The fields of Mass Communication and Journalism have inspired people who love to tell stories, share information, and shift the thinking of society.
For those students looking to carve out a career within media, communication, or news, it is confusing and tough to choose between a major in Mass Communication and Journalism.
This article will outline these differences between both fields, their careers, and guide you to determine which is the right path for you.
Role of Mass Communication
Mass Communication is the systematic approach to the process of disseminating information to huge, heterogeneous audiences through platforms like television, radio, print, and digital.
It embraces advertising, public relations, film production, corporate communication, and much more.
Mass Communication professionals use their skills in creating content that informs, entertains, or influences public opinion.
Mass Communication has grown manifold with the increase of digital and social media web pages.
Modern professionals in this field have to become experts in multimedia content, social media approach, and audience interaction.
What is Journalism?
Journalism, on the other hand is a specialized department of Mass Communication that specializes with news and events gathering, reporting, and analysis.
A newsman or journalist is responsible for bringing to the public the most accurate, honest and unbiased information.
The core role of journalism is to inform society on issues affecting them and it often plays the role of watching over democracy and the interest of the people.
Journalists breach lines across print media (newspapers and magazines) and broadcast media (television and radio) and digital or new media like online news portals and social media.
Specializations in these would include investigative reporting, political journalism, sports journalism, or entertainment journalism.
BJMC (Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication)
Bachelor’s in Journalism and Mass Communication or BJMC, as commonly referred to, is an integrated degree that involves journalism and extends mass communication courses.
This program is expected to provide adequate theoretical knowledge along with the practical skills necessary for its application in the many different media, journalistic, advertising, and communication jobs.
Typically, a wide array of subjects makes up the curriculum; it includes:
– Reporting and Editing
– Media Ethics and Laws
– Public Relations and Advertising
– Television and Radio Production
– Online and Social Media Journalism
BJMC students can get job placements at a news agency, publishing house, PR firm, and digital marketing companies among others.
Online Bachelor of Journalism & Mass Communication
Due to the growing need for flexibility in education, online degrees are now offered by a majority of universities.
An online mode typically uses webinars, interactive modules, and project assignments under real-time media environments.
It includes in some areas since many programs include topics ranging from multimedia production to social media strategy, media management, and ethics.
Online Masters in Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC)
The next option may be an Online MJMC , which is open to all those people who plan to specialize even more or to move further up the career ladder.
The MJMC program is categorized for fresh graduates and working professionals as well and gains a deeper understanding of media operations.
At the same time, the online format also gives professional flexibility to balance work with study simultaneously.
Job Profiles and Salary After Mass Communication
The Mass Communication graduates can be able to carry out a number of roles scattered across various industries such as advertising, entertainment, public relations, and corporate communication.
Among the well-known job profiles includes:
- Public Relations Officer: He/she manages to address the public image of any organization, brand, or individual through releases, media relations, and social media.
Salary : ₹3-₹6 lakhs in India; wide scope for more corporate roles, with significantly higher salaries.
- Media Planner: Works in advertising agencies to create and implement media campaigns across all platforms.
Salary : ₹4 – ₹8 lakhs per annum
- Content Writer/Editor: Creates and edits text for websites, blogs, and social media to captivate and inform.
Salary : ₹2.5 – ₹5 lakhs per annum for the entry-level position.
- Corporate Communication Specialist: Managing internal and external communication of the organization with a focus on maintaining the positive image of the organization and proper communication with stakeholders.
Salary : ₹5 – ₹10 lakhs per year depending upon the organization.
- Film and TV Production: In the field of film and television production, Mass Communication provides opportunities in direction, screenwriting, and production.
Salary : ₹3- ₹12 lakhs per year, based on experience and project scale.
A career in Mass Communication also provides various possibilities in digital marketing, social media management, and event management.
Job Profiles and Salary After Journalism
Journalism is a relatively specialized profession, mainly linked to news and media companies. Career profiles that a journalism graduate might encounter include the following.
- Reporter/Correspondent : Collect information and file news articles for newspapers, TV, radio, or other forms of online communications.
Salary : 2 to 5 lakhs annually for reporters and much, much more for senior reporters.
- Editor : The news content is reviewed and curated for publication. He must make sure it passes through the marks of accuracy and objectivity set by the organization.
Salary : ₹4 – ₹8 lakhs per year according to experience.
- News Anchor : He delivers news stories on television, often conducting interviews and providing commentary on current events.
Salary : ₹3 – ₹10 lakhs according to various reports; top anchors earn much more than this range.
- Photojournalism : That makes use of photographs to deliver news, closely collaborating with journalists in providing news coverage through pictures.
Salary : ₹2.5 – ₹6 lakhs per year.
- Investigative Journalist : Relates to conducting in-depth investigations on matters of special interest and brings to the fore hidden information
Salary : ₹5 – ₹12 lakhs per year based on the subject and the organization.
The requirement for multimedia journalists has grown, as they are good in video production, social media, and data journalism.
Go Through Other Program: Pursuing an online BA in India offers the flexibility to get a degree while you are working, family, and personal commitments, making education more accessible than ever.
Conclusion
So, thus it depends on what kind of career interest you have and what is your long-term goal as you choose between Mass Communication and Journalism.
If a very flexible career which can fall anywhere in advertising, PR, entertainment, or corporate communication is desired, it might be Mass Communication. They provide space to investigate many aspects of the media and communication world.
On the other hand, if reporting, storytelling, and finding truth are what really spark passion, the jobs in journalism are the most rewarding of all the careers that offer a much narrower focus.