Professional Journalism: Definition, Roles, and Salary

Professional Journalism: Definition, Roles, and Salary

In the era of modern communication, journalism plays a crucial role in delivering accurate, objective, and trustworthy information to the public. Through the Master’s in Communication Studies program, students are prepared to deeply explore journalism from various aspects, ranging from fundamental theories to professional practices amid the advancement of media technology.

What is a Journalist?

A journalist is an individual responsible for gathering, writing, and disseminating information across various media platforms. This profession demands meticulousness, integrity, and a commitment to the truth.

Further explanation:

  • What is a journalist? A media professional who delivers factual and relevant information.
  • A reporter is a field journalist who reports events directly.
  • A news anchor is referred to as a news presenter.
  • A news writer is called a journalist or editor.
  • A news broadcaster is known as a broadcaster or announcer.
  • A news host is referred to as a presenter or host.

Roles and Responsibilities in Journalism

A journalist holds several roles and responsibilities, including:

  • Searching for and processing information from various sources
  • Conducting interviews and field research
  • Composing news using clear and informative language
  • Ensuring the accuracy and balance of news
  • Upholding journalistic codes of ethics

A journalist’s duties are not limited to coverage but also include being a guardian of truth and justice within society.

Knowledge and Skills

Students majoring in Communication Studies, especially at the postgraduate level, will study various essential fields, including:

  • Mass Communication: The impact of media on public behavior
  • Communication Strategies: Techniques for effective message delivery
  • Organizational Communication: Communication processes within institutional structures
  • Interpersonal Communication: Interpersonal skills supporting interviews and coverage
  • Digital Communication: Journalistic adaptation to new technologies
  • Public Relations: Media relations and public image management
  • Media and Communication: The role of media in social dynamics
  • Communication Theory: Analytical foundations in communication practices
  • Political Communication: The function of media in shaping public opinion

Tools Used

Modern journalists are supported by various technologies. Commonly used tools and platforms include:

  • Laptops and word processing applications for writing news
  • Design and editing software such as Adobe Premiere, Photoshop, Canva
  • Field reporting equipment like DSLR cameras, microphones, and audio recorders
  • Content Management Systems (CMS) for news publication
  • Online communication apps like Zoom and Google Meet

Career Paths

Careers in journalism are highly varied and offer many levels, including:

  1. Field reporter
  2. News editor
  3. Presenter or news anchor
  4. Editor-in-chief
  5. Digital content manager
  6. Lecturer or researcher in Communication Studies

Through advanced study in Communication Studies, graduates gain a competitive advantage for occupying strategic positions in the media industry.

Professional World of Journalism

5 Journalism Professions

The journalism field includes several professions to pursue, such as:

  • Reporter: Reporting news directly from the scene
  • Editor: Compiling and editing news content
  • News Anchor: Reading news on television screens
  • Digital content writer: Producing articles for online media
  • News producer: Organizing the entire news production process

Inspiring Journalist Figure: Najwa Shihab

Najwa Shihab is one of the most influential journalists in Indonesia. With a background in law education and experience as a news anchor, Najwa demonstrates the importance of courage, broad insight, and sharp communication strategies. Through her program Mata Najwa, she consistently voices public issues critically and constructively.

Journalism Salary

Journalist salaries vary depending on position and workplace. On average:

  • Entry level: Rp4.000.000 – Rp6.000.000/month
  • Mid-level: Rp7.000.000 – Rp12.000.000/month
  • Senior: Over Rp15.000.000, especially at prestigious media outlets

Additional income can be earned through freelance writing projects, training, or public speaking activities.

Conclusion

The journalism profession is an important part of a healthy and democratic communication ecosystem. Through the Master’s in Communication Studies, students not only understand communication theories but also acquire relevant practical journalism skills in the digital era.

This program opens pathways to careers in media, public communication, and education. If you are interested in contributing to the world of information and news, pursuing a Master’s degree is a strategic choice worth considering.

Want to Become a Professional Journalist?

