Digital Journalism

Digital journalism is the professional practice of reporting and publishing news stories exclusively online. Digital journalists cover events live, often breaking news in real-time. Digital journalism, sometimes referred to as online or netizen journalism, is a modern kind of journalism in which editorial content is disseminated online rather than through print or broadcast media. Scholars disagree on what exactly qualifies as digital journalism, but news and features about current events are the primary result of journalism, and they are distributed via digital media technology either exclusively or along with other media in the form of text, audio, video, or interactive forms like news games or storytelling stories. Candidates who want to start their careers in digital journalism often pursue a BA in Digital Journalism.

The BA in Digital Journalism is a three-year undergraduate programme that is primarily pursued by students who have completed their 10+2 with an aggregate score of at least 50% (depending on the institution) in any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts). The programme not only teaches students specific skills that will improve their knowledge but also prepares them for job ready upon completion of the course. Admission to the Digital Journalism programme is primarily based on merit, but some universities accept entrance exams such as CUET. The course fee for Digital Journalism can vary somewhere between INR 1.50 - 2 LPA. 

Upon completing BA Digital Journalism job-ready assured programs, candidates can seamlessly transition into the media and entertainment sector. They can take on roles as digital marketing executives, digital media managers, digital media executives, web developers, content writers, digital media strategists, digital social media analysts, etc with an average annual salary between INR 9 lakh and INR 12 lakh.

The following are some of the major BA in Digital Journalism course highlights.

With a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Digital Journalism, students can get prepared for careers in the dynamic and fast-paced media and communication industries. The foundations of journalism, including news reporting and writing, are taught to students in the course. This course enables them to learn about how to use technology to produce digital, broadcast, and print content. A wider range of mass communication topics, such as media management, public relations, and advertising, are also covered in the programme.

Other reasons for considering a BA in Digital Journalism include:

• Adaptability: Through the use of technology, audience participation, and personal adaptability, students learn how to adjust to the rapidly changing media landscape.
• Jobs for interns: Internships that are engaging and practical may be available to students, which can increase their awareness of global issues.
• Individual growth: By guiding students from theory to practice, the programme can offer chances for learning and personal growth.

Online BA in Digital Journalism course can be pursued at Penn State University which provides an online programme to the candidates who opt for distance or online learning programmes. The course duration of an online BA in Digital Journalism is 48 months.

An online BA in Digital Journalism course prepares students to report and publish news stories for online audiences. Students learn how to conduct research, write, edit, and publish news in a variety of formats, such as text, images, videos, and interactive elements. The course also discusses social networking, blogging, media distribution, and device optimisation. 

The various BA in Digital Journalism course options are listed below:

• Full-time BA in Digital Journalism Course: A regular undergraduate degree programme provides students with a comprehensive education in animation and visual effects.
• Online BA in Digital Journalism Course: Online courses are becoming increasingly popular because they allow students to study whenever and wherever it is most convenient for them.

To be accepted into a BA in Digital Journalism course, students must meet the following eligibility criteria.

• Academic Qualification: Candidates must have completed class 12 exams from any stream and from a recognised board.
• Minimum Marks: Candidates must have a minimum aggregate of 50% in their 12th exams. 

Note: The eligibility criteria may differ depending on the college. Therefore, applicants are asked to go over the specifications provided by the college they are interested in.

Skills Required for BA in Digital Journalism

Digital journalism blends traditional journalistic skills with technological expertise. Some skills necessary for digital journalism include:

• Writing and reporting: Broadcast journalists must be able to express themselves clearly on paper.
• Multimedia storytelling: Journalists must be able to shoot videos, take photographs, and write.
• Digital literacy: Students should have a basic understanding of digital literacy and online safety.
• Search engine optimisation (SEO): To be seen online, journalists must be aware of SEO strategies.
• Data analysis: Information gathering and verification, data analysis, and report analysis are all critical research skills for journalists.

Other skills required for digital journalism include interviewing, communication, attention to detail, and persistence.

BA in Digital Journalism admission is primarily based on merit, but some universities accept entrance exams such as CUET. Thus, the admissions process varies by university or college.

