Mass Communication & MediaJournalismPrint Media

Print Media

Updated on Nov 9, 2022 01:57 IST

Ritika SrivastavaAssociate Senior Executive, Editorial

Print media is not only the oldest form of media but also the most trusted one. Even in the era of digital and electronic media, people prefer to turn to newspapers to check the authenticity and credibility of news. The increasing number of small, medium and large newspapers and magazines in our country shows that print media is full of employment opportunities. Candidates aspiring to make a career in this field can work in daily and weekly newspapers as well as magazines in various fields, such as fashion magazines, women's magazines, science magazines, current affairs magazines, travel and lifestyle magazines etc.

Print media provides you with employment opportunities related to fields like reporting, photography, editing, computer science, illustrations, graphic designing, publishing etc. If you want to get a byline in a daily newspaper or magazine, write articles on contemporary issues and bring the current scenario to the public through your articles and reports, then print media is the dream career for you. All you need is the right education and proper training.

Table of Contents

Eligibility Criteria For Print Media
Print Media Course
Print Media Entrance Exams
Skills Required For Print Media
Print Media Syllabus
Career in Print Media
FAQs on Print Media

Eligibility Criteria For Print Media

It is mandatory to have a bachelor's degree or a post-graduate degree or diploma in journalism or mass communication to make a career in print media. Most Indian universities offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in journalism and mass communication. Candidates must have passed class 12th in any stream from a recognised board with 50% marks to pursue a bachelor's degree or diploma course. Whereas graduates of any stream are eligible for a postgraduate degree or diploma programme. Courses in journalism exist in English and Hindi as well as in regional languages. Students can pursue the course in any language.

Print Media Course

After journalism or mass communication, candidates can also pursue specialised courses in selected areas such as page composition, layout designing and photojournalism etc. Some of the popular courses in this field are:

BJMC (Bachelor of Journalism & Mass Communication)
BJ (Bachelor of Journalism)
BMC (Bachelor of Mass Communication)
MJMC (Master of Journalism & Mass Communication)
Post Graduate Diploma in Print Journalism
Certificate in Print and Publishing

Print Media Entrance Exams

Admission to a majority of colleges/ universities offering mass communication and journalism courses is done on the basis of candidates’ performance in the written entrance exam followed by a personal interview round. The written exam contains objective type multiple choice questions on topics like English, Logical Reasoning, Current Affairs, General Awareness, Media Awareness etc. However, some institutions also offer direct admission to candidates on the basis of their performance in the qualifying exam (Class XII or graduation). Some of the popular mass communication and journalism entrance exams are as follows:

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Skills Required For Print Media

Achieving success in print media requires some skill sets apart from a professional degree. These skills not only help you adapt to the working style of this field but also pave the way for your success. The skills required to make a career in print media are given below:

Good command of language	General knowledge	Ability to collect information and report incidents quickly
Good writing ability	Graphics or photographic skills	Curiosity and determination
Critical thinker	Persistent and creative	Ability to meet deadlines
Good typing speed	Willing to travel frequently for covering news	Outstanding communication skills
Inquisitive nature	Keen interest in people-related issues	Observation skills

Print Media Syllabus

Candidates have the option of many courses to get into this field. The subjects taught in these courses depend on the level of the course. The topics of some courses are given below.

PG Diploma in Print Journalism
Communication	Important Models of Communication	Theories of Communication
Media History	Media Laws	Journalistic Ethics
Computer Basics	New Media & Digital Photography	Internet and Networking
Magazine Journalism Basics	Magazine Production	Feature
Opinion Writing	News- Management Policy & Opinion Writing	Editing- principles
Editing of Copies	Headlines	Reporting: Concept and Definition
Reporters	Types of Reporting	Press Conference
Beat Reporting	Concept & Process of Development	Development Journalism
Communication and Development	Media and Development	Media & NGOs
Development Communication in the Indian Context	Media Language: Structure, Style & Translation	Practical Assignment
Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC)
Writing for Media	Socio-Economic & Political Scenario	Introduction to Communication
Basics of Design & Graphics	History of Print & Broadcasting in India	Print Journalism
Media Laws & Ethics	Still Photography	Development & Communication
Radio Journalism & Production	Basics of Camera, Lights & Sound	Television Journalism & Production
Public Relations	New Media	Advertising Practices
Event Management: Principles & Method	Media Research	Media Organisation & Management

Career in Print Media

A career in print media gives you a chance to infuse new thinking and revolutionize society. Not only this, but you also get the opportunity to meet and interview eminent personalities from different fields from time to time. There are many job profiles in print media with different roles and responsibilities, which are explained in detail here:

