personal statement for a journalist

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• Journalism Personal Statement Examples

Your Journalism personal statement is a crucial element of your UCAS application . It is your opportunity to showcase your passion for journalism, your relevant experiences, and your potential to succeed as a journalism student. Check our journalism personal statement examples for UCAS , which can inspire and guide you in writing your successful personal statement . 

Whether you are interested in broadcast journalism , print journalism , or digital and online journalism , these examples cover a range of topics and styles that can help you stand out to admissions tutors.

Journalism Personal Statement Example

As an A-level student in Business Studies, English Literature, and Religious Studies, I have always been passionate about education and learning. I have always been fascinated by the power of the written word and the impact that journalism can have on shaping public opinion and educating society. That is why I am so excited to pursue a career in journalism and continue to make a positive impact on society.

My interest in journalism was first sparked during work experience placements at my local newspaper, The South Wales Evening Post, and a local radio station. During my time at the newspaper, I was allowed to work with experienced journalists and editors, assisting them with research, conducting interviews, and writing articles for publication. This experience taught me the importance of accuracy, objectivity, and the need to present balanced viewpoints. Additionally, at the radio station, I learned about the power of broadcast media and how it can be used to reach a wider audience and engage with listeners on a more personal level.

As a great believer in education, I see the role of the journalist as an educating force, an incredibly important one. The media has a responsibility to inform the public about current affairs and provide accurate and unbiased reporting. Through my work experience, I have seen firsthand how the media can influence public opinion and shape perceptions of different issues. I believe that journalists have a responsibility to provide truthful and accurate reporting, whilst also highlighting important social issues and driving change.

Outside of my academic routine, I have several hobbies and interests that keep me grounded and motivated. One of my favourite pastimes is reading, particularly books that explore different cultures and perspectives. I also enjoy running, which I find helps me to clear my mind and think creatively. By engaging in these hobbies, I can maintain a balanced lifestyle and stay connected with the world around me.

Throughout my academic career, I have strived to excel in all of my studies. During my secondary school years, I was one of the best students in my class, achieving high grades in all subjects. This has given me a strong foundation and the skills necessary to succeed in a career in journalism. Additionally, I have travelled around the world and visited 56 countries so far. This has allowed me to gain a wider perspective on different cultures and societies, which I believe will be invaluable in my future career.

I am excited to continue my education and pursue a career in journalism. I believe that my passion for education, my experience in the media, and my diverse interests and hobbies make me an excellent candidate for this field. I am committed to using my skills and talents to make a positive impact on society, and I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

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Personal Statement Example For Journalism

I am driven by my passion for the English language and the power it holds to inform, engage and inspire people. With a deep-rooted affection for the written word and its ability to capture the essence of life, I have always been fascinated by how language has evolved. As a student of English Literature, History and Media Studies, I have been able to explore this evolution in detail and develop my unique voice as a writer.

Studying English has allowed me to think critically, analyse the techniques used by both fiction and non-fiction writers and express my ideas and opinions through a portfolio of work. Through this, I have learnt how to craft compelling narratives, convey complex ideas with clarity and precision, and engage readers through powerful storytelling. My studies in History and Media Studies have complemented my understanding of English, allowing me to appreciate the importance of context, perspective, and the role of media in shaping our understanding of the world around us.

Outside of academics, I am involved in many creative pursuits that allow me to develop my skills as a communicator and storyteller. I participate in a drama group, where I am honing my skills in characterisation, improvisation and public speaking. I am also working towards my Bronze Arts Award, which involves creating and performing a piece of original drama. Additionally, I enjoy playing the piano, which requires a large amount of patience, creativity and dedication – skills that I believe are essential for a successful journalist.

I am proud to have received Young Writers Award from my Secondary School, recognising my talent and dedication as a writer. These accolades have encouraged me to pursue a career in journalism, where I can use my skills to inform, educate and entertain readers on a wide range of topics. I am excited about the prospect of being able to tell stories that matter, whether it is through investigative journalism, features or opinion pieces.

My passion for the English language, combined with my academic pursuits and creative pursuits, have prepared me well for a career in journalism. I am eager to continue my journey as a writer and storyteller, and I believe that a degree in journalism will provide me with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to make a meaningful contribution to the world of media.

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• Personal statement advice: media studies and journalism

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Be clear and focused

The best personal statements are those that really go for it. Not in an off-the-wall kind of way, but by revealing something unique about you or your academic ideas or practical experiences. This is no place to hide behind waffle.

There’s a wide span of media courses, ranging from the theoretical to the practical, and your statement should focus on the specific type of course you’ve chosen to apply for.

When it comes to media studies courses , start by being clear about the kind of degree you want to study. Do you want to analyse media, produce content, or a combination of both? Whichever it is, demonstrate that you’re focused about this. Outline why you want to study the course, and the knowledge, ideas, or practical experiences you will bring to it.Similarly, journalism personal statements need to set out why you want to study it, and how your knowledge and experience supports this – particularly in the case of professionally accredited journalism degrees . A vague, unsubstantiated ambition to be a journalist will not suffice.

• If you're still exploring your options, see our guide to studying media studies at university .
• Our guide to studying journalism reveals more information about what journalism at uni entails.

Practical journalism courses

If you’re applying for practical journalism courses , competition for places could be fierce. Here’s a selection of tips, courtesy of Bournemouth University, the University of Sheffield, and De Montfort University:

• State clearly why you want to study journalism, and explain that you know something about the work of the central figure in journalism – the reporter.
• Demonstrate creative writing ability, a good presentational style, accurate spelling, correct grammar, and a sound grasp of the English language.
• Read quality broadsheet newspapers and follow major developing news stories. Show you're aware of current affairs.
• Maybe explain what you noticed about how the reporting of a topical event differed depending on which publication you were reading, and the impact this may have had on shaping public perception.
• Show you understand the power the media has, and the importance of reporting facts clearly and concisely.
• Show that you can express your own opinions and thoughts, and know how to tell stories to different audiences.
• Demonstrate your interpersonal skills, persistence, and an ability to dig deep into a wide range of topics.

Work experience in your personal statement

For practical journalism courses, some (though not all) unis will insist on work experience.

• If you can, try to gain some work experience within a media environment , ideally in a newsroom of a local newspaper office. Free newspapers, local or hospital radio, or a TV newsroom could also give you insights into the reporter's job.
• What did you learn? What skills did you observe as being particularly important? How has the experience impacted on your motivation to further your studies in journalism? See our guide for how to make work experience count in your personal statement .
• Alternatively, are there any other settings where you've written for an audience, such as your own blog or your school newspaper? If so, what have you learned from this about working towards strict deadlines, or how writing pieces for an intended audience can alter the language and style you use?

If you’ve already had journalistic work published or broadcast, produced a blog, vlog, or podcast yourself, had a great reference from some relevant work experience; or anything else that may be relevant, consider sending them a link or clip separately.

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Journalism Personal Statement Example

Sample statement.

If you want to apply to study Journalism at university then it’s almost a given that you’re good at writing but all good writers suffer from writer’s block occasionally, right?

