Types of Journalism - Which is Right for You?

Types of Journalism : Journalism is one of the known and demanding course in the present era. Over the years, journalism has evolved to encompass a diverse range of practices and approaches, each tailored to different audiences and purposes. The different types of journalism includes photojournalism, broadcast journalism, investigative journalism, sports journalism, business journalism, print journalism, entertainment journalism, political journalism, and crime journalism. They serve distinct and crucial functions, from uncovering hidden truths through investigative reporting to providing timely updates on current events. Whether it’s the in-depth analysis of business journalism, the human interest stories of feature journalism, or the engaging narratives of lifestyle journalism, each type of journalism offers unique opportunities to explore different aspects of the world and contribute to public understanding. Whether you are drawn to the visual storytelling of photojournalism, the immediacy of broadcast journalism, or the analytical depth of investigative journalism, there is a niche for every interest in the diverse landscape of journalism. Explore different types of journalism to find where your passion lies!

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What is Journalism?

Types of Journalism in India

Various types of Journalism can be put under certain categories to understand them better. However, it should be noted that all types of Journalism come under the bigger umbrella of Mass Communication, as do most Journalism courses. Let us understand various Journalism categories.

• Photojournalism
• Broadcast journalism
• Investigative Journalism
• Sports Journalism
• Tabloid Journalism
• Data Journalism
• Political Journalism
• Business Journalism
• Print Journalism
• Entertainment Journalism

Types of Journalism Regarding Hard News

Hard news and soft news are broadly classified based on the kind of information they provide. Hard news mostly includes serious factual stories about politics, current affairs, government, crime, and business.

1. Investigative Journalism: Investigative Journalism involves objectively uncovering the hidden truth or facts on a given matter, person, topic of interest, or event. An investigative journalist finds the facts by studying cases that require much effort. They expose scandals for propaganda by making headlines. Due to the complex procedure, a single case can sometimes take months to years to finish. So, to become a successful investigative journalist, one must possess knowledge, patience, and persistence. There are several colleges offering investigative journalism courses.

2. Political Journalism: This is considered one of the serious types of Journalism. The field of political Journalism can be broken down into three categories: international political news, national political news, and local political news. A journalist whose niche is political news must have an in-depth knowledge of political events, political figures, bodies, election campaigns, policies, their impact, and the aftermath and then report the news unbiasedly. A political journalist needs to deliver a piece of information to the audience without impacting it due to a personal opinion. So, it would not be too much to say that being a political journalist is a tough and risky job because if your news is hindered by your personal opinions, it can make you look bad in common people’s eyes.

3. Crime Journalism: A crime journalist writes and researches criminal events for media outlets like newspapers, television, magazines, or other platforms. The journalists conduct interviews and also attend court hearings. From murder to some manipulation in the stock market, anything against the code of law is a criminal offense. So, a crime journalist covers all kinds of crimes be it a mysterious homicide or money embezzlement at an MNC.

4. Business Journalism​​​​​​: Free flow of communication between two businesses or companies is healthy for a country’s economy. Because of this communication, the economy remains highly interlinked. For instance, a finished product of one company could be used as a raw material at some other company. Policies adopted by a major organization can affect a huge part of the economy. A merger of two giants can impact the turnover of many small organizations. So, to promote all of this, a business journalist delivers information on business news. These journalists talk about the stock market, big mergers, stakeholders, etc.

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Types of Journalism Regarding Soft News

Soft news covers less serious issues like celebrities, arts, sports, and culture. Check out the types of Journalism based on soft news below.

1. Arts Journalism

This type of Journalism is for people who love art. Arts Journalism covers various forms of art, such as music, dance, films, literature, painting, drama, poetry, etc. An arts journalist analyses trends in the art world and shares the information with a related audience. Since art Journalism is quite popular amongst the audience, many news agencies hire art journalists to gather news in the field.

2. Celebrity Journalism

It is one of those types of Journalism that has been very popular. The word ‘paparazzi’ has become very well-known in the past few years. This term is designated to celebrity journalists. A journalist in this field works to gather information on celebrities about their personal lives, movies, shows, or public appearances. A celebrity journalist also interviews celebrities and reports gossip as fans always want to know what is happening in the lives of the people they admire. A large number of the audience enjoys watching and reading about their favorite celebrities.

