News / Blog: #journalists

How do I become a reporter?

To become a reporter, you must have a good general education and an interest in journalistic topics. Ideally, you should have a degree in communication studies, journalism or a comparable course of study. You should also be able to communicate your ideas well and argue convincingly. A solid education in the basics of journalistic writing and research is also important. It is also helpful to build a good network of contacts to help you get started in journalism. Some media companies offer internships or other entry-level programs.

Freelance Journalists - Where to find lists?

There are several online directories and databases that contain listings and profiles of freelance journalists. Here are some options:

Freeelancermap: An online platform that specializes in freelance workers in various industries, including journalism. It offers an extensive database of freelance journalists from around the world.

Journalist Directory: A directory of freelance journalists in Germany. The directory is sorted by state and topic and includes contact information and samples of work.

DJV-Freie: A database of the German Journalists' Association (DJV) containing more than 4,000 freelance journalists from Germany. The database is accessible to DJV members, but some information is also available to the public.

MediaBistro: A job board and online community for media professionals, including freelance journalists. The site includes a job database, a directory of freelancers, and a variety of resources for media professionals.

LinkedIn: A social platform for business and professional people, also used by freelance journalists. LinkedIn allows users to create their profile to showcase their skills and experience and connect with other professionals.

These lists are a good starting point for finding freelance journalists. However, it is important to note that many freelancers may not be listed on these lists or may not advertise their services publicly. In this case, it may be helpful to search social media or relevant groups and forums for recommendations.

Studying journalism - Here's what you should look for in a journalism course

If you want to study journalism, there are a few things you should consider to get the most out of your studies and be prepared for your career as a journalist. Here are some tips:

Do internships: Internships are a great way to get hands-on experience in journalism and make contacts in the industry. Take advantage of any opportunities to intern at newspapers, magazines, broadcast or online media outlets.

Expand your portfolio: Publish articles in student newspapers or magazines, create your own blog, or produce audio or video pieces. This will help you build your portfolio and show that you have experience in journalism.

Learn about different media formats: Journalism today is more diverse than ever. Therefore, learn to produce different media formats such as print, online, radio and TV. This will prepare you for the challenges of the ever-changing media landscape.

Refine your language skills: As a journalist, you will have to write, speak and sometimes translate. A good command of the language is therefore essential. Refine your language skills by reading, writing and speaking regularly.

Work on your research and interview technique: good journalists are good researchers and interviewers. Learn how to research and interview effectively. This can help you gather relevant information and find interesting stories.

Stay current: Journalism is constantly evolving. Stay abreast of new technologies, trends and developments in the industry by regularly educating yourself and reading trade journals.

Network: Networking is especially important in journalism. Connect with faculty, fellow students, and industry representatives. Attend events, conferences and trade shows to connect with other journalists and expand your network.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your journalism degree and prepare for a career as a successful journalist.

What are avoidable mistakes when contacting journalists?

Incomplete information: When reaching out to a journalist, it is important that you provide all the information necessary for the journalist to understand and cover your story.

Overly long emails or messages: Journalists are often busy and may not have time to read long emails or messages. Therefore, try to make your request as short and concise as possible.

Lack of personalization: when contacting a journalist, it is important that you familiarize yourself with their work and interests so that you can make a personalized and relevant request.

Inappropriate follow-up messages: It's important to give journalists time to respond to your inquiry. Excessive follow-up can be perceived as intrusive or inappropriate.

Lack of message etiquette: When sending an email to a journalist, make sure you use the correct salutation and signature, and that you do not include spelling or grammatical errors.

Study journalism - Necessary to work in a PR agency?

It is not essential to have a degree in journalism to work in a PR agency. Many PR agencies seek candidates with varying backgrounds and experience.

However, a journalism degree can be valuable training to learn the skills needed in PR work, such as copywriting, press release writing, and the ability to present complex information in an understandable way.

PR work is about creating and disseminating relevant and compelling stories to capture the interest of the media and the public. Journalists have experience creating such stories, and a PR agency can benefit from that knowledge and skill.

In addition, journalists may also have a deep understanding of how the media works and how to communicate with journalists and editors to successfully get their message out.

In conclusion, while a journalism degree is not mandatory to work in a PR agency, it can definitely be a great asset and help you succeed in PR work.