Citizens post comments on news sites and blogs, and write letters to the editor. Citizen journalists perform the important task of pointing out errors and bias in media reports. They may even land a 'scoop', getting to the breaking news before the media, by virtue of being on the spot at the right time! Reports featuring celebrities and politicians antics, police misbehaviour or even footage of crimes in progress, are often the result of citizen journalism. Terrorist bombings, natural disasters and major accidents have also been covered extensively by citizen journalists. Citizen journalism has been possible because of the easy availability of high-quality mobile cameras and recorders, as well as the reach of social media. Any incident is capable of going viral' on the Internet in a matter of minutes.

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I aspire to become a journalist and want to take up Arts

I recently finished giving my Std X board exams. I am good at writing and I am creative too. I aspire to become a journalist and want to take up Arts. But now I have begun to have doubts whether I should go for it or not. If I do, can you suggest some good junior colleges in Pune for Arts?

Since you are creative and good in writing, you will probably do well in the field of journalism. Aim for courses in journalism, mass media, advertising, etc. But those will be at graduation stage. Take Arts in 10+2. It is offered at all junior colleges in Pune. The better your marks in Std X, better your chances are to get admission in a good college. To judge your capabilities, start writing and send in articles for publication in your school magazine or youth magazines.

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I want to pursue a career in broadcasting

I am a Std XI Commerce student. I want to pursue a career in broadcasting (journalism). Please tell me about the entrance test and whether we can get direct admission? How to start preparing for this and what skills are needed for it?

Do you have comprehensive command of grammar and vocabulary? Can you communicate clearly, confidently and assertively? Are you naturally a "people person", finding it easy to meet and talk with new acquaintances? If you answered yes to these questions, Bachelor in Journalism may be a good choice for you.

Journalism teaches students the skills necessary for careers in reporting, writing, and editing functions with newspapers, wire services, magazines and special publications. The duration of the course is 3 years. Generally, institutes conduct their own entrance test followed by an interview for the selection of suitable candidates. Basic eligibility is 10+2 (any stream). The objective of these tests is to judge awareness of the current events and the essential skills required of a conscientious journalist.

Personal qualities rather than training are more important for becoming a good journalist. However, a good course in journalism gives you the chance to do an internship with some of the best names in the business, besides teaching the basic skills. I have completed my 12th. I want to pursue Bachelor's in Pharmacy. What are the career opportunities? Is there a need for pharmacy graduates and post-graduates and higher options in pharmacy?

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My dream is to be a magazine journalist

My dream is to be a magazine journalist. I constantly read magazines and am fascinated by them. I've always wanted to work at a successful magazine. I would like your advice about qualifications, how to work in a magazine company, etc. that could help me with a career in the industry.

To become a journalist, you should go for courses like Bachelor's in Journalism/Mass Communication. Many corporations do not require a specific specialization and some students do perform quite well without specialized education in journalism. However, an advanced degree can offer an edge, it does teach the basics of journalism; what is news, how to gather information, how to think on your feet, how to conduct an interview, how to write a good story, etc.

Journalism is not all glamour; it is serious and responsible work. Join this field only if you're passionate about knowing what is really happening in society and conveying it correctly to the readers. Meanwhile, to develop your communication skills, start writing, maybe for your school magazine or some website or even a magazine like The Teenager Today. Maturity, objectivity and a sensible train of thought are essential.

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I am equally interested in Science as well as Journalism

I am a medical student of Std XII (PCB). I am equally interested in Science as well as Journalism. Please suggest some courses in which I can study both subjects. Which reputed universities offer such courses?

You can combine your interest in science and journalism by doing a course in Science Communication. These courses are very well-designed with the theoretical and practical aspects of science communication, and train students to become successful communicators in Science and Technology. Students also learn development communication, advertising, public relations, publication of science newsletters and media management in the light of science communication.