For those of you that are struggling with a personal statement to study Journalism – here is our example to help you out:

Having developed a passion for writing at an early age my writing skills have evolved over the years and I now feel that a career in journalism is right for me. However, I am not prepared to rest on my laurels and I am always striving to further develop my writing skills.

I enjoy the challenge of conveying a story, event, or thought to a reader in an interesting, engaging, and easily understood way. I write my own blog and look forward to expanding my topic range when I reach university.

To expand my knowledge and skills in journalism I undertook a work experience placement at my local newspaper, The Waterside Herald, whilst I was at school. This gave me the chance to develop my writing skills to suit a journalistic style and to gain an in-depth insight into the daily life of a journalist.

Outside of school I enjoy travelling and hope that my love of travel will enable me to gain experience working for publications in other countries during summer breaks from university.

I am also a keen sports player and regular runner. As well as my academic goals I also hope to complete the London Marathon next year, something that I have been training towards for a number of months.

I look forward to the new challenges that life at university will bring and having the chance to learn new skills and build on my already high standards of writing and communication.

I hope that by studying journalism to degree level I will be able to gain an entry level position at a national newspaper such as The Guardian or The Times. I am also interested in pursuing television journalism as a possible career choice whilst at university.

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Journalism BA (Hons) Undergraduate Degree Personal Statement Example

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As an avid consumer of news and current affairs, I have always been fascinated by the role of journalism in society. Journalism is an essential component of democracy, holding the powerful accountable and giving voice to the voiceless. It is a profession that requires a deep sense of responsibility and integrity, and I am excited to pursue it through the Journalism BA (Hons) degree at [Example] University.

Throughout my academic journey, I have always been drawn to courses that challenge me and help me develop new skills. My passion for journalism started during my secondary school years, where I was the editor-in-chief of the school newspaper. During that time, I had the opportunity to cover a range of topics, from school events to local politics. I enjoyed the process of gathering information, conducting interviews, and writing stories that inform, entertain, and educate the readers.

I went on to study Communications at A-level, which gave me a broad understanding of media and communication theories. During this time, I continued to write for the student newspaper, and I also interned at a local radio station. These experiences allowed me to see the practical side of journalism and to develop my skills in news writing, reporting, and broadcast journalism.

After completing my A Levels, I worked as a freelance writer for various online publications. This experience taught me the importance of being able to write for different audiences and to adapt my writing style to suit different formats. I also learned the importance of fact-checking and the need to present information in a clear, concise, and engaging way.

Despite these experiences, I knew that I needed to develop my skills further to become a professional journalist. I decided to pursue a Diploma in Journalism, where I honed my skills in investigative journalism, data journalism, and multimedia storytelling. This course gave me a solid foundation in the ethical, legal, and practical aspects of journalism, and I am confident that it has prepared me well for the degree.

This degree stands out to me because of its emphasis on practical, hands-on experience. I am excited about the opportunity to work in a newsroom environment, where I can put my skills into practice and learn from experienced journalists. I am also impressed by the range of modules on offer, including digital journalism, sports journalism, and international journalism. This diversity of modules will enable me to explore different areas of journalism and to develop my skills in areas that I am most interested in.

I am particularly interested in the module on investigative journalism, as I believe that it is the most important form of journalism in holding those in power accountable. Investigative journalism requires tenacity, persistence, and a commitment to uncovering the truth, and I am eager to develop my skills in this area. I am also interested in the module on data journalism, as I believe that data can be a powerful tool in storytelling and in providing context to complex issues.

In addition to the practical aspects of the course, I am also excited about the opportunity to engage in critical reflection on the role of journalism in society. The module on media ethics and regulation, for example, will enable me to explore the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists and to consider the impact of media regulation on journalistic freedom. These discussions will be essential in shaping my understanding of the responsibility that comes with being a journalist and the importance of upholding journalistic standards.

I am confident that the Journalism BA (Hons) degree [Example] University will equip me with the skills and knowledge to become a successful journalist. My passion for journalism, combined with my academic and professional experiences, have prepared me well for the course. I am excited about the prospect of working alongside other aspiring journalists, and I am eager to learn from experienced journalists who are passionate about their craft.

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7 ways to improve a journalism personal statement

As a journalism student, the question I hear the most from people wanting to study the subject at university is, “ how do I improve my personal statement?” and understandably so. Aside from your grades, your personal statement is your big chance to prove (or sell) yourself to that dream university.

It’s an arduous process with every word being sweated over and making the most of the strict word count. Deciding what to include is a nightmare in itself, so hopefully the following tips will help you improve your personal statement.

1. Researching and Deciding

Knowing what you want to do can be hard, but making a decision can make things a lot easier. Your personal statement will be much easier to write if you decide on one subject to apply for. Applying for multiple subjects (Journalism, History, English, etc.) can lead to an unfocused personal statement. Researching each subject and their related courses and then deciding what is best for you can make life easier.

Why is writing my personal statement so hard? I’m applying for journalism and creative writing courses I should be good at it — Chloe Becca (@ChloeBecca_) October 20, 2015

2. Get Blogging

The internet provides a great platform to get your writing out there. Blogging sites such as WordPress, Blogger and Google Blogs allow you to publish content for free and, if you’re lucky, build a readership. Even if nobody reads your blog, its a great place to archive your work.

3. Writing with Passion

Your personal statement should scream that you are passionate about writing and dream of becoming a journalist. After all, this is what your personal statement is about: proving how much you want to study the course. Don’t be too over-dramatic, but make the administrations person reading know how much you love to write.

4. Writing for an Online Publisher

What’s an online publisher? You’re on one. Sites such as Kettle Mag offer an excellent place to get articles published to a wider audience. They also introduce you to people just like you. Make sure to follow any style guide that the online publisher may have.

5. Work Experience

Nothing looks better on a personal statement than work experience. It provides you with experience as a journalist and also proves your interest in journalism. You can organise work experience by contacting where you want to work directly or you can get help through your school or college. Local newspapers are always a good option.

ok so i wanna go into sports journalism and ive got no experience and nothing to write about on my personal statement how stupid can i be?? — rachel (@hwatsonfan) July 21, 2015

6. School Newspapers

Busy days at school and college don’t allow for much time to be a journalist. That’s why becoming involved in a school newspaper is such a useful opportunity. It allows you to work on your writing skills, while having your work seen by other people. It’s also a handy place to start building up an archive of your work.

7. Show Your Ambition

So, you’ve said why you want to study the course and what you’ve done. But, it’s also important to say what you want to do after university. Do you want to become a columnist, a court reporter or a television reporter? There’s a long list of what a journalism course can lead to in the world of work and there is no pressure to make a firm decision at this point, but a quick mention of what you hope to achieve after university will show you have put some thought into your future and taking part in this course is something you really want to do to achieve that dream job.

