How to Get Started

Summary

In this transcript, the speaker offers advice to aspiring journalists, emphasizing the importance of gaining experience through internships and volunteer work. They suggest avoiding early specialization, instead recommending a broad approach to develop versatile writing skills. The speaker also discusses the evolution of journalism, noting that despite the decline of traditional newspaper roles, opportunities in blogging and social media are thriving. The key to becoming a successful writer is to write often, seek feedback, and continually improve one's craft, adapting to shorter formats while maintaining storytelling quality.

Takeaways

• 😀 Volunteer at a local or community newspaper to gain experience in journalism.
• 😀 Specializing in journalism early on is not necessary; being a generalist can make you a better writer and journalist.
• 😀 Journalism is getting younger, with younger individuals replacing older, more expensive workers, and there is age discrimination in the field.
• 😀 Even older individuals looking to switch careers at 30, 35, or 40 can find opportunities in new journalism forms like blogging and social media.
• 😀 Traditional journalism jobs in newspapers are declining, but digital writing jobs, especially in blogging and social media, are growing.
• 😀 Writing news stories is still crucial, and the ability to convey the who, what, where, when, why, and how remains essential.
• 😀 Writing should be clear, concise, and readable, and journalism basics have remained largely unchanged, despite industry evolution.
• 😀 Modern journalism often involves shorter articles, as people generally don't want to read long, in-depth pieces, preferring shorter ones (e.g., 500 words).
• 😀 To improve writing, the key is to practice a lot and seek feedback from experienced editors and mentors.
• 😀 The best writers write frequently, and success in writing often leads to more readership and feedback, especially in the age of social media and digital publications.
• 😀 Enjoying the writing process and embracing feedback is crucial for growth and success in journalism.

Q & A

What is the best way to start a career in journalism?

The best way to start a career in journalism is by working for a high school or college newspaper, volunteering at a local paper, or gaining experience in community journalism. This helps you learn the craft and pay your dues.

Is specialization in journalism necessary for new journalists?

No, specialization in journalism is not necessary for new journalists. It's more beneficial to be involved in a variety of areas, as this helps make you a better writer and journalist.

Why is journalism getting younger?

Journalism is getting younger because businesses in the field are laying off older workers due to cost, leading to more opportunities for younger individuals. Age discrimination is also a factor in the industry.

Can someone who is 30 or older still pursue a career in journalism?

Yes, someone who is 30, 35, or even 40 can still pursue a career in journalism, especially if they are open to new opportunities in blogging, social media, and digital journalism.

Are traditional newspaper jobs still available?

Traditional newspaper writing jobs are becoming scarce, but there are still opportunities in digital journalism, blogging, and social media roles.

What is still important when writing a news story?

The essential elements of a news story—such as who, what, where, when, why, and how—remain crucial. It's also important to present the information in a clear, readable form.

How has journalism writing changed over time?

The biggest change in journalism writing is the shift toward shorter articles. People are less likely to read long-form content, so brevity and concise writing have become more important.

Why is writing shorter stories more challenging?

Writing shorter stories is challenging because the writer must convey the essential details effectively and keep the reader's interest without using many words.

What is the secret to becoming a good writer?

The secret to becoming a good writer is to write a lot and seek feedback from experienced editors. Practice and learning from others are essential for improvement.

How has feedback in writing evolved over time?

Feedback in writing has evolved with social media and electronic journals. Writers now receive immediate and extensive feedback, unlike in the past when feedback was only from editors and bosses.