IKON
Frank Moraes, a prominent Goan, studied at St. Xavier’s College before moving to the University of Oxford to study history. He then studied law at Lincoln’s Inn in London and was called to the Bar.
Upon returning to India in 1934, Moraes practiced as a barrister for a few months. In 1936, he joined The Times of India as a journalist, where he was promoted to junior assistant editor in 1938. During World War II, he served as the Times’ war correspondent in Burma and China from 1942 to 1945.
In 1957, he was appointed editor-in-chief of The Indian Express (formerly the Morning Standard), a position he held under the Goenka family’s ownership. Moraes became one of India’s most renowned journalists, with his columns appearing regularly on Sundays and Mondays in The Indian Express. He authored several influential books, including India Today, The Revolt in Tibet (1960), Report on Mao’s China, Yonder One World: A Study of Asia and the West, The Importance of Being Black: An Asian Looks at Africa (1965), and Behind the Bamboo Curtain.
Additional notable works include Introduction to India (1945, co-authored with H.L. Stimson), Report on Mao’s China (1953), Jawaharlal Nehru: A Biography (1956), Sir Purshotamdas Thakurdas (1957), Nehru, Sunlight and Shadow (1964), John Kenneth Galbraith Introduces India (1974, co-edited), and his political autobiography, Witness to an Era: India 1920 to the Present Day (1973).
Can you go for it?
This career is ideal for those who are naturally investigative and enjoy writing or speaking on a public platform. To excel, you must be passionate, energetic, enthusiastic, confident, and fearless. Being a self-starter, sensitive, and possessing strong writing or speaking skills is crucial.
Investigative journalism has led to numerous high-profile exposés, highlighting its importance. While print journalism focuses on newspapers and magazines, electronic journalism covers television and online media. In electronic journalism, in addition to the aforementioned skills, proficiency in public speaking and the ability to deliver breaking news live on TV are essential.
Types of Journalist:
• Newspaper or Television Journalist: Works for a specific newspaper or TV channel.
• Specialist Journalist: Focuses on specific areas, such as a photographer or writer.
• Cartoonist: Creates cartoons for newspapers, magazines, or other media.
• Freelance Journalist: Not tied to a particular magazine or newspaper but writes for various publications of their choice.
• TV Journalist: Specializes in reporting and presenting news on television.
• Sub-Editor: Assists in editing content, ensuring it meets publication standards.
• Editor: Oversees and manages the content and editorial direction of a publication or broadcast.
• Photojournalist: Combines photography and journalism to tell stories through images.
Is there a future in this field?
To succeed in this field, it’s crucial to stay updated with the latest developments and continuously analyze emerging trends. By effectively articulating your insights and presenting them in a clear and engaging manner, you can build a strong following. Once you establish solid credentials and a reputation for insightful reporting, your future in journalism can be very promising.
Where to Begin?
In Goa
After completing your 10+2 education, you can pursue a B.A. Degree Program in Mass Media at:
• Don Bosco College, Panaji – www.donboscogoa.ac.in
• St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa – www.xavierscollegegoa.ac.in
Offers two self-financing programs in Journalism and Mass Media & Videography
Outside Goa
• Indian Institute of Journalism and News Media (IIJNM), Bangalore: Offers a one-year postgraduate program in collaboration with Columbia University Graduate School, New York, for both Indian and international students.
• Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication, Pune: Offers a Master’s program in Mass Communication.
• Sophia College Polytechnic, Mumbai: Provides specialized courses in media.
• St. Xavier’s Institute of Communications, Mumbai: Offers various media-related programs.
• Asian College of Journalism, Chennai: Known for its comprehensive journalism programs.
• Times of India School of Journalism: Offers programs focusing on journalism.
• NDTV: Provides training and internship opportunities in media.
• NISCORT: Offers courses in media and journalism – www.niscort.com
Cartoonist Programs (Correspondence Program)
• Raye Burns School
F-37, Narain Vihar, New Delhi, 110028
• Santhaan’s Chitra Vidalayam
C/o. Chitra Kullan (T), 179 M. Singanna Chetty St.,
Chintadripet, Chennai, 600 002
Soft Skills
In addition to your educational qualifications, developing strong soft skills is essential. When interviewing prominent figures, good etiquette and creative thinking will be crucial. Enhance your soft skills through online platforms such as Coursera, edX, Udemy, FITA Academy, and TCS.
Employment avenues
Opportunities for exist in newspapers, magazines, TV channels, and international news magazines like TIME. Specializing in areas such as sports (cricket, football, badminton, tennis, golf) or finance can offer good prospects.
Monetary Potential
Starting salaries may vary, but with a proven track record of scoops and quality work, salaries can rise significantly, often exceeding ₹50,000 per month. Electronic media typically offers better financial prospects.
Don’t settle for just a degree or diploma — enhance your CV by completing online learning programs with certification in areas relevant to your chosen career. This will significantly improve your employment prospects compared to holding only a basic qualification. Additionally, consider boosting your confidence by enrolling in public speaking courses, such as those offered by Toastmasters International.
For government job opportunities, please check: www.employment-newspaper.com
page updated: August 2024