Who is a Journalist ?
How to Become a Journalist in Ghana and Amount Paid. Become a journalist in Ghana with. How much does a journalist earn in Ghana. A journalist is an individual trained to collect/gather information in form of text, audio or pictures, processes them to a news-worthy form and disseminates it to the public.
How to Become a Journalist in Ghana
Choose a Platform
The main field of employment for journalists is in mass media and this includes Newspapers, Radio, Websites, and TV. Before anything else, you should decide which of these platforms suit you best.
Today, the most profitable options are TV and website platforms. As a journalist, you get to report news on the field or from the studio of the news company. If you opt for the website option, you’ll simply have to research and write news content that will be posted on the site of the news company.
News websites have become extremely popular over recent years, as more people spend more time on their mobile phones than in front of TV screens.
If you’re a very good writer, it might be best for you to start up with news websites, but if you prefer being in front of the camera, then you should give TV news companies a shot.
Choose an Area of Specialization
As said earlier, the journalism profession is quite broad. There are writers, news anchors, reporters, editors, copyeditors, correspondents, and broadcasters who are all considered to be journalists.
These professions have different purposes and work on different platforms. Below is a breakdown of the meaning and responsibilities of these professions
Writer: A writer is an individual who uses written words to communicate ideas. In Journalism, writers, research and write news content that will be published on news sites or read by reporters/news anchors on television.
Reporter: A reporter is a person who reports new or conducts interviews. Reporters are usually outside the studios and where the action happens.
News anchors/broadcasters/news presenter: This is a person who presents news during a news program on the TV, radio or on the internet. They are usually the ones you see on local and international TV channels reading out news from paper.
Get a Bachelor Degree
The next step is to earn a bachelor’s degree. There are many courses relating to journalism in many Ghana colleges. Go for a course that suits your preferred area of specialization.
If you don’t know the course to study or you can’t find the specific option, then you should go for a course in Journalism, Communications or English.
Which university in Ghana offer Journalism?
There are several institutions and universities in Ghana that offer journalism courses. Some of them include
- Ghana Institute of Journalism
- University of Ghana School of Communication Studies
- National Film and Television Institute
- Accra Film School
Develop the Necessary Skills
As a journalist, you will need to be an exceptional writer and possess impeccable communication and interpersonal skills. These skills are necessary and they will determine how far you will go in news and media. In fact, these skills differentiate the top journalists from the average ones.
You can develop your writing skills by writing books, blog posts and doing freelance. Writing medical, educational, financial reports are the best ways to develop your writing skills quickly.
You can develop your communication skills by shooting videos in public places and learning how to address your audience and get them to follow your report.
Join the Ghana Journalists Association
The Ghana Journalists Association is the umbrella body of Journalists in Ghana. It was established in 1949 and has since spoken up for journalists in the country.
Joining this organization will increase your chances of getting employed through recommendations, also, it will make you look more credible to employers.
Get Connected With Other Journalists
Join as many journalism institutions and groups as you can. Also, attend as many seminars and social gatherings as necessary. This makes it easier for you to build a network and meet with other journalists who would possibly give you advice that will help you advance in your career or offer you employment.
Sign up for Paid or Unpaid Internships
Whether you’re getting paid or not, the experience and the connections you will make through the internships will help you go a long way. Ensure you perform your best so that the company would retain you or at least, you could get them to recommend you when the need arises.
Wrapping Up
The field of journalism offers so many opportunities for individuals who are serious and determined to make it big on the screen. By following the steps above, you will set yourself up for success as you pursue a career as a journalist in Ghana.
How much does a Journalist earn in a month ?
Salary range for the majority of workers in Journalists – from GH₵678.51 to GH₵5,894.98 per month – 2021.
Journalists research, investigate, interpret and communicate news and public affairs through newspapers, television, radio and other media.
Duties of a Journalist in Ghana
- Collecting local, national and international news through interviews, investigation and observation, attending public events, seeking out records, reviewing written work, attending film and stage performances
- Collecting, reporting and commenting on news and current affairs for publication in newspapers and periodicals, or for broadcasting by radio, television or webcast media
- Receiving, analysing and verifying news and other copy for accuracy
- Interviewing politicians and other public figures at press conferences and on other occasions, including individual interviews recorded for radio, television or webcast media
- Researching and reporting on developments in specialized fields such as medicine, science and technology
- Writing editorials and commentaries on topics of current interest to stimulate public interest and express the views of a publication or broadcasting station
- Writing critical reviews of literary, musical and other artistic works based on knowledge, judgement and experience for newspapers, television, radio and other media
- Selecting material for publication, checking style, grammar, accuracy and legality of content and arranging for any necessary revisions
- Liaising with production staff in checking final proof copies immediately prior to printing
- Selecting, assembling and preparing publicity material about business or other organizations for issue through press, radio, television and other media.
Categories of Journalist in Ghana
- Journalist
- Media correspondent
- News analyst
- Photo editor
- Press officer
- Reporter
- Web journalist