Register yourself in the Master’s in Communication Studies program and explore the world of journalism in depth with the best experts and practitioners in the field. Join now and realize your dream career in the media world! Register here now!

Get to Know More About the Master’s in Communication Studies Program at Telkom University!

The Master’s in Communication Studies Program officially opened in the academic year 2021/2022 based on the decree of the Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology Number 193/E/O/2022 dated March 14, 2022. The Master’s in Communication Studies Program has two concentrations: Digital Management Communication and Digital Media, formed in line with the development of the Communication Studies Program, the Digital Public Relations Program, and the Digital Content Broadcasting Program at the Faculty of Communication and Social Sciences (FKS). The Master’s in Communication Studies Program at Telkom University actively participates in the development of the profession, research, and entrepreneurial spirit in the field of communication studies based on technology and digital media. This program supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a focus on improving digital literacy in Indonesia.

Learn About Activities in the Master’s in Communication Studies Program at Telkom University!

The Master’s in Communication Studies Program at Telkom University offers various academic and non-academic activities designed to broaden perspectives and enhance students’ skills in the field of communication. Activities in this program include interactive lectures with experts and lecturers, as well as seminars and workshops with various interesting themes. Through these activities, students are prepared to become innovative and adaptive communication leaders ready to face global challenges.

Quoting from the article at mcomms.telkomuniversity.ac.id, the Master’s in Communication Studies Program has conducted various activities to support the academic development of its students. Here are some examples:

Telkom University’s Master’s in Communication Studies Holds a Public Lecture on Global Communication Challenges in Building Trends of Cultural, Media, and Business Globalization

(Bandung, March 9, 2024) – Telkom University (Tel-U) Master of Communication Studies Program successfully held a public lecture that provided in-depth insight into the challenges of global communication in building the globalization trend of culture, media and business. The event was held at Manterawu Building (2nd Floor Open Library). The event also invited one of the speakers, Ahmad Nugraha R, ST, MM as Board Member Indonesia Bilateral Committee Norway & Iceland.

The event began with a public lecture on the challenges of globalization, which was attended by approximately thirty students and lecturers. This public lecture provided important insights on global communication in building globalization trends of culture, media and business.

Ahmad Nugraha highlighted how important it is for all of us to be aware of emerging global issues. Current globalization trends demand the ability to understand and respond to global issues well. This is both a challenge and an opportunity for students to contribute to creating more effective communication and engage an increasingly connected world.

Through this public lecture, Telkom University (Tel-U), especially the Master of Communication Studies Program, will continue to demonstrate its commitment to provide education that is relevant to global dynamics, and prepare students to face communication challenges in the international world. This activity is expected to be able to open insights to students and encourage them to develop their communication skills. read more here

Why Should You Choose the Master’s in Communication Studies Program?

Communication skills are fundamental abilities required in various fields, from media and marketing to diplomacy.
Not only honing speaking and writing skills, but Communication Studies students are also equipped with a deep understanding of how to influence and interact with audiences effectively

This study program combines theory and practice to form individuals who are able to convey messages in creative and strategic ways. Another advantage, communication skills are universal, thus opening up wide career opportunities in various industries.

In addition, there are two specializations such as Digital Communication Management and Digital Media. This allows each student to determine a career path according to his or her interests and expertise in the world of communication.

How to join Telkom University’s Master of Communication Sciences?

Be part of the change in digital communication! Improve your understanding and skills by pursuing a S2 in Communication Studies at Telkom University, the best private campus committed to innovation and the digital industry.

Please visit the Telkom University New Student Selection website here. The website provides information about registration, selection paths, tuition fees and also offers scholarship programs.

For more information related to Postgraduate (Master of Communication Sciences) click here

Come on, Also read other articles about S2 Communication Sciences: The Importance of Public Speaking for Students

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Tags: S2 Communication Sciences | Communication Science S2 Communication Sciences, Telkom University

Author: Sophia Margaretta – Directorate of Information Technology Center

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