Should I choose radio or newspaper?

Question

I am in college, going to be a sophomore. Last year I got involved in the school radio station as well as the school newspaper.

However, in high school all I did was newspaper -- design, copy edit, write, photos, the works.

Also, I am a journalism major and journalism goes more with newspaper than radio.

However, there are a lot of people at the newspaper who I don't like. The higher ups control everything, and even if you've worked forever on a page they will cut it out if there's a tiny detail you don't like. Also, they gave me a job as copyeditor for this upcoming year but they tried taking it away from me during the summer -- but I fought for it.

I am a DJ at the radio station and there are a lot nicer people who work there. I also feel more free to be myself creatively there than at the newspaper. I don't feel as shut out as I do with the newspaper. And I have a much better time with them.

However... since my major is "journalism" my parents are all at it in my face that I HAVE to stick with newspaper no matter what, when I just want to quit once and for all.

I guess what my question is... if I quit working at the newspaper, when I graduate college will there be less jobs available in the journalism area since I worked with radio as an extra activity instead of newspaper? And how available will a radio job be for me if I take mostly writing classes in college? (I do work at the radio station though.)

Answer 1

Sounds like you need to decide where your interests lie.  Radio and newspapers are both good career opportunities.  When you leave college, you'll have to pick one.  

The ability to write well will help in *any* job.  

When applying for a newspaper job, having lots of experience on the school paper is an excellent starting point.  

Answer 2

I wouldn't quit the newspaper because it will be a good credit on your resume for getting a job after you graduate. If the college has a website with news, I would seriously look into that, too. I would keep the radio job, also. Keep taking your writing classes and pay special attention to spelling and proper use of the language.

Remember that serious news stories, no matter where they appear in the media, have to be written down at some point. TV news journalists, radio journalists, and website journalists all use written versions to relay their stories to the audience. Writing courses will increase your chances of getting any job in journalism, regardless of whether it is print, TV, radio, or internet based.

The most serious journalism is still seen in print so that is probably why your parents want you to concentrate on that. But internet, TV, and radio news is doing much better with audience share (popularity) and up to the minute coverage. The newer technology media is where the most sloppy journalism occurs, too. So concentrate on the basics and don't close any doors for opportunities. Good luck!! : )