Journalism, Broadcast Journalism, B.S.

Journalism is a profession that pertains to individuals dedicated to researching, reporting, and sharing information to the public through various media channels. Specializations can include investigative reporting, political journalism, feature writing, and multimedia storytelling, with contributions to newspapers, magazines, online platforms, or broadcast networks. The dynamic nature of journalism allows professionals to navigate through different platforms and mediums, making it a versatile and ever-evolving profession.

About This Program

As a journalism major, you’ll take classes and gain on-air television and radio experience. You'll learn research, ethics, production, writing, and editing, all of which will enable you to share information in different formats and styles. Upon graduation, you'll have all the tools you need to keep the public informed.

Journalism, Broadcast Journalism, B.S.
Students on the journalism track are trained by experienced faculty to use traditional and new media tools to produce and disseminate news and information across multiple platforms to diverse audiences.

The journalism degree program encompasses award-winning student media, including The FAMUAN newspaper, Journey magazine, WANM 90.5 FM and FAMU-TV 20 cable channel.

Students in both the Journalism track and the Public Relations (PR) track will need to present a capstone project before graduation.

Academic Course Curriculum

Journalists play a crucial role in informing, educating, and engaging the general public.
Journalists play a crucial role in informing, educating, and engaging the general public.

What is journalism?

Journalists produce news stories, features, in-depth narratives, reviews, commentary or investigations for print, broadcast, digital or social media platforms such as newspapers, magazines, radio, television or websites.

Journalists present information so citizens can form opinions and make decisions about their lives, communities and societies.

 

 

Florida has the 4th highest employment rate for journalists, reporters, and news analysts in the United States.
Florida has the 4th highest employment rate for journalists, reporters, and news analysts in the United States.

Journalism Careers

Journalists work in a diverse array of settings, spanning from traditional newsrooms to digital media outlets, broadcasting stations, and even freelance opportunities. The field of journalism offers a wide range of career paths for those with journalistic and storytelling skills. They include:

• Reporter
• Editor
• Producer
• News Director
• Anchor
• Correspondent
• Multimedia Journalist
• Video Content Creator
• Visual Journalist
• Copy Editor
• Social Media Editor
• Audience Engagement Editor
• Magazine Writer
• News Analyst
• Data Analyst
• Page Designer
• Graphic Designer
• Web Designer/Developer

 

In addition to education and region, factors such as specialty, industry, and employer also influence potential salaries.
In addition to education and region, factors such as specialty, industry, and employer also influence potential salaries.

Journalism Salary Expectations

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, in 2022, the average journalists, reporters, or news analysts made:

  • an average of $41.49 an hour
  • a mean salary of $86,290,

The states with the highest employment level of journalists, reporters, and news analysts are:

  1. California,
  2. New York,
  3. Texas,
  4. Florida and,
  5. and District of Columbia

 

Being a journalist necessitates hands-on, personalized information gathering and storytelling.
Being a journalist necessitates hands-on, personalized information gathering and storytelling.

Journalism Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Qs)


Q: What is the difference between journalism and blogging?
A:
Journalism is a professional practice involving the gathering and disseminating of news by trained journalists, adhering to ethical standards. Blogging is more personal and subjective, often reflecting the opinions and experiences of the individual writer.

Q: What are some of the essential skills journalists should develop for success?
A: To achieve success, journalists should hone skills such as reporting, research, writing, interviewing, listening, communication, time management, interpersonal relations, critical thinking, collaboration, accuracy, and attention to detail.

Being an outgoing "people-person" is also advantageous for journalists. Effective communication and interpersonal skills contribute to gaining trust, which is essential for successful journalism.

Q: What industries have the highest employment levels of journalists, reporters, and news analysts?
A: Newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers; media streaming distribution services; social networks, media networks, and content providers; radio and television broadcasting stations; motion picture and video industries; colleges, universities, and professional schools.

Q: What are the top-paying industries for journalists, reporters, and news analysts?
A: Media streaming distribution services, social networks, media networks, and content providers; management of companies and enterprises; telecommunications; civic and social organizations; other professional, scientific, and technical services.

Q: After graduation, can I start working in a large market such as Atlanta?
A: Not likely. Large markets are typically "unforgiving" and require a few years of experience. Beginners are better off honing their skills in small markets that are more forgiving when you make mistakes.
 
Q: How can I get started working as an entertainment or sports journalist?
A: Focus on being a good journalist, period. The same journalistic precepts apply in any beat, whether you're covering city hall or the Los Angeles Lakers.
 
Q: Should I start out in TV news as a video editor and work my way up to reporting?
A: Start out with what you want to do! If you start as a video editor, it is very hard to get news managers to see you as anything other than that.