Newspapers and News Agencies
Working for a newspaper or news agency is one of the most popular areas of publishing for newcomers. Many jobs are based in regional or local newspapers and these provide the widest geographical spread of opportunities.
They also offer job opportunities in sales roles for those who don't want to go to university, although employers will expect at least five GCSEs with A, B or C grade passes. On the editorial side, most trainee writers or journalists are recruited after attending full time vocational courses at accredited colleges, often as graduates or postgraduates.
You may start as a junior reporter on a local paper and can then move into specialist areas or become a sub-editor, or even move to an evening or a daily paper. Competition for jobs is fierce, particularly with the recent closure of many local titles. Editors look for enthusiasm, determination, persistence, the ability to work to deadlines and a willingness to work irregular hours.
Above all else, having enough curiosity to sniff out a story and build your own contacts will make you stand out from the crowd. Don't be tempted to take a media studies qualification and expect to walk into an editorial role. A National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) qualification will be required along with examples of work you have written.
To work in sales or marketing within a newspapers or news agency, you will need to have good levels of literacy and numeracy and be comfortable selling across print and digital, to individuals, small businesses and larger accounts. An enthusiasm for meeting people and for selling are key attributes. There are no subject-specific qualification requirements and on-the-job training is usually provided. It is extremely hard to switch to an editorial role from the commercial side.
For a deeper insight into a newspaper or news agency career, visit:
- The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) website - National Council for the Training of Journalists .
- Newspaper Society - trade association news media - Newspaper Society
- National Association of Press Agencies - link to National Association of Press Agencies website
Other useful links in publishing can be found here - useful links in publishing.