Journalist

A journalist carries out research to create news articles. These news articles may be published online or in a newspaper or a magazine. In other cases, the journalist’s stories will be broadcast on television or radio. The journalist will be responsible for looking for articles that are relevant and will grip the audience’s attention.

It may be a necessary process to pitch the story idea to management prior to the research being carried out. The journalist should look for leads by gathering tips and by looking at what other news outlets have published. Sometimes, the journalist may decide to carry out interviews to make the news stories more relevant. In this case, it will be necessary to look for people related to the story, such as eye witnesses or family members of the people involved. Securing an interview may be difficult, and it may require some persuasion for people to agree to be a part of an interview. In some jobs, the journalist may be required to come up with a minimum amount of articles within a certain period of time. Some journalists will also appear on television, in order to personally report the stories. Others may carry out videographer duties. Strong written and verbal communication skills are necessary to be able to write and present stories in a coherent and gripping manner.

A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a similar field is often required. Some jobs will require experience, while others will offer entry-level or internship positions.

With 6-9 years of experience, a Journalist in Singapore is responsible for:

• Conducting in-depth research, interviews, and investigations to gather accurate and reliable information for news stories. Journalists with extensive experience in Singapore employ comprehensive research techniques, conduct interviews, and carry out investigations to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of news stories.
• Writing compelling news articles, feature stories, and opinion pieces for various platforms, including print, online, and social media. They produce engaging and informative content, including news articles, feature stories, and opinion pieces, tailored for different mediums to reach a wide audience.
• Adhering to journalistic ethics, maintaining impartiality, and ensuring stories are balanced, unbiased, and factually accurate. Journalists at this level strictly follow journalistic ethics, focusing on impartial reporting, presenting both sides of the story, and maintaining accuracy in their news coverage.
• Leading and collaborating with teams, including photographers, reporters, and editors, to create cohesive and high-impact news content.

For a Journalist job role, the following qualifications are required:

• Excellent communication skills to gather information, conduct interviews, and write engaging articles that resonate with the target audience.
• Strong research abilities to investigate and verify facts, ensuring accurate and reliable reporting.
• Proficient writing skills to draft clear, concise, and compelling stories, adhering to journalistic ethics and standards.
• Adaptability and quick thinking to work under tight deadlines and in dynamic environments, delivering news stories in real-time.

For a Journalist with 6-9 years of experience in Singapore, there are several alternative roles to consider within the field. Here are following options to explore:

• News Editor: Taking on a leadership role, a news editor oversees the editorial direction, manages a team of journalists, and ensures the delivery of quality news content.
• Content Strategist: This role involves planning and executing content strategies across various platforms, including digital and social media, to engage and attract a target audience.
• Communications Manager: With strong writing and communication skills, a communications manager handles internal and external communications, including media relations, PR campaigns, and corporate messaging.
• Investigative Reporter: Specializing in in-depth research and analysis, an investigative reporter uncovers and exposes important stories through thorough investigation and interviews.

The job role of a journalist in Singapore is projected to witness steady growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, the industry has undergone significant changes, adapting to digital platforms and emerging technologies. Despite challenges posed by the evolving media landscape, there are increasing employment opportunities in this field. The expansion of online news portals and the rise of social media platforms have created new avenues for journalists. With Singapore's commitment to promoting media diversity and press freedom, it is expected that employment opportunities for journalists will continue to rise in the future.