For information on what journalism courses are out there check out our Journalism course search 

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Personal Statement: Applying for a Journalism/Media Degree

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A question I am frequently asked is what exactly you should write on your personal statement when applying for a journalism/media course. Putting together a great statement can be a pretty stressful task as it is difficult to gage what exactly universities are looking for. However, all graduates have been through it and there is no reason why you cannot secure a place on the course of your choosing. Here are some of my top tips on what exactly you should be writing:

Enthusiasm and passion

For me, I think this is the most crucial element to any application. Demonstrate just how passionate and enthused you are about the course. Perhaps pinpoint an element or a module that you are most excited about and why. Showing that you genuinely want to be studying that course always looks great and will put you in good stead with the admissions officer. Cardiff in particular has a fantastic student media department with its own newspaper, magazine, radio, and TV station. Make reference to these and emphasise how eager you are to get involved, maybe even mentioning that you aspire to be the editor-in-chief of the magazine, or a presenter on the radio station. Universities are always looking for people that want to get stuck in so convey this well.

Relevant experience

If you have done any kind of writing, editing, blogging etc. outside of school then absolutely put this in. This will show that you are not only able to use your initiative, but that you have the ability to work independently and have great time-management – all essential skills when studying at higher education. If you don’t already have a blog GET ONE. This is possibly the most simple and easy way to get journalism experience where you can write whatever you like, whenever you like, and wherever you like.

Even if you don’t directly have experiences like this, any part time jobs or qualifications you have will also be great for your statement as each will bring with them a useful set of skills for university.

A recent news story that has caught your interest

If you want to study journalism, you of course have to be up-to-date with all the latest happenings of the world. Writing a small paragraph on something in the news that has captured your attention and why will make your statement stand-out and show that you engage with the news. Don’t be afraid to have an opinion and articulate your feelings about something you feel strongly about.

Future goals

Why is it you want to study journalism/media? What do you hope to do with the degree you are applying for? Express that studying the course is a stepping stone for you to get into your dream career and that you truly believe the university will be able to support and facilitate that goal.

Finally, no human being is defined purely by work. Tell the admissions officer exactly who you are and show some personality. What is it you enjoy doing at the weekend? Do you have a hobby? No matter how common or unusual it is, put it in! If you play a sport then there is bound to be a society for that at Cardiff so let them know that you are desperate to get involved. You want to make it clear to the university that there is so much more to you than just academia, and that you will be an all-round great student to have study with them.

Thank you, this helped so much

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Journalism – Boost Your Personal Statement

Thinking about studying journalism at university but not sure what to include in your personal statement?  

Journalism is a competitive industry, but if you’re considering studying a degree in this exciting discipline, it’s important that you convey your enthusiasm, capability and written communication well – your personal statement is therefore the best place to evidence these skills. Understandably, the current situation has made things very difficult for you to gain extra-curricular skills, but here are a few activities you may wish to do over the summer to research the profession more and to enhance your personal statement.

You may be undecided about the type of journalism you want to specialise in, be it newspaper, magazine, digital, TV or radio broadcast journalism, but that’s ok as a degree in journalism will give you the opportunity to explore different areas in more depth, so ensure that you check the content of your five university choices for variety.   Also ensure that you research the profession – click here for further information.   

After you’ve researched different careers, start researching influential journalists.   You may aspire to be the next Faisal Islam or Vanessa Kingori, or it may be someone who writes or broadcasts about topics that you value such as the environment, music, fashion, travel, food, equality or human rights for example.   Like artists, it’s always good to have a muse or a role model to admire from afar before you start developing your own style.   So start watching TED talks, collate inspiring journalists’ work and dig a bit deeper into their backgrounds.

A sk yourself, what makes a successful journalist, influencer or campaigner?

Build upon the skills of a journalist

Check out the NCTJ Summer School , which boasts a series of video clips outlining the different attributes that make a great journalist.   This has already started but you can check out the videos on YouTube and learn about a variety of journalistic skills such as news gathering, media ethics, law, sports reporting, fact checking and much more.   Click here for access.  

Another useful skill is touch-typing and improving the number of words-per-minute that you can type and you can take a free online course here. You may have also heard about news reporters taking notes using shorthand when interviewing people.  This skill, used by many journalists is known as teeline and is great for when technology fails.  Have a go at learning some of the basics here as well as brushing up on your grammar from the BBC news style archives.

For a variety of free online courses related to Journalism and Media, try Alison , Coursera, or Open Culture all delivered from universities from all over the world.   This will give you a taste of learning beyond your current course and will equip you with research and independent study skills.   Just ensure that you check the time commitment of the course so that it’s feasible for you to complete.  It is also wise to keep up-to-date with what’s happening in the industry such as new technology, tools, apps and current affairs through the Journalism website – a go-to site for many journalists where you can read about current developments as well as listen to podcasts.

If you’ve not had any work experience yet, there are some virtual opportunities currently available.   Although these are not journalistic roles, you will still acquire employability skills such as time-management, planning and working to a deadline – all skills transferable to journalism.   View the following platforms on Chrome for opportunities: Inside Sherpa, Barclays Lifeskills and Speakers for Schools .  

For writing experience, you’ll have to be persuasive and seek out opportunities yourself, so approach your local newspaper and ask if there are any virtual tasks you can help them with or see if you can interview a journalist about their job. The worst they can do is say no! Or try writing competitions such as the BBC Young Reporter, Young Muslim Writers Award , or the Walter Scott Prize to name a few.  

You could also try blogging about issues that are important to you through sites such as WordPress or Blogger – don’t worry if nobody reads them, this is a way for you to collate your writing! 

Volunteering in roles such as tutoring English or campaigning for social action is also great experience, so try Vinspired .  You can always blog about your volunteering experiences too! Or why not approach other volunteering organisations and offer to write for them?   You could even ask your school or college if you can start a newsletter, newspaper or social media communication – this will build your personal writing portfolio.   Other ideas include volunteering for hospital radio when the situation becomes safer to do so. For information on this, click here.

These are just some cost-effective ideas for you to expand upon in your personal statement, but it’s not an exhaustive list so do keep your eyes open for other opportunities too.  

Remember, like a journalist, be tenacious and create opportunities!

For further advice on your personal statement, email: [email protected]

* Always be cautious and check any online forum or employer with your teacher or people at home first, as your safety is paramount!

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How To Write a Personal Statement That Stands Out

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Laura Jane Bradbury

A personal statement is a chance to highlight your unique qualities, skills, and experiences, all while showcasing your personality.

But whether you're applying for university, a job, or funding, it can be daunting to write about yourself. To increase your chances of getting accepted, it's important to know how to create an effective personal statement.

In my six years as a copywriter, I’ve written many personal statements that get results. In this article, I’ll guide you through what to include, what to avoid, and how to tailor a personal statement based on your application type.

Key Takeaways

• A personal statement is an opportunity to share your unique qualities, experiences, and skills.
• It should always relate to the course, job, or funding you are applying for.
• Include accomplishments and experiences that demonstrate how suited you are to the position or course you are applying for.
• Use clear and simple language to ensure your points are understood.

Your personal statement should be concise and demonstrate how you fit the position or opportunity you’re applying for. It’s important to keep information relevant, rather than listing all of your skills and accomplishments.

Follow these steps to accurately write and tailor your statement.

Understand your prompt

Before you start, make sure you understand what's expected of you. Are there specific instructions, keywords, or phrases that stand out in your prompt? Read through it thoroughly and note the requirements. You can then brainstorm ideas for each point.

