The profession of a journalist is quite multifaceted and creative. Representatives of this field of activity combine the collection of relevant information and the creation of deep analytical materials in their work. Sometimes the concepts of "journalist" and "correspondent" refer to synonyms. However, these professions have a number of differences.
Reporter profession
The word "correspondent" in translation from German means "inform." The scope of this employee includes: collecting and searching for relevant information, transferring it from the place of events. Correspondents are also involved in creating news blocks and news reports from the scene. An employee can be both on staff and off-site. A correspondent present directly at the scene is a reporter. These specialists are required in various media (print, electronic, television). The first correspondents appeared in the 18th century. In modern society, there are narrow specializations. We are talking about television and photo correspondents.
In addition to collecting information and creating stories, the scope of activities of reporters includes conducting interviews and investigations (collecting important information, creating an integrated television story).
The main requirements for the correspondent are as follows:
- higher education (majoring in Journalism);
- sociability;
- perfect literacy;
- experience in creating text and photo materials.
Also, working in the modern edition requires fluency in a foreign language, knowledge of certain areas (sports, politics, culture) and readiness for long business trips. In addition, a person who has decided to connect his life with working in the media should improve his skills in working with computer programs and various equipment. The fact is that the main task of the correspondent is to collect operational information.
The advantages of the profession include the following nuances:
- free work schedule;
- constant self-development;
- the correspondent is always in the spotlight and is able to gain a certain fame;
- the reporter gets a chance as part of his work to travel the world and communicate with interesting and influential people.
A media representative has many steps in the career ladder. Over time, a newcomer may well claim the role of lead correspondent.
However, in addition to the advantages, there are some disadvantages. For example, a hotspot correspondent often experiences deep stress and puts his life in danger. Also, the reporter needs to look for an individual approach to each interlocutor who can not always open up and answer a particular question.
Journalist profession
This area of activity involves not only the collection of information, but also its analysis. The work of a journalist is quite responsible and multifaceted. He is withgains the necessary information and on its basis creates high-quality material, guided by facts. A journalist not only collects information but also analyzes, edits. The first journalists appeared in ancient Rome. In those days, people wrote important news on clay boards. As a separate field of activity, journalism arose in the 18th century and instantly became a powerful tool for influencing society. Modern media are not only a source of information, but act as a platform for the formation of public opinion. Sometimes the popularity of a publication depends on the creative potential of a journalist.
The profession of a journalist implies the existence of a higher education (specialty "Journalism"). A person should feel their native language and correctly express their thoughts. Do not forget about communication skills. It is important for the interviewer to talk to his interlocutor and get answers to his questions. A journalist should be objective and stress-resistant. Extra emotions in this profession are not welcome. A modern specialist should have perfect knowledge of the native and foreign languages, have impeccable literacy and be able to express their thoughts briefly and logically.
The journalist should not be afraid of barriers in collecting this or that information and always move towards the set goal. An important factor is the ability of the employee to find an individual approach to the respondent. Also, a journalist should be able to create an art test from dry press releases. In addition, knowledge of the Media Law and applicable law is important in his work. An aspiring journalist, if desired and hard work, can become the editor-in-chief of an influential publication.
In the modern world, analytical journalists in the field of politics, fashion and art are especially popular.
Differences and General Features
Naturally, the concepts of “journalist” and “correspondent” are close. Both are representatives of the media and act as informants for society. However, the difference in these professions is still obvious. So, we can draw certain conclusions.
- The journalist is different from the correspondent (reporter) wide specialization, which includes not only the collection of information, but also editing, text analysis and printing.
- The correspondent collects operational information on a principle here and now.. A journalist can prepare an article using material from different time layers. He also has the skills of processing documents made in a business style.
- The reporter is most often a full-time unit. While a journalist can be a freelance artist and combine writing articles with another area of activity.
- Journalists often specialize in a particular topic. (politics, economics, sports, art, science or medicine). It is no coincidence that many large companies publish corporate magazines and newspapers. Reporters do not always have a binding to a particular topic.
