NUJ Training: Careers In Journalism
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bullet  Code of Conduct
bullet  Foreword
bullet  Join the NUJ
bullet  Introduction
bullet  What Journalists Do
bullet  Types of Journalism
bullet  Starting Out
bullet  Local & National Newspapers
bullet  National and Local News Agencies
bullet  Freelancing and Casual Work
bullet  Magazines and Periodicals
bullet  Book Publishing
bullet  Press and Public Relations
bullet  Radio and Television
bullet  On-line/New Media
bullet  Career Development
bullet  Ten Questions To Ask about Journalism Courses
bullet  Ten Dos and Don’ts when Looking for Work
bullet  Frequently Asked Questions
bullet  So Why Did You Become a Journalist?
bullet  Web Resources
bullet  Print Resources
bullet  Addresses
bullet  Glossary
bullet  Student work experience guidelines

 

Magazines and Periodicals

The job
Working for magazines and periodicals covers a huge range of topics, employers and working conditions. There are more than 9,000 titles in production today, ranging from glossy consumer magazines to trade newsletters.

Writers may cover specific areas of an industry - new products, research developments, what the industry’s leaders are saying or doing - or may be specialists in particular fields. As with local newspapers, most magazine journalists will be expected to write both news and features from the start.

The vast majority of magazines are run with very few staff (sometimes no more than one or two individuals) and all other services - copy, illustration, photography, and design and print - are bought in. So magazine journalists must often be all-rounders with particular skills in dealing with contributors, commissioning, copyright and liaising with printers and other suppliers.

Career paths
In recent years the proliferation of magazine titles means there are many more opportunities for journalists. Magazines are usually better paid than local newspapers or local radio but in most cases not as well paid as national newspapers or broadcasting. Many local newspaper journalists make the transition to magazines after gaining a few years experience.

Qualifications
Routes into magazine journalism include degrees and pre-entry qualifications. The Periodicals Training Council is the main accrediting body in the industry and advises on a number of industry-backed schemes, including degrees, short courses, pre-entry, postgraduate and degree courses.

However, informal routes are also common. Some magazine journalists may start out in secretarial or clerical jobs. Those showing an interest may rise comparatively quickly. Quite a few magazine journalists start out as specialists in another field and move into the publishing niche which serves that field.
ENDS

Date added: 2006-08-18
Last modified: Wednesday, August 6, 2008
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