Job Family: Media, Print and Publishing

Working in media, print and publishing involves creating products that inform and entertain people. Administrative, craft, technical and professional opportunities are available in a number of media, including:

• TV, film and radio - workers are involved in projects ranging from news broadcasts and documentaries to reality TV, sitcoms and big-budget films
• newspapers and magazines - researching, writing, editing and illustrating news stories and features on a huge range of local, national and international topics
• books - producing fiction and non-fiction titles on an enormous range of subjects
• photography - producing images that tell a story or record an event
• print - making hard-copy products that include books, newspapers, magazines, greetings cards, brochures and office stationery.

Many jobs in this sector require early starts and late finishes, day, evening, night and weekend working. Long hours may be required to meet deadlines. While some workers are based in offices, studios or print shops, others may be required to travel frequently and work outside in all weather conditions.

Employers range from very small companies to large organisations with thousands of employees, but many people in this sector are self-employed.

Over 400,000 people work in film, TV, radio and photographic imaging. The printing industry employs around 200,000 people. Competition for many roles is intense.

There are opportunities throughout the UK, although national newspapers, magazines, broadcasting companies and many publishing companies tend to be based in London. Freelancers and employees working on specific projects in media, photography and journalism may be required to travel anywhere in the UK, or even overseas, for work.

Creativity is an essential skill for many jobs in this family. Communication skills, the ability to work well in a team, IT skills and confidence are also likely to be important.

There are no set entry requirements for many jobs but, because entry is so competitive, applicants with relevant qualifications are likely to have an advantage. Over two-thirds of media professionals are graduates, and many graduates apply for junior positions to gain work experience and make useful contacts. Applicants in these fields need to be persistent and committed to succeed. Relevant work experience, which may be unpaid, can be a vital step to finding paid employment. There are opportunities in printing for entrants at every level.

Training opportunities include on-the-job training and short courses offered by Sector Skills Councils and professional bodies. NVQs/SVQs and Apprenticeships are available in some sectors. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) may be necessary to keep up to date with new technology. Freelancers must fund their own training.

Many careers have no formal promotion structure, but experienced workers may be able to progress to more senior roles. It may be possible to work overseas.

Why not have a look at other Job Family articles as they may hold information on related jobs.