Broadcast Journalists and Newswriters
Background
The military publishes newspapers and broadcasts television and radio programs for its personnel and the public. These services are an important source of general information about people and events in the military. Broadcast journalists and newswriters write and present news programs, music programs, and radio talk shows.
What They Do
Broadcast journalists and newswriters in the military perform some or all of the following duties:
- Arrange and conduct interviews
- Collect information for commercial media use
- Develop ideas for news articles
- Gather information for military news programs and publications
- Select photographs and write captions for news articles
- Write news releases, feature articles, and editorials
- Write radio and TV scripts
Physical Demands
Normal color vision and the passing of a voice audition are required for some specialties in this area.
Special Requirements
No information available.
Helpful Attributes
Helpful attributes include:
- Ability to keep detailed and accurate records
- Ability to write clearly and concisely
- Interest in researching facts and issues for news stories
- Strong, clear speaking voice
Helpful School Subjects
Helpful school subjects include:
- English
- Journalism
- Media communications
- Speech
Helpful Fields of Study
No information available.
Work Environment
Broadcast journalists and newswriters work in broadcasting studios on land or aboard ships, or sometimes outdoors, depending upon the research needed for their articles.
Services offering this career:
- Air Force
- Army
- Coast Guard
- Marine Corps
- Navy
Hiring Practices
To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.
This position is for enlisted personnel.
Wages
The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.
Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay.
Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.
There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.
Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.
Training Provided
Job training consists of nine to 12 weeks of classroom instruction.
Course content typically includes:
- Newspaper format and layout
- Newswriting and research
- Photojournalism (writing news stories featuring pictures)
- Radio and television programming and production
Civilian Counterparts
Broadcast journalists and newswriters work for newspapers, magazines, wire services, and radio and television stations. Their duties are similar to those performed by military journalists and newswriters. They may be employed as newscasters, disc jockeys, writers, directors, producers, editors, or correspondents.
Related Civilian Careers
Employment and Outlook
In peace time the services have about 2,000 broadcast journalists and newswriters. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new journalists and newswriters due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, they research and announce news stories and music programs. Eventually, they may become editors or editorial assistants or managers of broadcasting stations.