Let's say I'm applying for a university journalism course. I've been asked to write a statement that shares why I'm interested and why I would be a good fit. I can use columns to plan my content:

Putting your ideas together first makes it easier to stay on track. Otherwise, you might lose focus and include irrelevant information. 

Show, don't just tell

Once you’ve listed your experiences, skills, and accomplishments, consider how you can demonstrate them with examples. Take a look at the list you created during the previous exercise and organize your points so you have clear examples and proof.

This technique helps you demonstrate your experiences and how they tie in with your application.

When telling anecdotes, use engaging stories that demonstrate your skills. For instance, a story about how I handled a fast-paced news internship proves I work well under pressure. 

Start strong

Recruiters, application tutors, and funders read lots of personal statements. You can make yours stand out with an engaging introduction.

Examples of a strong opening include:

A meaningful statistic

This draws readers in and increases credibility: 

"Communication is the key to marketing success, according to Business Marketing News. With five years of experience communicating and delivering campaigns to global clients, I have the skills and passion to add value to your team."

A personal story

Anecdotes connect the reader with the author’s real-life experience: 

"My first exposure to microbiology was during my time as a research assistant for a microbiologist. I was fascinated by the complex and intricate processes within cells."

An alarming statement

This piques the reader’s interest by making an issue seem urgent:  

“ The fashion industry churns out clothes at an alarming rate, causing mass production of synthetic fibers and harsh chemicals which have a detrimental impact on the planet. Funding my sustainability initiative is vital to mitigating this environmental impact." 

Avoid cliches such as "From a young age, I have always loved...." and "For as long as I can remember, I have had a passion for..."

Pro tip: Use Wordtune Editor 's Shorten feature to cut unnecessary fluff and make your intro sharper. Simply type in your sentence and click Shorten to receive suggestions.

Get Wordtune for free > Get Wordtune for free >

Admission committees and employers appreciate sincerity and authenticity. While it may be tempting, avoid exaggeration. You can better emphasize your skills and personality by being honest. For instance, rather than claiming I read every type of newspaper in my journalism application, I can focus on my dedication to reading The New York Times.

Your writing style should also feel genuine. Instead of trying to impress with complex language and fancy words, keep sentences simple and direct . This makes them more effective because they’re easier to read. 

Address weaknesses

Addressing weaknesses can show your willingness to confront challenges. It also gives you a chance to share efforts you have made for improvement. When explaining a weakness, exclude excuses.

Instead of saying "I didn't achieve my expected grades due to work commitments impacting my studies," try “While I didn't achieve my expected grades, I am now working with a tutor to help me understand my weak areas so I can succeed in your program.”

Wordtune’s Spices feature can help you develop counterarguments to weaknesses. In the Editor, highlight your text, click on Spices, and then Counterargument . Here’s an example:

Using Wordtune’s suggestion, I can highlight my eagerness to learn and provide examples to support my argument.

Highlight achievements

This is your chance to shine! A personal statement should highlight your best qualities — provided they relate to your prompt.

Ask yourself:

• What are your skills and strengths? Identify both academic and non-academic abilities such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.
• What challenges have you faced? Reflect on how you have overcome significant challenges and how these experiences have helped you grow. For example, completing a course, learning a new language, or starting a business.
• What are your unique selling points? Consider what sets you apart from other applicants. For example, you may have a unique set of technical skills or experience learning in a different country.
• How have your achievements shaped your goals and aspirations? Sharing your goals shows that you think long-term and have taken the time to make sure you’re applying for the right opportunity.

Connect with the institution or company

Tailor your statement to the specific institution or company you're applying to — this shows you understand their values and have carefully considered where you want to seek opportunities.

To do this, head to the company or institution’s website and look for the About page. Many organizations include a mission statement on this page that conveys its purpose and values.

For example, universities often include their values under “Community” or “Student Life” sections. Here, Princeton University’s “In Service of Humanity” section highlights how they value using education to benefit society. Applicants can engage with this by explaining how they interact with their communities and seek to use their education to help others.

You can also research a company or institution’s social media. Look for similarities — maybe you both prioritize collaboration or think outside the box. Draw upon this in your personal statement. 

End with a strong conclusion

A strong conclusion is clear, concise, and leaves a lasting impression. Use these three steps:

• Summarize the main points of your statement. For example, “My experience volunteering for the school newspaper, along with my communication skills and enthusiasm for writing, make me an ideal student for your university."
• Discuss your future . Share your future ambitions to remind the reader that you’ve carefully considered how the opportunity fits into your plans.
• Include a closing statement. End on a positive note and offer the reader a final explanation for why you would be a great match. For instance, “Thank you for reviewing my statement. I am confident my skills and experience align with the role and your company culture.”

Tip: Learn more about writing an effective conclusion with our handy guide . 

Different types of personal statements

Now you know how to write a personal statement, let’s look at what to focus on depending on your application type.

The length of your personal statement will vary depending on the type. Generally, it should be around 500 words to 650 words . However, a university application is often longer than a statement for a job, so it’s vital to determine what is expected of you from the beginning.

Whatever the length, it’s important to remove and edit content fluff , including any repetition or copy that does not relate to your prompt.

Personal statement checklist

Use this checklist to ensure that your statement includes: 

• An engaging introduction.
• Clear examples of your experiences, skills, and expertise. 
• A commitment to improvement, if required.
• Any applicable achievements. 
• A direct connection to the company or institution’s values.
• A strong conclusion that summarizes information without adding new content.
• Authentic, simple language.

Personal statements are an opportunity to delve deeper and share who you are beyond your grades or resume experience. Demonstrate your ability with anecdotes and examples, address any weaknesses, and remember to use genuine and simple language. This is your place to shine, so follow our tips while displaying your unique personality, and you’ll be sure to stand out from the crowd.

Want to get started and create a powerful introduction? Read our step-by-step guide .

What is the difference between a cover letter and a personal statement?

A cover letter expresses your interest in a position and introduces you to an employer. It’s typically shorter and focuses on your qualifications, skills, and experience for a particular role. A personal statement, however, is common for a job, internship, funding, or university application. It explores your background, goals, and aspirations, as well as your skills and experience.

What is the purpose of a personal statement?

A personal statement is an opportunity to stand out by detailing your background, experiences, and aspirations. It should explain why you are interested in and a good match for the company or institution you are applying to.

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Media and communication personal statements

On this page you'll find a collection of real personal statements written by students applying to study media, communication and related courses at university.

These personal statements are written by real students - don't expect them all to be perfect! But by reading through a few of these samples, you'll be able to get some ideas and inspiration for your own personal statement. 

Media and communication personal statement examples

More help with your personal statement.

You can find personal statement examples for other courses by using this subject list, or by returning to our personal statements by subject page.

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• Journalist CV examples

Journalist jobs are extremely rewarding, but it can be tough to land one in today’s market.

Here are 5 Journalist CV examples and plenty of tips on how to create your own winning CV,

Now you can stand out and get the job you want.

