When 14-year-old Kabir borrowed his father’s old camcorder to “report” from his school’s annual function, no one imagined it was the start of something bigger.
He created a mock news segment, complete with interviews, dramatic background music, and a hilarious sign-off: “Reporting live from the school ground, this is Kabir Sharma.”
It wasn’t perfect, but something clicked. He didn’t just want to watch the news. He wanted to be the one telling it — live, fast, and in front of a camera.
That’s the spark of a broadcast journalist — someone who thrives on immediacy, clarity, and the power of presence.
Here’s how you (or your child) can turn that spark into a lifelong career.
What Is Broadcast Journalism?
Broadcast journalism is the field of news reporting via television, radio, and online video platforms. It includes:
- News Anchoring
- Field Reporting
- Radio Journalism
- Video Production
- Scriptwriting for TV/Radio
- News Editing and Direction
Unlike print, broadcasting is visual and auditory — every pause, expression, and frame matters. It’s journalism with a camera lens or a microphone in hand.
Why Choose Broadcast Journalism?
Broadcast journalism is for those who:
- Are strong communicators
- Love storytelling through visuals
- Can think on their feet
- Are comfortable in front of (or behind) the camera
- Thrive under deadlines
With India’s growing appetite for TV and digital news, there’s never been a better time to pursue this dynamic career.
Step-by-Step: Becoming a Broadcast Journalist in India
1. Start Early (Class 6–10)
The journey begins with curiosity and confidence.
- Participate in elocution, debates, and theatre
- Watch good-quality news shows (DD News, NDTV, BBC)
- Practice reading aloud and storytelling
- Start recording mock interviews or voiceovers
- Maintain a journal of news headlines
This is the practice without pressure stage — build voice, articulation, and observation.
2. Class 11–12: Choose a Stream That Supports Communication
The Humanities stream is ideal, but broadcast journalists come from all backgrounds.
📚 Helpful subjects:
- English
- Political Science
- History
- Psychology
- Media Studies (if offered)
🎤 Tip: Participate in Model United Nations (MUNs) or host your school’s events. These help develop stage presence and articulation — crucial for TV/radio careers.
3. Undergraduate Courses in Broadcast Journalism
After Class 12, go for a Bachelor’s degree with a specialization in mass communication or broadcast media.
🎓 Top UG Courses:
- BA in Journalism and Mass Communication
- BMM (Bachelor of Mass Media)
- BA in Media Studies with Broadcast Electives
- BA in Broadcast Journalism (less common but growing)
🏛️ Top Colleges:
- Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune
- Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) – offers post-grad but great short-term courses
- Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai
- Delhi University – BA (H) Journalism (with some broadcast modules)
- Christ University, Bengaluru
- Amity School of Communication, Noida
- Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi – AJK Mass Communication Research Centre (renowned for TV & film)
4. Postgraduate Specialization (Optional but Powerful)
For deeper training or a career switch, go for:
- MA in Broadcast Journalism
- PG Diploma in TV & Radio Journalism (IIMC, Jamia, FTII)
- Diploma in Anchoring, News Production, or Video Editing
International options include Columbia Journalism School (USA), Cardiff (UK), and Sciences Po (France).
Essential Skills to Build
Broadcast journalism is equal parts journalism and performance. Key skills include:
- Voice modulation and diction
- Camera confidence
- Live reporting skills
- Scriptwriting for audio/video
- Understanding visual composition
- Research and verification
- Editing tools like Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro
Many colleges now offer studio training, but nothing beats real-world practice.
What to Do Outside the Classroom
🎯 Boost your visibility and skills with real-world exposure:
- Intern with news channels (NDTV, ABP, India Today, Doordarshan)
- Start your own YouTube news segment or podcast
- Host events or webinars
- Practice voiceovers and video scripts
- Cover local stories using your phone — field practice is priceless
📱 Bonus: Learn mobile journalism (MoJo) — it’s the future.
Famous Indian Broadcast Journalists to Inspire You
🎙️ Ravish Kumar (NDTV)
Calm, composed, and one of India’s most awarded anchors. His shows are masterclasses in ethical broadcast journalism.
🎙️ Faye D’Souza
Started in TV news, now a digital powerhouse known for clear, citizen-focused reporting.
🎙️ Barkha Dutt
Began with NDTV; covered Kargil War, multiple elections, and disasters. Known for field reporting under extreme conditions.
🎙️ Rajdeep Sardesai
A veteran anchor with deep political insight and years of live studio experience.
🎙️ Shereen Bhan (CNBC-TV18)
India’s leading business news anchor, known for finance and corporate reporting.
These are more than faces on screens — they are voices of credibility and symbols of trust.
Job Roles in Broadcast Journalism
With the right training and portfolio, you can take up roles such as:
- News Anchor / TV Presenter
- Field Reporter
- Radio Jockey / Audio Journalist
- News Producer
- Video Editor / Cameraperson
- Scriptwriter
- Digital Broadcaster / MoJo Reporter
You can work with:
- National and regional TV channels (Zee News, NDTV, Aaj Tak)
- Radio stations (All India Radio, Radio Mirchi, Red FM)
- Digital video platforms (The Quint, Brut India, Mojo Story)
- YouTube news channels (start your own too!)
The Broadcast Edge: Why It’s Different
Broadcast journalism offers the thrill of live reporting, the power of visual storytelling, and the reach of mass media. It demands quick thinking, emotional resilience, and strong ethics — but gives back influence and impact.
Final Word: Make Your Voice Matter
Today, Kabir hosts a youth news show on a regional digital channel. He’s not yet a household name, but he’s doing what he loves — giving real people a platform, one mic at a time.
Broadcast journalism is more than a career. It’s a responsibility to inform, to investigate, and sometimes, to inspire.
So if you feel the rush of telling stories in real-time, and the fire to speak truth to millions — pick up that mic. The camera’s rolling.