Journalism
Journalism investigates, verifies and publishes what is happening in the world. It is demanding, deadline-driven and increasingly entrepreneurial.
Careers
12
Salary range
R140k – R630k
Demand
Contracting in legacy print, growing in niche and independent publishing.
Why this industry matters
Accountability journalism is a check nothing else in the information economy replaces.
Major career pathways
- Reporter
- Editor
- Investigative journalist
- Data journalist
- Independent publisher
Career map
Study
- Journalism
- Media Studies
- English
Entry roles
- Reporter
- Editor
- Investigative journalist
Specialise
- Reporting
- Interviewing
- Fact-checking
Lead
- Data journalist
- Independent publisher
Typical employers & featured organisations
Newsrooms
Hires across journalism roles at graduate and experienced level.
Broadcasters
Hires across journalism roles at graduate and experienced level.
Independent newsletters
Hires across journalism roles at graduate and experienced level.
Investigative non-profits
Hires across journalism roles at graduate and experienced level.
Qualifications & certifications
Required qualifications
- Journalism degree or diploma; clips matter most
Professional certifications
- Data journalism training
- Media law short courses
Skills that get you hired
Technical skills
- Reporting
- Interviewing
- Fact-checking
- Writing under deadline
- Data journalism
Soft skills
- Communication
- Problem solving
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Time management
Salary progression
Entry level
R140k – R220k
Mid level
R240k – R410k
Senior level
R430k – R630k
Career progression timeline
Years 0–2
Learn the fundamentals in an entry role such as reporter.
Years 2–5
Specialise. Depth in reporting and interviewing is what moves your salary.
Years 5–10
Lead projects or teams, or move into independent publisher.
Years 10+
Senior specialist, management or independent consulting — the pay bands diverge sharply here.
Future trends & emerging technology
- Newsletter economics
- Open-source investigation
- Audience membership
How AI is changing this industry
Synthetic content raises the premium on verification, sourcing and trusted bylines.
Where to study
University degrees
- Journalism
- Media Studies
- English
TVET & vocational
- Community media training
- Photojournalism certificates
Online learning
- Reuters Institute courses
- Investigative reporting workshops
Internships, apprenticeships & graduate programmes
- Graduate programmes at large employers
- Structured internships (3–12 months)
- Apprenticeships and learnerships
- Volunteer and community projects