But these courses are available only at the Master's level. The National Council of Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC) (iscos.org) requires graduation with three years' work experience in science journalism. The Institute of Mass Communication, Lucknow, (http:// Ikouniv.ac.in/oldsite/imcst.htm) offers a two-year M.Sc. (Tech.) for which the eligibility is science post-graduation or graduation in medical and engineering fields. Other institutes include: Department of Media Sciences, College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University, Chennai (annauniv.edu); Centre for Science Communication, School of Future Studies and Planning, Devi Ahilya University, Indore (csc.dauniv.ac.in). But before joining these you need graduation, so go for B.Sc. or B.Tech. Also, you should have a flair for writing and speaking.

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What is the career in Architectural journalism?

 



Whether it is the Taj Mahal, the Pantheon or the Notre-Dame Cathedral, all great monuments are timeless. And it is the job of the architecture journalists to document these spires and domes for posterity.



Architectural journalism has emerged as a language that helps internet, understand and celebrate new ideas and the built environment. Many architecture colleges in India have started offering Architectural Journalism as an interdisciplinary subject. So if you are interested in combing your passion for design and writing, this field holds promise.



How it works



Architecture journalists write about architecture and design. They comment and critique on the architecture and its philosophy.



Often architects with a flair for writing pursue architectural journalism, but you can develop a career in this field even without a background in architecture, if you have a keen sense of aesthetics and design and brush up your knowledge on architecture by reading voraciously on the subject.



Scope



Newspapers, magazines and architecture journals and even web portals hire architecture and design writers and critics to write about architectural projects, track the latest trends and developments. Besides national publications, you can also work for several international publications. If you are inclined towards academics, you can also teach the subject in design schools.



Required skills




  • Insights and deep understanding of architectural projects

  • Technical writing skills

  • Communication skills and ability to simplify jargons for readers

  • Design interpretation and creative thinking

  • Research skills

  • Knowledge and expertise in architecture

  • Ability to critique and spot trends in architecture



What to study



Architecture is a highly specialized field, so having Bachelors in Architecture (B. Arch) will give you insights and the necessary expertise to comment on architectural projects. Many architecture colleges offer Architectural Journalism as an elective in B. Arch. Admissions for B. Arch are based on the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) examination, conducted by the Council of Architecture to shortlist students for admissions to B. Arch in different architecture schools in the country. (Note: The NATA is now held twice a year – in April and in July).



But if you do not want invest three to five years in B. Arch, you can also opt for a journalism course and then specialize in architectural journalism by interning in architecture magazines and journals.



Where




  • Chandigarh College of Architecture: B. Arch with Architectural Journalism elective.

  • Rachna Sansad Academy of Architecture, Mumbai: B. Arch (five years, full-time) and B. Voc Interior Design (three years, full-time).

  • The Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture and Environmental Studies; Mumbai: B. Arch and M. Arch in Urban Design and Urban Conservation.

  • Padmabhushan Dr. Vasantdata Patil College of Architecture, Pune: B. Arch; M. Arch Landscape Architecture and Urban Design.

  • University of Mumbai: Master’s in Communication and Journalism.

  • Asian College of Journalism, Chennai: PG Diploma in Journalism.

  • Newhouse’s Goldring Arts Journalism Programme Syracuse University, New York: Master’s in Arts Journalism. This includes Architectural Journalism.

  • Stonebridge University, the U.K.: Diploma course in Freelance Journalism.



 



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I am keen on pursuing journalism



I am in Std XI and currently studying arts. I am keen on pursuing journalism. What are the best colleges for journalism in India? Which entrance exams do I have to give? At the post-graduate level what are some good colleges in USA and UK? And what are the perquisites and the entrance exams?



Journalism is all about gathering and disseminating news and information. It is often seen as glamorous and exciting but, as with any occupation, success is only achieved after much hard work and routine activity.



Courses are available for those with 10+2 (any stream). Generally, institutes conduct their own entrance test followed by interview for the selection of suitable candidates. The objective of these tests is to judge awareness of current events and the essential skills required for a conscientious journalist. Personal qualities, rather than training, are more important for becoming a good journalist.