3. Education Journalism

Education Journalism deals with reporting different developments and events happening in the field of education. These education Journalism reports help a policymaker to implement new education policies, when in need. The main focus of an education journalist is to increase awareness about the education system and to encourage students to opt for higher education. Usually, the target group for education Journalism is students, researchers, and teachers.

4. Sports Journalism

As the name suggests, a sports journalist covers news related to a sports series, event, or a sportsperson. This type of journalism comes with additional perks like watching live sports events and traveling to different places, and it even provides you with the opportunity to meet and interview sportspeople. To work in this field, one is required to know about sports, must be omnipresent, and should have good communication skills.

5. Lifestyle Journalism

Another well-known form among the types of journalism is lifestyle journalism. In recent times, people’s interest in knowing about different lifestyles has increased. Lifestyle Journalism serves this purpose by delivering news related to leisure, music, cooking, gardening, entertainment, home decor, fashion, shopping, exercise, yoga, and healthy eating habits. This type of Journalism helps readers know the tips to lead a healthy and better lifestyle.

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Types of Journalism Based on the Medium of Delivery

Based on the medium of news delivery, there are three Journalism categories: TV and Radio Journalism/ Broadcast Journalism, Print Journalism, and Online Journalism.

1. Cyber/ Online/ Digital Journalism

Cyber Journalism, also known as online/ digital Journalism, is the latest type of Journalism. As the name suggests, it deals with delivering content on different internet platforms. After the introduction of the World Wide Web (WWW) and the Internet, the whole world has become a virtual global village. With several easily accessible platforms, cyber or online Journalism has risen in popularity. Several channels dedicated to Journalism are followed on YouTube. Various TV and Print media houses have started going digital through blogs, websites, YouTube, and social media applications.

2. Print Journalism

This type of Journalism deals with delivering news through newspapers, magazines, etc. Since these mediums can hold the same news or information as other mediums, a journalist can work for both print and some other media at the same time. Print Journalism is the most popular of all Journalism courses. Now, whether print Journalism is dying or not, that only time will tell. But this topic has been in conflict for a long time now. The higher costs of material, lower subscription numbers, and the increment in other easily accessible media platforms have had a huge impact on print Journalism.

3. Broadcast/ TV/ Radio Journalism

It is one of those Journalism categories that deal with broadcasting news through television or radio. Both of these mediums are widely used and possess unique characteristics. A reason why TV Journalism is more popular than print Journalism is that it does not only deliver news for the eyes but the ears as well. Audio-visual experience provided to the audience through TV Journalism engages them. This Journalism has large budgets and resources that help journalists create high-quality content. Unlike TV, radio includes much interaction with the target audience. However, it usually gathers a limited number of participants as the broadcasting is done live. Radio channels usually have smaller budgets than TV channels, causing limitations in covering fewer stories.

Eligibility for Different Types of Journalism Courses

• For Certification Journalism courses, candidates must have passed 10+2.

• For Diploma Journalism courses, candidates must have passed 10+2 with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks.

• For PG Diploma Journalism courses, it is mandatory for the students to have completed a diploma or an undergraduate Journalism course.

• To enroll in UG Journalism courses, candidates must have passed 10+2 with a minimum of 55% marks and qualified for an entrance exam (if any).

• To become eligible for PG Journalism courses, students must have successfully passed an undergraduate Journalism course with at least 50-55% marks and qualified for an entrance exam (if applicable).

• Candidates completing a UG and PG Journalism course with a minimum of 50-55% aggregate marks and qualifying for a national or university-level entrance exam such as UGC NET, IIT JAM, etc., become eligible for Doctoral Journalism courses.

Top Journalism Courses

Top Colleges Offering Different Types of Journalism

The most eminent colleges in India offering Journalism courses are as follows.

Syllabus for Different Types of Journalism

Check the table below to know about the syllabuses for different specializations under Journalism.

All types of journalism have their own way of functioning and challenges. Some require extreme focus and consciousness, whereas others are more relaxed. If you are preparing to choose journalism as your future, you might start preparing for some entrance exams to pursue journalism at reputed colleges. So, which type of Journalism suits you the best is up to your preferences.

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