GenZ and the Urge to Become Journalists: Navigating New Media Careers

Gen Z is redefining the principles of media due to the pace of digital transformation and the desire to bring to light the real stories of the world. In Indian schools and colleges, the number of GenZ students pursuing journalism as a satisfying profession is on the rise; driven by their interest in social change and the ambition to influence the discourse.

Why GenZ Comes to Journalism?

GenZ is more exposed to an overwhelming stream of information than any other generation ever was, with their news feed filled with misinformation, viral social media, citizen reporting, and micro-content. The result has been an increasing impatience with clickbait and fake news, and various people have started to think of journalism as not only a profession, but a social cause:

• Value-Driven Aspirations: GenZ is focused on authenticity, truth, and social causes. Journalism provides the space to open up the narratives and give voice to the voiceless.
• The Digital Natives: A generation raised on smart phones and social networking platforms, GenZ is the most effective multimedia storyteller, content creator and fact-checker of the future, and this makes them an ideal match with the new career in journalism.

What Does Journalism Look Like as a Career?

Journalism is beyond print and television. New-age reporters operate on online portals, podcasts, YouTube, independent blogs, and even on social platforms. Such popular specialisations include:

• Multimedia Reporting: The integration of text, video, and infographics to present more engaging stories.
• Data Journalism: Visualising and analysing complex problems.
• Social Media Strategy: Developing and publishing content to reach more people and get immediate response.

The changing nature of newsrooms has seen major media houses in India and other regions provide paid internships, online fellowships and new-age positions through emerging media houses. The genZ journalists have found their place in investigative journalism, environmental reporting, fact-checking, citizen journalism, and even brand content strategy. 

What are the skills needed? 

The most important skills that GenZ ought to acquire are as follows: 

1. Critical Thinking: Fact-checking, source verification, and balanced perspective are aspects more valuable than ever. 
2. Digital Literacy: Mobile editing and on-the-go reporting, as well as multimedia production, are necessities. 
3. Ethics and Empathy: Contemporary journalism requires the adherence to fairness, delicacy, and the dedication to the public interest.

How to Know if Journalism is the Calling?

• These may sound, which would make Journalism a natural profession:
•  High motivation to engage in real, effective stories.
• Interest in writing, researching, and meeting new people every day.
• Familiarity with the digital world, social media, and high-speed environments.
• Care about social problems, discussions, or political events.

Which Courses and Colleges to visit?

The best universities of India and media schools have special courses in journalism, mass communications, digital media, and PR. Some leading names include:

• Indian Institute of Mass communication (IIMC).
• Institute of Media and Communication, symbiosis.
• Asian College of Journalism (ACJ)
• Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC).

Most of these institutes provide practical training, simulations in a newsroom, multimedia laboratories, and exchange programs to be exposed to the world.

Counsellor’s Advice

For GenZ, journalism is not merely a profession but a chance to change the society, express opinions, and create a positive shift. With the changing habits of news consumption and the globalization of the world turning into a hyperconnected system, the demand of reliable, tech-saturated journalists is more than ever.

• Intern at media organizations, become part of school/college news/publications, or create a blog/YouTube channel.
• Create a strong Portfolio. Collect samples of writing, multi-media work in an online portfolio- this will enhance employment opportunities.
• Stay  Curious. Consistently visit proven news sources and learn about new ways of telling stories.
• Most importantly, keep in mind: it is journalism, and it is about honesty, agility, and a lifetime passion to learn.