Overview
Journalists report and write the news — politics, business, sports, technology, culture. India's media is among the world's largest by circulation. Print is consolidating but digital-first outlets (Scroll, The Wire, The Ken, Newslaundry, Decode, Print) and YouTube journalism are creating new opportunities. Compensation varies hugely — TV anchors and senior business journalists command top salaries; entry-level print/digital reporters earn modestly.
Day-to-day responsibilities
Source and pitch story ideas; conduct interviews (in person, phone, email); fact-check and verify; write articles to deadline; for broadcast — anchor or report on camera; build a beat (politics/business/tech) and source network; attend press conferences; review wire copy; engage on social media to amplify stories.
Skills required
- Strong writing & editing
- Interviewing & rapport-building
- Fact-checking & ethics
- News judgement
- Digital tools (CMS, social media)
- Photography / video basics
- Hindi/English bilingual ability
- Persistence
Education path
BA in Journalism / Mass Communication from IIMC, ACJ, Symbiosis, Xavier's; or any bachelor's + PG Diploma in Journalism. Top destinations: Asian College of Journalism (ACJ Chennai), IIMC (Delhi), Xavier Institute of Communications (Mumbai). MA Journalism for academic depth. Foreign degrees (Columbia/Cardiff) for international careers.
Career progression
- 1Trainee Reporter
- 2Reporter / Sub-Editor
- 3Senior Reporter / Correspondent
- 4Bureau Chief / Editor
- 5Executive Editor / Editor-in-Chief
Top employers in India
Useful certifications
- Reuters Digital Journalism Course
- Google News Initiative Trainings
- Columbia Journalism School executive programmes
- Foundation for Investigative Journalism fellowships