The following are the admission process for BA in Digital Journalism in India:

• Entrance-Based BA in Digital Journalism Admissions
• Merit-Based BA in Digital Journalism Admissions

Entrance-Based BA in Digital Journalism Admissions

The admission process for BA in Digital Journalism varies by college, but the general steps are as follows:

Step 1: Submit your online application for the BA in Digital Journalism.

Step 2: Pay the registration fee and any additional fees that may apply if admission is granted on the basis of merit. Candidates for entrance-based BA in Digital Journalism admissions must take and pass a test.

Step 3: Candidates who have been shortlisted will be invited to the subsequent rounds of the selection process, which could involve one-on-one interviews, focus groups, or counselling.

Step 4: To be admitted to the BA in Digital Journalism programme, candidates must finish all previous steps and submit every necessary document and fee.

Direct BA in Digital Journalism Admission Process Without Entrance Exam

The majority of colleges and universities use merit to determine who gets into their BA in Digital Journalism programmes. A written 10+2 exam, a series of in-person interviews, and/or the results of a pertinent qualifying exam will determine which candidates are accepted into the BA in Digital Journalism programme. In these situations, the selection of candidates usually takes into account both their academic records and their performance on a prior relevant exam.

BA in Digital Journalism course fees range from INR 1.50 to 2 LPA. Course fees for BA in Digital Journalism may vary between colleges. Because of its infrastructure and facilities, a government-funded institute charges lower fees than a private institute. 

A BA in Digital Journalism's course offerings vary depending on the college or university, but the following list includes some of the most common subjects and syllabi. 

Broadcast journalism: Covers the principles and practices of broadcast journalism, including writing and producing news segments, using technology to enhance broadcasts, and different formats used in television and radio news.

New media: Includes subjects related to communication, content management, design, and digital marketing.

Environment journalism: Introduces students to the laws and ethics that apply to journalism in any society.

Media and mass media: Covers topics such as the definition of media, its functions, its role in democracy, the functioning of news agencies, and the classification of news media.

Digital media: This may include online and digital research methods, particularly big data analytics, and the application of digital media in various media practices. 

• Other subjects that may be included in a digital journalism course syllabus are:
• Specialised reporting and feature writing
• Media arts
• Mass media and industry
• Public relations and corporate communication
• Research
• Communication skills
• Behavioural communication and relationship management
• Foreign language
• Media planning and broad management
• Media laws and ethics 

Given that a BA in Digital Journalism is a relatively new specialisation, only a few colleges in India offer it. Here's a list of the top colleges for this course.

There are numerous career options available in India for those who choose to pursue a career in digital journalism, including public relations, digital media, traditional reporting, and more. Digital journalism is a dynamic and ever-evolving field with lots of new opportunities presented by the digital landscape. Because of its significant impact on democracy and society, journalism is regarded as a promising career in India. The pay for a career in digital journalism in India can be very lucrative, and it can increase with experience. 

Top job profiles following a BA in Digital Journalism include: 

BA in Digital Journalism Top Recruiters

Some of the top recruiters for BA in Digital Journalism are:

• Outlook Group
• Times Internet 
• Colorbar 
• Avds 
• NDTV
• Network 18 and many more

BA in Digital Journalism Employment Area

Following the completion of digital journalism courses, candidates can choose from a wide range of career options. Those candidates who want to work as editors for news organisations, anchors, or agencies will find that taking journalism courses is very beneficial. However, there are numerous ways for a digital journalism graduate to pursue a secure career path across a range of industries and job roles. The following are a few job opportunities in India for a recent digital journalism graduate: 

• TV Channels
• PR and Media Management Agencies
• Newspapers
• Online Web Content Creation
• Radio Stations
• Digital Firms
• Media Houses

BA in Digital Journalism Job Ready - Average CTC

Candidates who complete the BA in Digital Journalism Job Ready course can expect to earn between INR 9 L and INR 12 LPA on average. However, the average CTC varies depending on the job role and company. The following are some average CTCs for BA in Digital Journalism Job Ready positions.

Note: The salaries mentioned above are subject to change.

BA in Digital Journalism offers numerous career and job opportunities. It has recently become one of the fastest-growing fields, on par with, if not faster than, the technology industry. Some of the BA in Digital Journalism courses are listed below.

• MA in Communication and Journalism
• MA in Advertisement, Entertainment and Media
• Masters Degree in Multimedia
• Masters Degree in Communication