Journalist

Journalists research and write stories and report news events and issues for broadcast, print, web and digital media. They may interview people as part of their investigative work.

Also known as

Columnist, reporter, reviewer, writer, multimedia journalist

Work environment

  • Usually work shifts, including early mornings, evenings and weekends
  • Usually work in newsrooms and may travel locally, nationally and internationally
  • May do emotionally demanding work
  • Need to communicate well, and work well in a team and under pressure

Salary information

MOST COMMON
UPPER
LOWER
$51K-$142K 51000

Typical tasks

  • Write informational material
  • Report news to the public
  • Co-ordinate reporting or editing activities
  • Determine presentation subjects or content
  • Analyse information obtained from news sources
  • Gather information for news stories
  • Coordinate logistics for productions or events
  • Develop professional relationships or networks
  • Edit written materials
  • Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment

Outlook

The journalism industry is continuing to adapt to digital platforms, changing audience habits and new technologies. In New Zealand and globally, audiences increasingly access news through online, mobile and social channels. While the industry faces challenges from changing media consumption, demand remains for trusted, accurate reporting and high-quality storytelling across a growing range of digital formats.

What employers and industry want in graduates

  • Strong written communication skills
  • Curiosity and research ability
  • Critical thinking and sound judgement
  • Digital and multimedia content skills
  • Ability to work accurately under pressure
  • Understanding of ethical journalism practices

AUT programmes

The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.

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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.