This is what you would learn in a Journalism course !!

Formal education in journalism is required if one wishes to pursue a career as a journalist. Often combined with mass communication, the course teaches and hones many skills necessary in the field of journalism. There are certain principles any budding journalist cannot do without. And because educational institutions realise that there is a huge gap between knowing and doing, good journalism schools do more than just teaching. They ingrain the following principles in the minds of the students in order to prepare them well for a challenging career ahead:

1.       Accuracy

Accuracy is one of the fundamental points that differentiates a good article from a bad one. A news report with inaccurate details can tarnish the reputation of the reporter, and even the news channel/newspaper itself. Make sure you get your facts right before framing your report.

2.       Mention the sources

Mentioning the sources the facts, figures, and statements have been taken from lends credibility to the story and the reporter both.

3.       Objectivity

As a reporter, your work is to report the things as they are, without stating your personal opinions. Because it is difficult for students to report events and stories without being influenced by their personal views, the best journalism graduate school inculcates the habit of being objective by repeated training.

4.       A balanced story

One also ensures objectivity by providing details from all sides. If all facts are mentioned from only one angle, you are being subjective without actually taking a side. And even after making all possible efforts if you are unable to get the information, then mention that the other side was unavailable or unwilling to comment.

5.       Stay clear from conflict of interests

Journalism is as professional as it gets. Doing something like writing about something that appeals to you or using sources your news company has tie-ups with without specifying it is not advised. If discovered later, the audience will question your integrity.

6.       Never plagiarise

Stealing someone else’s content and publishing it under your name is the last thing you would want to do as a journalist. It is extremely easy to recognise plagiarised content nowadays and you can really endanger your career in journalism by doing so.

These are just few of the principles you would eventually learn in your journalism school. In case you have opted for a journalism plus mass communication degree, you would also get to learn a lot more about mass media and mass communication. Hope you do well!