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:
- Gather information for military news programs and publications
- Write radio and TV scripts
- Develop ideas for news articles
- Arrange and conduct interviews
- Collect information for commercial media use
- Select photographs and write captions for news articles
- Write news releases, feature articles, and editorials
Helpful Attributes
Helpful school subjects include English, journalism, speech, and media communications. 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
Training Provided
Job training consists of classroom instruction. Course content typically includes:
- Newswriting and research
- Newspaper format and layout
- Photojournalism (writing news stories featuring pictures)
- Radio and television programming and production
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.
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, or correspondents.
