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How to Become a Broadcast Journalist: Australian Careers in Journalism

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What is a Broadcast Journalist?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Broadcast Journalist?

A broadcast journalist gathers news and presents it to the public on TV and radio. They research stories, conduct interviews, write scripts, and deliver reports on air. This career suits people who are curious, accurate, and good at speaking and writing under pressure.

Broadcast journalists work in many roles. Some report live from the field. Others present in a studio, anchor news bulletins, or host current affairs programs. Many now create digital and social content alongside their broadcast work.

The job is fast-paced and deadline-driven. Broadcast journalists must check facts before going to air. They follow the MEAA Journalist Code of Ethics, which sets the standard for fair and honest reporting in Australia.

This career suits those who enjoy being at the centre of the news cycle. With the right skills and training, broadcast journalists can build careers at local, regional, or national networks. There are also growing chances in digital, podcast, and streaming platforms.

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Career snapshots For Broadcast Journalists

Broadcast journalists work in one of Australia’s most fast-paced industries. Around 980 TV journalists are employed in Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, ABS 2021 Census). Most work full time, averaging 45 hours per week. Women make up 58% of the TV journalist workforce. The median age is 34.

New South Wales is the top location for broadcast journalism roles, with 45% of all TV journalist positions. Queensland and Victoria each account for around 17% of roles. Journalists earn a median of $1,722 per week full time (ABS, May 2025).

Chances are growing in digital and podcast formats alongside traditional broadcasting. People who can work across more than one platform are well placed as the industry changes.

What will I do?

Broadcast journalists keep the public informed through TV, radio, and digital media. Each day brings new stories to find, write, and tell. The role needs accuracy, speed, and the skill to communicate clearly.

  • Research stories by gathering facts through interviews, observation, and printed sources
  • Write and edit clear, engaging news scripts for broadcast
  • Present and report on air, live or recorded, in the studio or in the field
  • Conduct interviews with experts, officials, and members of the public
  • Work with producers, camera operators, and editors on each story
  • Monitor breaking stories and track new developments in the news cycle
  • Follow the MEAA Journalist Code of Ethics and editorial standards
  • Produce web, podcast, or social versions of broadcast stories

What skills do I need?

Broadcast journalism calls for strong writing, research, and tech skills. Journalists must write clearly and present with confidence. They gather facts fast and check each one before going to air.

Strong on-camera presence matters. So does the skill to interview sources and get clear answers. Broadcast journalists must adapt quickly as the news cycle changes.

Skills/attributes

  • Strong verbal and written communication
  • Research and fact-checking under deadline pressure
  • Interviewing and active listening
  • Scriptwriting and news writing
  • On-camera and on-air presentation
  • Media ethics and knowledge of media law
  • Familiarity with broadcasting and editing tools
  • Working in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments
  • Adaptability across TV, radio, and digital platforms
  • Collaboration with producers, camera operators, and editors
  • Critical thinking and news judgement
  • Attention to detail

CourseFinder makes every effort to ensure the information we provide is correct at the time of publication. We welcome your input to help keep our career profiles as accurate and up to date as possible. All queries and feedback will be taken into consideration as we conduct periodic reviews of our content. Add your voice to the conversation!

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.