SOCIAL & COMMUNITY SERVICES

JOURNALISTS

INCOME

FEES

JOB PROSPECTS

Chances of getting a job as a journalist have improved, due to higher

turnover in the industry and major changes in the way the industry is
structured, but prospects are still limited because of high competition
for few vacancies. Chances of promotion have also improved, with
many more senior positions available than used to be the case.

How to become a journalist

Journalists research and write stories or reviews about a variety
of topics. Their work may be published in newspapers, magazines
or on websites, or presented on radio or television.
Qualifications needed
Most employers look for journalists with a one-year National
Diploma in Journalism, Graduate or Post-Graduate Diploma in
Journalism, or with proven experience in the field. Students may
also complete a Bachelors degree in communications, majoring[?] in journalism, or gain a degree in broadcasting. Employers
may also require a drivers licence.
Cost of study
National Diploma in Journalism

Bachelor of Communications

$5,600 over one year

$17,100 over three years

Average costs in 2013 for a domestic student. Costs vary between

institutions. Some polytechnics may have a zero-fees scheme. Further costs
include materials, textbooks and accommodation.

Annual internships are offered by Fairfax Media. Applicants are

required to complete a range of tests and interviews, and if
successful will be reimbursed the cost of studying for a diploma
in journalism. The applicant will then be bonded to work for the
news organisation for a period of time after graduation.
Fairfax media, internships:
careers.fairfaxmedia.co.nz/homewww.fairfaxmedia.co.nz/
careers/journalism-internships.dot

Rents vary from place to place. Estimated market rents by

region, city and suburb are available on the MBIE Building and
Housing website.
The StudyLink website provides general budget advice for
students, and the Sorted website provides help with detailed
budget planning.
MBIE Building and Housing: www.dbh.govt.nz/market-rent
StudyLink: www.studylink.govt.nz
Sorted: www.sorted.org.nz/calculators/money-planner

Where to study
Several universities and polytechnics offer training in journalism.
There are 10 main journalism schools across the country.
Competenz (an Industry Training Organisation) also offers a
National Diploma in Applied Journalism that can be completed
on the job.

For details on all these courses, go to:

www.competenz.org.nz/industry/communications-and-media/
journalism

Completed qualifications
There were 200 completions in national or graduate diplomas in
journalism in 2013, and 740 completions with a Bachelors
degree.
1000
Number of students
completing qualifications

JOB PROSPECTS
At a glance

800
600
400
200
0

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Diploma

2011

2012

2013

Bachelor's Degree

Source: Ministry of Education

Income and employment prospects

Income
Pay for journalists depends on their level of experience and the
size of the business they are working in. Print and radio journalists can receive $30,000 to $100,000 a year, depending on
the size of the organisation. Television journalists can start on
$30,000 to $45,000 a year, and those with experience can earn
more than $100,000 a year.
Many journalists start out by writing articles for community or
student newspapers for little or no money, to build up a portfolio
of published work. Journalists can also be paid per article on
a contract basis, and may not be a member of staff, at least
initially. This is one way for media companies to determine the
quality of their work.
In 2014, the average income for journalists was $69,400.
Estimated average income
$69,400
Average income from Statistics New Zealands June 2014 New Zealand
Income Survey. Estimated from average hourly earnings.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY SERVICES

JOURNALISTS
Employment and skill shortages

Other information

Journalism employment

Links

Current

Projected growth*

More information on journalists is available on the Careers New

Zealand website.

2013

2014

201318

201823

Careers New Zealand: www.careers.govt.nz

4,850

4,950
Up 2.0%

3.8%
per year

3.4%
per year

Journalism Education Association (JEANZ): www.jeanz.org.nz

*Growth projections are for the broader category Media Professionals.

The chances of work in print journalism are better at smaller

regional and community newspapers, where turnover is higher
and supply is lower. Employers can struggle to attract staff to
smaller towns. However, income is likely to be lower in these
regions.
Getting into radio or television journalism is much harder, as
there are fewer opportunities and lower turnover.
One year after completing a Bachelors degree in communications and media studies, 66% of graduates in New Zealand were
in employment and 28% in further study. This compares with
54% and 40% of all graduates with =Bachelors degrees.
Where to find job vacancies
The number of online job vacancies for journalists increased by
10% from June 2013 to June 2014. This compares with an overall
increase of 16.5% for all skilled vacancies over the same period.
Journalist vacancies are advertised through public media such
as the Trade Me Jobs and Seek websites.
Trade Me Jobs: www.trademe.co.nz/jobs
Seek: www.seek.co.nz

Career path
Many journalists are expected to work across a variety of media
these days, including the web and/or broadcasting, as well as
print, giving more flexibility for career options. Alternative and
independent media are also growing.
The internet offers a growing range of new work areas, such
as technical or web content writing, which is becoming a more
popular career option for journalists.
Some journalists also move into communications or public relations roles.