Guide contents

• CV layout and format
• Your CV profile
• Work experience

Education section

CV templates 

Journalist CV example

Broadcast Journalist CV example

Freelance Journalist CV example

Fashion Journalist CV example

Reporter CV example

This example CV demonstrates how to structure and format your own Journalist CV, so that it can be easily digested by busy hiring managers, and quickly prove why you are the best candidate for the jobs you are applying to.

It also gives you a good idea of the type of skills, experience and qualifications that you need to be making prominent in your own CV.

Build your CV now 

Journalist CV layout and format

The format and structure of your CV is important because it will determine how easy it is for recruiters and employers to read your CV.

If they can find the information they need quickly, they’ll be happy; but if they struggle, your application could be overlooked.

A simple and logical structure will always create a better reading experience than a complex structure, and with a few simple formatting tricks, you’ll be good to go.

CV formatting tips

• Length: While there’s no ‘official’ CV length rule, the majority of recruiters agree that less is more. Aim for two pages of A4 or less. This is just enough room to showcase your suitability to the role, without overwhelming recruiters with irrelevant or excessive content.
• Readability : Make sure your CV is easy to read and looks professional by applying some simple formatting tricks. Bullet points are great for making large paragraphs more digestible, while formatting your headings with bold or coloured text will help the reader to find the information they need, with speed.
• Design: Don’t waste time adding fancy designs to your CV. It generally adds no value to your application and may even end up distracting recruiters away from the important written content.
• Avoid photos: If your CV has photos , images or profile pictures, hit the delete button. They’re not needed and won’t add any value to your applications.

Quick tip: Formatting your CV to look professional can be difficult and time-consuming when using Microsoft Word or Google Docs. If you want to create an attractive CV quickly, try our quick-and-easy CV Builder and use one of their eye-catching professional CV templates.

CV structure

As you write your CV , divide and sub-head into the following sections:

• Name and contact details – Always start with these, so employers know exactly how to get in touch with you.
• CV profile – Add a short summary of your relevant experience, skills and achievements, which highlights your suitability.
• Core skills section – A 2-3 columned list of your key skills.
• Work experience – A detailed list of any relevant work experience, whether paid or voluntary.
• Education – An overview of your academic background and any training you may have completed.
• Hobbies and interests – A brief overview of your hobbies and interests, if they’re relevant (optional).

Now I’ll tell you exactly what you should include in each CV section.

CV Contact Details

Start off your CV with a basic list of your contact details. Here’s what you should include:

• Mobile number
• Email address – It’s often helpful to make a new email address, specifically for your job applications.
• Location – Share your town or city; there’s no need for a full address.
• LinkedIn profile or portfolio URL – Make sure the information on them is coherent with your CV, and that they’re up-to-date

Quick tip: Delete excessive details, such as your date of birth or marital status. Recruiters don’t need to know this much about you, so it’s best to save the space for your other CV sections.

Journalist CV Profile

Recruiters and hiring managers are busy, so it’s essential to catch their attention from the get-go.

A strong introductory profile (or personal statement , for junior candidates) at the top of the CV is the first thing they’ll read, so it’s a great chance to make an impression.

It should be a short but punchy summary of your key skills, relevant experience and accomplishments.

Ultimately, it should explain why you’re a great fit for the role you’re applying for and inspire recruiters to read the rest of your CV.

Tips for creating an strong CV profile:

• Keep it concise: It might be tempting to submit a page-long CV profile, but recruiters won’t have the time to read it. To ensure every word gets read, it’s best to include high-level information only; sticking to a length of 3-5 lines.
• Tailor it: Not tailoring your profile (and the rest of your CV) to the role you’re applying for, is the worst CV mistake you could make. Before setting pen to paper, look over the job ad and make a note of the skills and experience required. Then, incorporate your findings throughout.
• Don’t add an objective: Want to talk about your career goals and objectives? While the profile may seem like a good space to do so, they’re actually much better suited to your cover letter .
• Avoid cliches: Focus on fact, not fluff. Phrases like “Committed and enthusiastic thought-leader” and “Dynamic problem solver” might sound fancy, but they’ll do nothing for your application. Not only do they sound cheesy, but they have no substance – stick to real skills and facts

Example CV profile for Journalist

What to include in your journalist cv profile.

• Summary of experience: Start with a brief summary of your relevant experience so far. How many years experience do you have? What type of companies have you worked for? What industries/sectors have you worked in? What are your specialisms?
• Relevant skills: Highlight your skills which are most relevant to Journalist jobs, to ensure that recruiters see your most in-demand skills as soon as they open your CV.
• Essential qualifications: Be sure to outline your relevant Journalist qualifications, so that anyone reading the CV can instantly see you are qualified for the jobs you are applying to.

Quick tip: Struggling to write a powerful profile? Choose from hundreds of pre-written profiles across all industries, and add one to your CV with one click in our quick-and-easy CV Builder . All written by recruitment experts and easily tailored to suit your unique skillset.

Core skills section

In addition to your CV profile, your core skills section provides an easily digestible snapshot of your skills – perfect for grabbing the attention of busy hiring managers.

As Journalist jobs might receive a huge pile of applications, this is a great way to stand out and show off your suitability for the role.

It should be made up of 2-3 columns of bullet points and be made up of skills that are highly relevant to the jobs you are targeting.

Quick tip: Our quick-and-easy CV Builder contains thousands of in-demand skills for every profession that can be added to your CV in seconds – saving you time and greatly improving your chances of landing job interviews.

Work experience/Career history

Next up is your work experience section, which is normally the longest part of your CV.

Start with your current (or most recent) job and work your way backwards through your experience.

Can’t fit all your roles? Allow more space for your recent career history and shorten down descriptions for your older roles.

Structuring your roles

Recruiters will be keen to gain a better idea of where you’ve worked and how you apply your skill-set in the workplace.

However, if they’re faced with huge, hard-to-read paragraphs, they may just gloss over it and move onto the next application.

To avoid this, use the simple 3-step role structure, as shown below:

Start with a solid introduction to your role as a whole, in order to build some context.

Explain the nature of the organisation you worked for, the size of the team you were part of, who you reported to and what the overarching purpose of your job was.

Key responsibilities

Follow with a snappy list of bullet points, detailing your daily duties and responsibilities.

Tailor it to the role you’re applying for by mentioning how you put the target employer’s desired hard skills and knowledge to use in this role.

Key achievements

To finish off each role and prove the impact you made, list 1-3 stand out achievements , results or accomplishments.

This could be anything which had a positive outcome for the company you worked for, or perhaps a client/customer. Where applicable, quantify your examples with facts and figures.

Quick tip: Create impressive job descriptions easily in our quick-and-easy CV Builder by adding pre-written job phrases for every industry and career stage.

In your education section, make any degrees, qualifications or training which are relevant to Journalist roles a focal point.

As well as mentioning the name of the organisation, qualification titles and dates of study, you should showcase any particularly relevant modules, assignments or projects.

Interests and hobbies

The hobbies and interests CV section isn’t mandatory, so don’t worry if you’re out of room by this point.

However, if you have an interesting hobby , or an interest that could make you seem more suitable for the role, then certainly think about adding.

Be careful what you include though… Only consider hobbies that exhibit skills that are required for roles as a Journalist, or transferable workplace skills.

There is never any need to tell employers that you like to watch TV and eat out.

