Are you looking for Mass Comm careers that involve working on television?   A TV Correspondent might just be the perfect job for you. In this article, we’ll take a look at the qualifications and salaries of a TV Correspondent.

A TV correspondent is one who provides you with local news or

global news. All the news you see and hear through your TV sets is provided by TV correspondents. They are responsible for finding interesting stories and then reporting on them in a creative and engaging way.

To become a TV correspondent, you need to have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications or Journalism. Employers prefer correspondents who can write well, as well as have good interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a team. It’s also important to have a good understanding of current events and be able to think on your feet.

Who is a TV Correspondent?

The word ‘Correspondent’ means the one who provides you with the news. The designation can also be referred to as a ‘Reporter’.

But a TV correspondent never works alone. He is not the only one responsible for keeping the nation updated about the latest happenings and occurrences. He is also accompanied by audio and video professionals.

Audio professionals are needed to check and maintain the quality

of sound and mic checks, whereas video professionals are required to

capture shots and put the best effects in the video through the help of

Software.

A correspondent can work in different niches, depending on their interest areas, such as entertainment, politics, sports, education etc.

Are you fit to be a TV Correspondent?

If you feel that you have the capability of remaining updated all day long about every news taking place, you can undoubtedly pursue this profession.

A Mass Comm or Journalism graduate would be better suited for this role. You should also possess good communication and interpersonal skills. You need to have the ability to think on your feet and be comfortable in the face of pressure.

Moreover, you will also have to stay strong under tough conditions such as budget restrictions or tight deadlines. 

In which fields are TV Correspondents in high demand?

• Defense Journalism is a field in which there is a huge requirement of reporters to cover this beat. Most people think of this beat as uninteresting and hence, they do not opt for it. Yet, it allows you to work with the military and gain more insight into how our defense system works.

• Sports Journalism is also a popular field amongst TV correspondents. Working as a sports journalist can be highly rewarding if you have a passion for sports, as there is always something new happening in the world of sports. You get to cover live matches, interview players, and bring to the viewers never-seen-before footage. Sports Journalists are one of the highest-paid journalists out there.

• Political News Reporting is another area where TV Correspondents’ work is in high demand. This field requires a great deal of knowledge and understanding of the politics of a nation, as well as having contacts to get the right information.

• Business News Reporting is also a popular field to work in. It requires a strong understanding of the stock market, keeping up with trends and staying updated on the current developments in business practices. Stories of businesses, businessmen, and investors can be highly interesting to watch, so it’s important for correspondents in this field to be creative and engaging.

Qualities of a TV Correspondent

1. Sources

When you are dealing with news, your sources are your biggest asset. A good correspondent needs to know where to find the right people and get accurate information from them.

As a TV correspondent, you need to be able to quickly establish trust and build relationships with your sources.

2. Public Relations

As a TV correspondent, public relations means that you have to be in touch with people you have worked earlier with, big media houses, and even advertising companies. This can help you with getting more projects and better deals.

3. Flexibility

A TV reporter might need to go anywhere at any time. So, if you want to be one, you must be flexible enough to go and report from anywhere in the world without being nasty or hesitant.

A good journalist is one who strives hard and goes to the field and collects materials for their news pieces.

4. Strong Personality

The Mass Communication degree program at SMS Varanasi emphasizes the importance of a strong personality and positive attitude. You need to be calm, composed, confident and assertive while working in such a field.

If you get a chance to interview a big personality, you should be able to handle them and make sure your questions are answered adequately.

5. Multi-tasker

It is believed that a person has to be a multi-tasker. A situation may arise that an expert or a concerned person of some field is not available and you have to immediately broadcast a news story. In such a case, the TV correspondent must be able to go on-air without the help of any expert and explain the situation that is happening at that moment in a very clear manner.

6. Experience Matters

Generally, the person with experience is always preferred over the one who does not have any experience. However, in the case of a TV reporting job, not many internships are available. Job opportunities are also limited in this field. Hence,  you have to really talented to be the face of the channel.

How to Become a TV Correspondent?

If you want to enrol in BA (Hons) Mass Comm program at SMS Varanasi, you must pass 10+2 in any discipline. This is a 3-year degree program that will help you gain the skills, knowledge and training to become a successful correspondent.

SMS Varanasi is an autonomous college. Its undergraduate program in Mass Communication is affiliated with Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidhyapith (MGKVP), Varanasi.

It offers a wide range of courses designed to give students a strong foundation in the field. After completing this program, you can apply for a job as a TV correspondent on any news channel. You may start as an intern or a trainee media person and later become a full-fledged TV correspondent.

Jobs & Salary of TV Correspondent

A correspondent’s job is not limited to reporting on the news but also involves researching stories and investigating the facts. A good correspondent can earn an average salary of around Rs. 40,000 per month, depending on experience and the size of the media house.

Apart from a salary, correspondents may also be entitled to other benefits such as travel allowances for field trips and health insurance. A TV correspondent can expect to work long hours, including nights and weekends, so it is important to have a good work-life balance.

If you are interested in becoming a TV correspondent, SMS Varanasi is one of the best universities to enrol in for the Mass Communication program. Contact us now to know more details about this degree program.