Print Media

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.
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:
- Jamia Millia Islamia Entrance Exam
- XIC OET
- IIMC Entrance Exam
- FTII JET
- JNUEE
- CUET
- LPU NEST
- IPUCET
- DUET
Also Read:
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 |
Read More:
- BA in Journalism And Mass Communication & BSc in Journalism And Mass Communication: Key Differences
- Top 10 Mass Communication Colleges in Delhi
FAQs on Print Media
Q. Can I pursue a course in print media after class 12?
Q. Which are the areas of employment after pursuing a course in print media?
Q. What is the average course fee for a UG course in print media?
Q. What factors should I keep in mind while selecting a college for print media course?
Q. Which are the popular colleges for print media courses?
- Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi
- Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
- Asian College of Journalism, Chennai
- Bharatiya Vidhya Bhavan
- Manipal Institute of Communication, Manipal
- Manorama School of Communication, Kottayam
- St. Xavier's Institute of Communication, Mumbai
- Symbiosis International University, Pune
Q. What are the important job profiles after doing a course in print media?
Q. Which are the popular courses for print media?
Q. Which are the top recruiters for print media?
Q. What is the admission process to a print media course?
Q. Which are the popular entrance exams for print media courses?
Q. What is the remuneration offered in this field?
Popular Print Media Colleges in India
Popular Private Print Media Colleges in India
Most Popular Courses
Popular Courses
- B.A. in Journalism and Mass CommunicationJagran Lakecity University
- PG Diploma in Mass Communication and JournalismNational Institute of Mass Communication and Journalism (NIMCJ)
- M.Sc. in Media ScienceiLEAD Institute of Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Development
- M.A. in Journalism and Mass CommunicationCMS Bangalore
Popular Print Media UG Courses in India
UG Courses
- UG Diploma
8 Colleges
- B.A.
4 Colleges
- B.J.M.C.
1 College
- B.M.M.
1 College
- B.Sc.
1 College
Popular Print Media PG Courses in India
PG Courses
- M.A.
13 Colleges
- PG Diploma
11 Colleges
- M.J.M.C.
2 Colleges
- M.Sc.
2 Colleges
- MBA/PGDM
2 Colleges
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May 23, 2023
May 11, 2023
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