Writing your Journalist CV

An interview-winning CV for a Journalist role, needs to be both visually pleasing and packed with targeted content.

Whilst it needs to detail your experience, accomplishments and relevant skills, it also needs to be as clear and easy to read as possible.

Remember to research the role and review the job ad before applying, so you’re able to match yourself up to the requirements.

If you follow these guidelines and keep motivated in your job search, you should land an interview in no time.

Best of luck with your next application!

Journalist CV Example

Cv guidance.

• CV Template
• How to Format
• Personal Statements
• Related CVs

CV Tips for Journalists

• Feature Your Portfolio : Include links to your published work, whether it's news articles, blog posts, or multimedia content. This provides tangible evidence of your skills and versatility as a journalist.
• Showcase Your Beat : Highlight your areas of expertise or the beats you've covered, such as politics, business, or culture. This demonstrates your knowledge depth and ability to produce specialized content.
• Highlight Key Achievements : Use metrics to illustrate your impact, such as increased website traffic from your articles or awards you've won for your reporting.
• Customize Your CV for the Role : Tailor your CV to the job's requirements, emphasizing relevant experiences and skills. If the role demands investigative journalism, highlight your investigative skills and past experiences in this area.
• Detail Your Technical Skills : List proficiency in tools like Adobe InDesign or Photoshop, content management systems, and social media platforms. Also, mention any multimedia skills, such as video editing or podcast production.
• Emphasize Soft Skills : Mention your ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and collaborate with a team. Also, highlight your communication skills, critical thinking, and ethical judgement.

The Smarter, Faster Way to Write Your CV

• Headed the investigative journalism team, resulting in a 30% increase in readership due to the publication of high-impact stories and exclusives.
• Implemented a new digital content strategy, leading to a 50% increase in online traffic and a 20% increase in digital subscriptions.
• Managed and mentored a team of 10 journalists, fostering a collaborative environment that improved team productivity by 25%.
• Launched a weekly podcast series that attracted over 100,000 listeners within the first three months, significantly boosting the brand's visibility and audience engagement.
• Developed and maintained a network of reliable sources, leading to a 40% increase in exclusive stories and scoops.
• Collaborated with the design team to revamp the layout of the print edition, resulting in a 15% increase in circulation.
• Produced a series of in-depth features on local government corruption, leading to significant public discourse and policy changes.
• Improved the accuracy and speed of breaking news coverage, reducing the average response time by 30%.
• Initiated a community outreach program that increased reader engagement and feedback by 50%, fostering a stronger connection with the local audience.
• Investigative Journalism
• Digital Content Strategy
• Team Management and Mentoring
• Podcast Production
• Network Building
• Collaboration with Design Teams
• In-depth Feature Writing
• Fast and Accurate News Coverage
• Community Outreach
• Reader Engagement and Feedback

Journalist CV Template

• Worked closely with [teams/departments] to produce [type of content, e.g., investigative reports, breaking news stories], demonstrating strong [soft skill, e.g., teamwork, leadership].
• Managed [journalistic function, e.g., news coverage, feature writing], optimizing [process or task, e.g., story development, fact-checking] to enhance [outcome, e.g., audience engagement, credibility].
• Implemented [system or process improvement, e.g., new content management system, revised editorial guidelines], resulting in [quantifiable benefit, e.g., 20% increase in readership, improved content quality].
• Played a pivotal role in [project or initiative, e.g., election coverage, special reports], which led to [measurable impact, e.g., increased viewership, recognition awards].
• Conducted [type of research or investigation, e.g., data analysis, interviews], using [tools/methods] to inform [outcome, e.g., news stories, public understanding].
• Key contributor to [task or responsibility, e.g., daily news briefings, editorial meetings], ensuring [quality or standard, e.g., accuracy, ethical reporting] across all journalistic outputs.
• Major: Name of Major
• Minor: Name of Minor

100+ Free Resume Templates

How to format a journalist cv, start with a compelling summary, highlight relevant experience and key stories, detail skills and specializations, include awards and recognitions, emphasize soft skills and ethical standards, personal statements for journalists, journalist personal statement examples, what makes a strong personal statement.

Compare Your CV to a Job Description

CV FAQs for Journalists

How long should journalists make a cv, what's the best format for an journalist cv, how does a journalist cv differ from a resume, related cvs for journalist.

Broadcast Journalist CV

Content Editor CV

Freelance Journalist CV

Multimedia Journalist CV

Photo Journalist CV

Student Journalist CV

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Journalism CV Tips: How To Write A Journalist CV + Example

Just as your articles need to grab readers’ attention straightaway, any journalism CV must do that too… In this guide we’ll outline how to write a strong journalist CV.

A career in journalism is increasingly popular, according to Statista . There were 110,000 UK journalists in 2021, compared to 61,100 in 2011, reportedly.

Journalists are more likely to write for online formats than before. Now only 44% write for print newspapers while 52% work online, the Reuters Institute reports .

And younger generations are changing how people get their news. Televised current affairs is still popular overall – but teenagers are more likely to browse Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for news, according to Ofcom .

Here’s how to write a journalist CV. And if you’re looking for a journalist CV example, we can help with that too – near the end of this blog, we’ll share a sample format to help you make a start.

Starting your journalism CV

If you are just starting out as a journalist, or have been in the same role for several years, perhaps you haven’t written a CV in a long time. For a full overview and some general tips, here’s how to write a CV – our comprehensive guide .

You of all people know the importance of a strong headline. We’ve previously written about how to come up with perfect CV headlines – and how to end a CV the right way too.

There’s another principle of journalism that’s important to keep in mind when writing your CV – know your audience. Hiring managers have lots of CVs to read and may only spend a few seconds skimming through yours, so keep the layout simple and effective.

• Write a strong personal statement: Explain what you can bring to the table and why you’re unique. Focus on getting this part right – otherwise, the reader may not continue.
• Highlight your achievements: Describe your journalism career so far using specific details. Whether it was a full-time role or summer work experience, sell yourself.
• Mention your qualifications and hard skills: Some will likely be more relevant for the role than others, so tailor them to the job description .
• Lie on a CV – ever.
• Include personal details such as your marital status or age.
• Add references – provide them later in the application process if they ask.
• Put your photo on a CV in the UK.

Take care not to use generalisations on your journalism CV. In the next section, we’ll explore how to describe your career successes so far in specific detail.

Journalist CV skills

The job advertisements you’re responding to from LinkedIn and other sources will mention several soft or hard skills, either essential or desired.

Including a skills section is a quick way to show employers you have these. Alternatively, you can work your skillset into the personal statement and career experience sections.

While it will vary depending on the role, typical skills you’ll often see on a journalist job ad include:

• NCTJ qualification
• Finding exclusives
• Breaking news
• Storytelling
• SEO writing
• News-gathering
• Investigative research
• Content management
• Digital strategy
• Keyword research
• Data visualisation
• Video editing

Again, some of your soft skills will be more useful than others – decide which ones are most relevant for the specific role. Journalism soft skills often involve:

• Working independently and in a team
• Strong communication skills
• Capable of working to tight deadlines
• Perfect attention to detail
• Working under pressure

For your strongest skills, back them up with evidence to avoid making generalisations. Let’s explore how to do this.

