In case you areconsidering a career in journalism, this article will help you understand allwhat is needed to become a reporter, writer or news anchor in Kenya.
Who’sa Journalist?
AJournalist is a professional trained to research and write about topics thatappeal to the public. They have the ability to collect factual information andtransform it into written words.
Degree desired: Bachelor’s Degree
Field of study: Journalism, English and literature, communication, rhetoric and writing, composition, social and behavioral sciences.
Key skills: Critical thinking, persuasive communication skills, keen to detail, motivated, persistence, interpersonal skills, accuracy, ability to meet deadlines.
Job Salary expectation: Ksh. 36,000- 700,000
Whatdoes a Journalist do?
They write and reportnews stories about everything, from social issues and politics to sports andentertainment, anchoring a newscast and producing different content, presentinginformation to the audience, they educate and inform the public about differentissues affecting their lives. They peruse press releases and developing storyideas and verifying facts.
Some of the top TV stations in Kenya include Citizen TV, KTN, NTV, K24 and KBC
Steps of becoming a Journalist
- Education
One of the keys tostarting a career in journalism is getting your Bachelor’s Degree which oftentakes four years to complete. To pursue this in university, you ought to havean average grade of C+ and above and B plain and above in English. Based on thetype of journalism for example investigative or broadcast, you should choose amajor that will help you learn about that specific field. A master’s degree can equip you withmore skills for a more lucrative and senior position.
- Completean internship
Participating in aninternship with different media houses will help you gain exposure to your fieldof study. You will also be able to handle factual information or even take partin compiling the final information before it is published or aired out.
- Establishconnections
Networking is importantin any field and so it is in communications-focused fields like journalism thatrely on strong professional networks. The best way to do this is by approachingdifferent media houses, reporters or editors you admire and connect with them.Afterwards express yourself, state your skills, experience and the goals youwish to achieve. Ask for any advice or support which can propel you throughyour career.
- Jobopportunities
As a Journalist, youcan search for jobs in these media houses among many others; KBC, Radio AfricaGroup, Royal media services, Nation Media Group, Mediamax communication group,Standard media group, which are regulated by the Communication Commission ofKenya.
- GroupAssociation
Joining an associationthat safeguards interests and rights of journalists will give you anopportunity to enjoy the benefits of being a member. Such benefits are;networking, getting information about different educational and also jobopportunities. You can register as a member in The Media Council of Kenya whichis an independent national institution made for journalists among other mediarelated careers.
Being accredited by theMedia Council of Kenya makes it easy for you to cover events in restricted areaslike Parliament, State House, Courts e.t.c
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