A good course in journalism gives you the chance to do an internship with some of the best names in business, besides teaching the basic skills. Some of good institutes are Indian Institute of Journalism & New Media, Bangalore; Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi; Mudra Institute of Communications (MICA), Ahmedabad; Times School of Journalism, New Delhi. To study abroad, please contact the respective embassies.



 



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I want to become a journalist and pursue higher studies in broadcast journalism.



I am in my first year of graduation (English). I want to become a journalist and pursue higher studies in broadcast journalism. What should I do for this? Please help me out with the course and college needed.



A many institutes offer a 3-year degree in journalism for which the eligibility is 10+2 in any stream. You may go for a one-year post-graduate course in journalism after completing your graduation.

Some of the good institutes are Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan Centres, Indian institute of journalism & new media, Bangalore, Indian Institute of Mass Communication, JNU New Campus, New Delhi, and Makhanlal Chaturvedi Rashtriya Patrakarita Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal, Mass Communication Research Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi school of Communication & Management Studies, S, Kalamassery, Cochin, Xavier Instittute  of Communication, St Xavier’s college, Mumbai.



 



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Media & Mass Communication


What is Media & Mass Communication? What are the career opportunities in the film and advertisement industry? What is the possibility of taking an MBA in Communication Management after this degree?



The term Mass Communication refers to the process of delivering and transferring of messages and news to a large group of people using different forms of media like newspapers, radio, internet and television. Many institutes offer a 3-year-Bachelor’s and 2-year—Master’s degree programme in Mass Communication. It is also known by various names like Communication Studies, Media Studies, Communication Science, Communication Arts and Media Science, Communication Arts and Media Science. For an MBA in any specialization, you require a Bachelor’s degree in any field.



Career opportunities in any field depend on your capability and the courses you’ve done. For a qualified person in a specific field, the scope may be very good, but the same field will not offer the same opportunity to an unqualified person. So try to focus on your capability, aptitude and interest and go for the courses, and hence career, which is suitable to you. Don’t opt for a career just because someone says that it has good opportunities.



 



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I am studying in Class 10. I want to become a Hindi news anchor. Which courses should I choose after Class 10 and after Class 12?



Becoming a news anchor sounds and looks absolutely glamorous but it isn’t an easy job. Very few news anchors become household names. Most spend their entire careers working in small markets.



The best way to pursue their career is by doing BJMC (Bachelor’s of Journalism & Mass Communication), a 3-year course, followed by a Master’s. a few colleges that offer these courses are Xavier’s Institute of Communication, Mumbai, Indian Institute of Journalism & New Media, Bengaluru, Asian College of Journalism, Chennai; Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi. The postgraduate courses are mostly 10 months long and have god placement drives.



Apart from getting into a good journalism college, you will have to work on your skills. Read newspapers, books and everything related to general knowledge that comes your way. This will help you get the right exposure and will open your mind to various new things. Apart from this, start watching the news as much as possible. This will help you get a hang of how anchors work. At the same time, improve upon your vocabulary. The way you are delivering news or the way you speak should be very generous and related to your content.



 



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I am a student of Std X. I am interested in Journalism. I want to know what courses I should do to become a journalist. Please help me with the list of courses and colleges.



Journalism is all about gathering and disseminating news and information. It is often seen as glamorous and exciting but, as with any occupation, success is only achieved after much hard work and routine activity.



You can go for  a 3-year-journalism course after 10+2 (any stream). The course is called Bachelors in Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC), Bachelor of Mass Media (BMM) or Bachelor of Mass Communication (BMC). It teaches students the skills necessary for careers in reporting, writing, and editing functions with newspapers, wire services, magazines, and special publications. In the third year, emphasis is given to field assignments and practicals. A good course in journalism gives you the chance to do an internship with some of the best names in the business, besides teaching the basic skills. Admission is generally through an entrance test, conducted by the individual institute. The objective of these tests is to judge awareness of current events and the essential skills required to be a conscientious journalist. Personal qualities rather than training are more important for becoming a good journalist.



