Employment

Modern journalists include editors, editorial assistants, publishing copyeditor/proofreaders, reporters, news columnists, investigative reporters, content writers, news writers, news correspondents, announcers, anchors, producers, directors, photojournalists, broadcast news ­analysts, videographers, cartoonists, magazine journalists, political risk analysts, writers, digital producers, podcasters, social media managers, web content managers, and others involved in selecting the news that is shared through print, broadcast, and the Internet.

A journalist’s primary allegiance lies with the public. This contrasts with information disseminators such as public relations specialists and press agents, who may hold allegiance to stockholders, companies, or officials. In the United States and other democracies, a key role for journalists is providing verified, actionable information, thereby allowing citizens to make informed decisions in self-governance. This entry discusses the demographic characteristics of those employed as ...