Show your impact

For online journalism, use any metrics you have access to when demonstrating the impact of your writing.

If you can show how engagement has increased over time – likes, shares and so on – that will look good on your CV.

Include any relevant and impressive facts, figures or stats you can to showcase your successes.

Highlight your achievements and of course if you have any awards or accolades to talk about, that’s great.

This evidence will have more impact in the right context. Try using the STAR method to make sure your best achievements stand out.

Taking this into account, here are some excerpts from one of our journalist CV examples to get the ball rolling.

Journalism CV example

Mike Daniels

[Address] – [Phone number] – [Email address]

Personal Statement

Multilingual investigative journalist with seven years’ experience and a proven track record of increasing website traffic and online conversions.

• Investigative journalism
• Relationship building
• Interviewing senior contacts
• Shorthand – 100 words pm
• Fluent in German
• Fluent in Spanish

Achievements

• Increased traffic for our finance section by 60% and subscriptions by 15% during the last six months
• Secured three exclusive stories through investigative journalism, all later picked up by UK national newspapers
• Interviewed senior executives, including 11 stakeholders in the C-suite at high profile companies, during the past 12 months
• Supervised and mentored two newsroom reporters, building successful promotion cases for both
• Received an end of year award from my current employer for my dedication to investigative journalism

Work History

[Role, company name, location] [Dates]

• Serving as lead reporter for the finance section
• Investigative reporting in the UK
• Writing news stories and feature articles for the media outlet’s online and print editions
• Securing and conducting interviews with prominent figures in the finance industry
• Sourcing financial information for my articles through comprehensive desk research
• Managing the social media accounts and increasing engagement among our key demographic of 18-45 year olds
• Contributing to multimedia projects such as podcasts, videos and infographics

Qualifications and Education

• [Journalism qualification(s) obtained] [Dates]
• [University name, degree subject, grade] [Dates]
• [School name, A-Levels, grades] [Dates]
• [School name, GCSEs, grades] [Dates]

Travelling, photography, reading and volunteering

References available on request

Final advice

You’ve written all about your achievements and passion for the job – don’t undo all that hard work by making a basic mistake.

It goes without saying, but you need very strong attention to detail for a journalism career and your CV is no different. Check it thoroughly to find any mistakes and fix them!

Remember, customise every CV to each company you’re applying to. Use their job advert, website, social media channels and any other relevant sources to adjust your application.

With this knowledge, you may want to tailor your personal statement or reword how you describe certain aspects of your work history. Then recheck your CV for any new errors you’ve made.

And if you’re going for a broadcast journalism role, we explain what a video CV is and debate whether you need one in this guide .

Summary: How to write a journalist CV

Highlight any unique skills you have and what makes you an impressive candidate, then build your CV around these points.

Take your time and make sure your personal statement has no filler, clunky grammar etc – these little touches can make all the difference when a busy hiring manager reads your CV.

We hope this guide has given you some ideas for putting together a journalism CV that does justice to your career so far.

For other careers, check out our blog . For example, here are our guides on how to write a:

• Architect CV
• Engineering CV
• Hospitality CV
• Personal assistant CV
• Care assistant CV
• Graphic design CV

If you need some help putting one together, look no further – we’re CV writing experts. We know how to write an outstanding journalism CV, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch for more information.

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Journalism Personal Essays

Cultural reporting and criticism.

The Cultural Reporting and Criticism (CRC) program in Journalism requires applicants to submit a personal essay that will be judged both as a piece of writing and as an indication of whether your aspirations, abilities, interests, and experience are suited to CRC.

The essay should be specific and detailed enough to give the admissions committee a concrete sense of who you are as a potential cultural reporter and critic. It should address the following questions: What do you expect to get from CRC? What do you think you can contribute to it? What aspects of your background and experience are most relevant to your interest in the program? What kind of writing have you done and what do you aspire to do? Which cultural issues and phenomena most engage you? What publications do you read regularly and why? Which cultural journalists do you admire, which do you dislike, and which have influenced you? Feel free to include any other ideas you consider relevant to your application.

CRC places most emphasis on letters of recommendation from professors or editors with whom you have worked directly and who can assess your intellectual abilities and the quality of your writing.

Please append to your essay a brief statement of your plans for financing your graduate work. This statement must be included, whether or not you are applying for financial aid. 

Global and Joint Programs

Africana studies | east asian studies | european and mediterranean studies | french studies | international relations | latin american and caribbean studies | near eastern studies | russian and slavic studies.

Journalism requires applicants to write a personal essay. The essay is an extremely important part of the application, so treat it accordingly. The essay should be 1,000 to 1,500 words in length. In addition, all applicants must submit at least three samples of their work, whether published or not.

The goal of the essay is to give the Admissions Committee a concrete sense of who you are as someone who aspires to a career as a professional journalist, writing and reporting for print, online or broadcast media. It should address the following questions: What do you expect to get from the program? What aspects of your experience are most relevant to your interest in journalism? Tell us about your background--your academic degree, intellectual interests, work experience, life experience, and other sources of inspiration--and explain how this background informs what you want to do as a journalist.

Applicants should also describe their existing "body of work" as a journalist, critic or just someone who writes. We are mostly interested in published work, but if you have yet to break into print, then tell us what kind of writing you have done. What have been your major themes? What issues and phenomena most engage you? What publications do you read regularly and why? Which journalists do you admire, which do you dislike, and which have influenced you?

In addition, for the non-Journalism field of study  (Africana Studies, East Asian Studies, French Studies, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Russian and Slavic Studies), please briefly describe your past and present work as it relates to your intended field of study, and your reasons for choosing your field of study.

In addition, for International Relations : the program in International Relations (IR) trains individuals who wish to make a difference on international affairs either through continued academic study or via the actual practice of international affairs in government, the non-governmental or private sectors. Please explain, in a brief and concise manner, how your past studies and work experience relate to a course of study at the graduate level in international relations at NYU. You should include how your educational objectives will help you to achieve your future career goals, and should briefly outline where you see yourself 10 years after graduating from NYU. Please also explain why you chose to apply to study in the IR Program at NYU and how NYU specifically will help you to advance your personal and professional objectives.

European and Mediterranean Studies  does not not require an additional statement. Only the Journalism personal essay is required.

Please append to your essay a brief statement of your plans for financing your graduate work. This statement must be included, whether or not you are applying for financial aid.

Journalism and Religion

Journalism requires applicants to write a personal essay. The essay is an extremely important part of the application, so treat it accordingly. The essay should be 1,000 to 1,500 words in length. In addition, applicants must submit at least two samples of their work, whether published or not.

As part of your personal essay, please include a discussion that provides the Admissions Committee with a sense of who you are as someone who aspires to a career in journalism, writing and reporting about important matters in the news and analysis of religious issues.

Two different writing samples are required. One should be an example of your strongest academic writing, preferably a paper written for an undergraduate course that demonstrates your ability to construct a coherent argument. It should not exceed 25 double-spaced pages. The second should represent your aptitude for journalism. A clip from your college newspaper, a personal essay, and an academic research paper are all acceptable.

