Media & Communications
Media and communications produce and distribute information across broadcast, digital and corporate channels, and manage how organisations are understood publicly.
Careers
25
Salary range
R150k – R770k
Demand
Shifting from traditional outlets to digital and in-house teams.
Why this industry matters
How information travels shapes public understanding and organisational trust.
Major career pathways
- Communications manager
- PR specialist
- Content producer
- Media planner
Career map
Study
- Media Studies
- Communication Science
- Public Relations
Entry roles
- Communications manager
- PR specialist
- Content producer
Specialise
- Writing
- Editing
- Public relations
Lead
- Content producer
- Media planner
Typical employers & featured organisations
Broadcasters
Hires across media & communications roles at graduate and experienced level.
PR agencies
Hires across media & communications roles at graduate and experienced level.
Corporates
Hires across media & communications roles at graduate and experienced level.
Publishers
Hires across media & communications roles at graduate and experienced level.
Government communications
Hires across media & communications roles at graduate and experienced level.
Qualifications & certifications
Required qualifications
- Communications, Media Studies or Journalism degree
Professional certifications
- PR accreditation
- Crisis communication training
Skills that get you hired
Technical skills
- Writing
- Editing
- Public relations
- Multimedia production
- Crisis communication
Soft skills
- Communication
- Problem solving
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Time management
Salary progression
Entry level
R150k – R250k
Mid level
R280k – R490k
Senior level
R520k – R770k
Career progression timeline
Years 0–2
Learn the fundamentals in an entry role such as communications manager.
Years 2–5
Specialise. Depth in writing and editing is what moves your salary.
Years 5–10
Lead projects or teams, or move into media planner.
Years 10+
Senior specialist, management or independent consulting — the pay bands diverge sharply here.
Future trends & emerging technology
- Creator-led media
- Short-form video
- Audience subscription models
How AI is changing this industry
Production volume rises cheaply, so credibility, access and originality become the moat.
Where to study
University degrees
- Media Studies
- Communication Science
- Public Relations
TVET & vocational
- Broadcast production certificates
- Copywriting courses
Online learning
- Podcast production courses
- Storytelling masterclasses
Internships, apprenticeships & graduate programmes
- Graduate programmes at large employers
- Structured internships (3–12 months)
- Apprenticeships and learnerships
- Volunteer and community projects