Some of the institutes are Department of Communication Studies, University of Pune, Pune (unipune.ernet.in); Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication, Pune (simc.edu); Xavier Institute of Communication, Mumbai (xaviercomm.org); Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi (ggsipu.nic.in); Asian College of Journalism, Chennai (asianmedia.org.in); Indian Institute of Journalism & New Media, Bangalore (iijnm.org); Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi (iimc.ac.in); Makhanlal Chaturvedi Rashtriya Patrakarita Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal (mcu.ac.in); AJK Mass communication Research Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi (ajkmcrc.org); Times School of Journalism, New Delhi (tcms.in).



 



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Investigating options



I am a student of class X. I am going to join humanities in class XI. I wanted to know whether it is necessary to have journalism as a subject in college if I want to become a journalist. Also, if I join a particular media, can I hop from one media to other, or will I be stuck with one media?



It is not necessary to join a degree course in journalism. In fact, people from as diverse backgrounds as Hindi, English, Sanskrit, history, economics, physics and chemistry join journalism. Study of a liberal arts or science subject broadens their perspective. If you want to hone your skills, you can do a PG diploma in print or electronic media after graduation.



Again, journalists are known to switch from print to electronic media. The other way round is also possible, provided you write well.



 



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I am in class IX. I wish to be a famous and good English cricket commentator. But I do not know what to do to achieve my objective. Also tell me, which subjects should I take up after class X.



Subject choice after X does not matter when it comes to taking up cricket commentary. What matters is your level of comfort with cricket as a subject. Do you, for example, remember who scored how many runs in the finals of the 1999 world cup? You should read books and magazines pertaining to cricket like a Bible. You should have the knack of interviewing cricketers, comparing their previous performances to the present one. And if you think that subject choice has anything to do with cricket commentary, did you know that commentator Harsha Bhogle did engineering at Osmania University and business management, Ahmedabad, and took up advertising as a career before taking the plunge into cricket.



 



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I am in XII. I want to be a good English news reader. Kindly guide.



I am a student of class XII. I want to be a good English newsreader. For this purpose I want to know which exam do I have to pass. I have been reading English news on the stage everyday in school. I have also won a number of prizes for being the best newsreader. I hope that you will help me fulfil my ambition.



You have made the right beginning by reading English news on a regular basis in your school. But you don’t have to appear for any exam to be a reader. News channels have a diction test, wherein they test your fluency, speed, diction and presentability. So hone all these aspects.



Besides diction, speed and fluency, certain other skills also matter: how good are you at interviewing people (for as you would have seen on news channels, news readers are also supposed to interview guests in the studio during the news hour); how good is your knowledge of happenings around the world and whether you keep abreast of happenings; and also how well do you handle difficult situations, like having to report the meagre facts again and again for two hours before more footage arrives, say in the Akshardham attack last year, or Indian Airlines hijack episode in 1999.



 



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Raring to Go


 



How can I go in journalism right after school?



On an average most newspapers and electronic media companies do not give a job merely on the basis of a journalism degree. Journalists are recruited from as diverse a background as Hindi literature, English literature, economics, political science, sciences, law and even sports, after they have cleared the written test and interview. Therefore, it is better to enhance your knowledge of a variety of subjects. Most of the skills of journalism - reporting, interviewing, writing and editing – are learnt on the job.



At the under-graduate level, journalism programmes are offered by universities like Delhi University, BHU, University of Mumbai, Marathwada University, Aurangabad, Goa University-Bambolin, Ahilyabai Vishwavidyalaya, Indore, Pune University, Punjab University, Chandigarh, Punjabi University, Patiala and Berhampur University.



At the post-graduate level, Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism is reputed for its programmes. Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi, offers an MA in mass communication. Ranchi University offers both MA and diploma programmes in journalism. Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi, and St Xavier’s Institute of Communications (XIC), Mumbai, are known for their PG diploma courses.



 



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