Job Profiles	Job Description	Annual Salary (in INR)
Sub Editor	Sub-Editors finalise the story filed by the reporters. They edit and add statistics (where applicable) to the story keeping in mind the general policy of newspapers or magazines and present each report fairly. Sub-editors are adept and able to identify potential doubts, complications, mistakes, inconsistencies and lack of adherence to the newspaper's style in the story.	3 lakh
Editor	Newspaper editors have good knowledge of newspaper laws. Their work involves putting forth innovative ideas, establishing a publishing style, and coordinating team efforts. They also play an important role in finding new writers. Large establishments also have an associate or assistant editors who handle specific topics such as sports, international news, local news, supplements, special pullouts, etc.	4 lakh
Cartoonist/Illustrator	Cartoons or illustrations have a different significance in print media. A cartoonist or illustrator presents current events in the form of sarcasm or humour.	7 lakh
Layout Designer	Layout designers are experts in page composition. They work with graphic designers to determine the appropriate layout for printed pages. Their responsibilities include observing the balance of page text and images and maintaining the correct flow for the convenience of the readers.	4.2 lakh
Freelancers	Candidates can also work as freelance journalists for newspapers and magazines. They are not a regular employee of any establishment and write for more than one newspaper or magazine. They are paid according to the number of articles they write.	4 lakh
Columnist	Columnists are basically experts in their fields like politics, sports, entertainment, science etc. They are highly experienced and write articles expressing their views on contemporary issues related to their field.	6.8 lakh
Photojournalists	They are also called news photographers. Photojournalists tell stories through pictures. Candidates interested in photography should have the ability to connect pictures to news.	4.6 lakh
Communications Manager	A communications manager has a range of responsibilities from interacting with writers to ensuring the profitable operation of the outlet. Communication managers should have sound knowledge of brand management, marketing and promotion knowledge.	10 lakh
Reporter/Correspondent/Journalist	The job of a journalist/reporter is considered to be the most challenging as it is his/her responsibility to cover the incidents with complete honesty and integrity. The main responsibilities of a journalist include reporting local, state, national and international events; presenting different perspectives on contemporary issues and monitoring the actions of public officials. Journalists also often have to travel to other cities or countries to report a major incident as a correspondent.	3.8 lakh

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FAQs on Print Media

Q. Can I pursue a course in print media after class 12?

A. Yes, you can pursue a diploma or an undergraduate degree course in print media after completing class 12 in any stream.

Q. Which are the areas of employment after pursuing a course in print media?

A. Candidates can work in daily and weekly newspapers and magazines of various fields, such as fashion magazines, women's magazines, science magazines, current affairs magazines, travel and lifestyle magazines etc.

Q. What is the average course fee for a UG course in print media?

A. The course fee for the UG course in Print Media ranges from INR 30,000 to INR 3 Lakh. The fees of government colleges and universities are less as compared to private institutions.

Q. What factors should I keep in mind while selecting a college for print media course?

A. Before selecting a college, candidates must know about the faculty of the college, the placement and internship opportunities offered and the syllabus being taught. Apart from this, it is also important to pay attention to the ranking of the college.

Q. Which are the popular colleges for print media courses?

A. Some of the popular institutes offering courses related to print media and journalism are:

Q. What are the important job profiles after doing a course in print media?

A. Candidates can work as journalists, correspondents, sub-editors, cartoonists, photojournalists, layout designers, graphic designers, brand managers, editors etc. in a newspaper or a magazine.

Q. Which are the popular courses for print media?

A. Candidates can pursue courses like PG Diploma in Print Media, BJMC, BMC, BJ, BA in Journalism & Mass Communication, BSc in Journalism & Mass Communication, MJMC etc to make a career in print media.

Q. Which are the top recruiters for print media?

A. There are many big media houses which actively hire candidates like The Hindu, Indian Express, Jagran Prakashan Ltd, Times Group, India Today, Vogue, Outlook, Business Today and many others.

Q. What is the admission process to a print media course?

A. Most colleges admit candidates through entrance exams. To qualify for these entrance exams candidates must prepare in advance. Some colleges also give admission on the basis of merit.

Q. Which are the popular entrance exams for print media courses?

A. Some university-level or state-level entrance exams are – IIMC Entrance Exam, XIC OET, DUET, ACJ Entrance Exam, UPU CET, Jamia Milia Islamia Entrance Exam etc.

Q. What is the remuneration offered in this field?

A. Remuneration in this field depends on the institution one is working with. Normally the remuneration of journalists and sub-editors ranges from INR 3 LPA to INR 5 LPA, while senior journalists and editors are offered between INR 8 LPA to INR 12 LPA. Apart from this, field journalists are also given travel and lodging expenses.

Popular Print Media Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Print Media Colleges in India. Learn more about these Print Media colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.

Indian Institute of Journalism and New MediaBangalore

Admission '23 Placement

Print Media Courses

1 Course

Exams

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Total Tuition Fees

₹4.6 L

Placement Rating

4.0

Course Rating

4.01