To work at a news station as a reporter or news anchor, do you have to major in journalism?

Question

And attend grad school after? I am majoring in poli sci, and I want to be a lawyer. If that doesn't work out, I want to be 'the' political analyst for a particular news station, or even the news anchor. I have good public speaking skills, and I plan to join the debate team to strengthen them more. Is this possible?

Answer 1

Yes. It is not necessary to obtain a degree in journalism to be a journalist of any kind. In fact, many editors and correspondents found their respected publications through wildly different means-- they may have graduated from college majoring in aerospace engineering!

However, one thing you'll have to have if you don't have a degree in journalism is a compilation of clips, otherwise known as your segments or articles. Really, your potential employer will be looking for quality of work more than a fancy slip of paper.

So, while the debate team is well and fine, join a small-town newspaper or television station to increase your knowledgability of the journalism industry. Meanwhile, make sure you understand proper script writing, AP style, and the equipment used in the studio.

Hope it helps!