Literary Reportage

Literary Reportage requires applicants to answer the following questions. We will judge both the style and content of your writing.

• Describe the project you want to pursue. Tell us about the stories you want to write, in as much detail as possible. Big ideas, themes and questions are essential, but just as essential are specific stories—real names, real places—through which you explore them. We expect your work to evolve while at NYU, so you are not committing to your agenda now.
• Who/what have you read and been inspired by? What, to your mind, are the similarities and differences between creative writing and creative nonfiction? How can "literary technique" be applied to the practice of long-form journalism? What do reporters do? What do you envision “Literary Reportage” to be?
• Tell us about your academic degree(s), intellectual interests, work/life experiences, and explain how they inform your project. Describe your "body of work" as a journalist, blogger, or just someone who writes. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a writer? What do you expect to get from Literary Reportage?
• Describe how you plan to use the city and the university’s vast resources. We welcome projects of national or international scope, but only if they can be reported effectively from the city and its environs (with the usual extensions of email and telephone) during the school term.
• You may answer the above questions separately, or in a single essay.

News and Documentary

The News and Documentary Program in Journalism requires applicants to write a personal essay. The essay is an extremely important part of the application, so treat it accordingly. The essay should be 1,000 to 1,500 words in length. In addition, all applicants must submit at least three samples of their work. This can be print or video clips or scripts.

The goal of the essay is to give the Admissions Committee a sense of who you are as someone who aspires to a career as a professional journalist/documentary filmmaker. It should address the following questions: What aspects of your experience are most relevant to your interest in journalism? Tell us about your background—your academic degree, intellectual interests, work experience, life experience, and other sources of inspiration—and explain how this background informs what you want to do as a journalist. What do you expect to get from the program?

Applicants should also describe their existing "body of work." This can be print, video, radio or documentary work you’ve already done. Video experience is not a prerequisite at all so if this is the case, your body of work might be volunteering somewhere, working with an NGO, teaching etc. We’d also like to know what publications you read and news or documentary programming you like, and why. Which journalists do you admire, and which have influenced you?

Please also address what motivates you to pursue the documentary long form in particular. In your third semester, you will be creating a capstone piece of journalism--a half-hour documentary. What might this project be about and how would you approach it? Although experience in documentary is not required, your ideas are.

Podcasting and Audio Reportage

Your personal essay is an opportunity for you to reveal more about who you are and for you to connect your goals for attending this program with your background and qualifications. The Admissions Committee will be looking for your voice in your writing style, as well as paying close attention to the evidence you provide in the case you are making for why you should be selected. While many students aim for 1,000-1500 words in length, writing for audio requires efficiency and clarity, therefore shorter essays may also be effective. In addition, applicants are asked to submit 3 work samples, which can be links to audio or multimedia work. Work samples do not need to be published work, but we suggest choosing work which demonstrates your journalism, narrative storytelling or audio production skills. 

In your essay, please address the following questions:

• Why are you applying to this program and what do you hope to gain from your graduate studies?
• Why audio? What is it about this medium and what in your background or experience has motivated you to pursue this field of study? What is your experience with audio production? What experience do you have in journalism?
• Audio Journalism is a medium that values voice. Whose voices have you been inspired by and whose voices do you imagine we would hear in your work?
• Tell us about your interests and background. What life experiences, intellectual pursuits, educational or creative pursuits or other sources of inspiration inform your desire to create audio journalism?    

Please append to your essay a statement of your plans for financing your graduate work. This statement must be included, regardless of any request for financial assistance.

All Other Programs

American journalism | magazine and digital storytelling | reporting new york | reporting the nation | business and economic reporting | science, health and environmental reporting .

The goal of the essay is to give the Admissions Committee a concrete sense of who you are as someone who aspires to a career as a professional journalist, writing and reporting for print, online or broadcast media. It should address the following questions: What do you expect to get from the program and the specific concentration to which you are applying? What aspects of your experience are most relevant to your interest in journalism? Tell us about your background--your academic degree, intellectual interests, work experience, life experience, and other sources of inspiration--and explain how this background informs what you want to do as a journalist.

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Journalism Personal Statement

This is a sample personal statement written by our professional writer. Please note that our website is scanned by various anti-plagiarism software, so do not attempt to copy/paste this personal statement. You will get caught and your university career will be over before it has begun! To get a custom-written personal statement, just complete the order form and we will write an original personal statement, based specifically on the information you give us, which will never be published or resold.

I would like to demonstrate through this statement that I have the necessary personal qualities, academic qualifications and desire to succeed and to complete this course to a high standard. I am a driven individual who is passionate about journalism and would sincerely welcome the opportunity to study at the University of Bedfordshire.

I am committed to achieving high standards which were proven in studying for my A-Levels. During this time, I received excellent results as well as regular positive feedback from my teachers. Comments included that I consistently met deadlines, worked well with others and responded positively to constructive criticism, which meant that my work has developed significantly over the time that I have been studying. I believe that this is due to a genuine desire to build a solid knowledge and skill base and a willingness to work hard to achieve my goals.

My short term goals include gaining a degree in journalism from an academic establishment that can help me nurture and develop the skills that I have already obtained, whilst simultaneously assisting me to gather new skills and journalistic talents. My long-term goals include working with a regional newspaper to gain some useful work experience and then to work for a national newspaper reporting on international news. I would also like to spend some time working as a freelance journalist so that I can learn about the various types of media.

In order to achieve my goals, I am attempting to gain a good education by working diligently at the tasks I am set. I have also undertaken some work experience with a local newspaper where I shadowed a reporter for two weeks. I enjoyed this valuable opportunity immensely and was able to gain an understanding of the reporting process. I assisted with reporting on local events by attending them and making notes. I also spent time at the office writing up the stories, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I learnt how the process worked in terms of getting the report edited, authorised and published.

Most importantly, this experience helped me to understand the benefit of good time management and organisational skills which are necessary due to the tight deadlines that newspapers work to. Whilst studying for my exams has meant that I have had some practice at employing these skills, I am seeking to expand and build upon them within the field of journalism.

Feedback from the work experience proved that I am an excellent team player, willing to share the knowledge that I have whilst learning from others. I am confident enough to work on my own initiative and also to ask for help and assistance when required. I was able to demonstrate my desire to become a journalist by staying longer than the required hours at the office and going the extra mile to ensure high professional standards were met. I was grateful for the opportunity to work at the newspaper and it has fuelled my desire to develop journalism as a career.

The next step for me is to study journalism as a degree and then to develop my work experience. I gained my first real taste of journalism in high school, where I worked on the school newspaper for nearly two years. During this time, I reported on school events and spent a month as editor. I never missed a deadline and was able to complete my school work to a high standard at the same time, which has been proven by my high GCSE grades.

I was commended by the Headmaster for my reporting abilities and my peers said that they enjoyed reading my reports. This helped me to gain confidence which meant that I was able to approach senior members of staff and ask questions that were controversial without causing offence. My English teacher stated that my language skills were above average and this compounded the idea that I should become a journalist. If possible, I would welcome the opportunity to work on a university publication in my spare time.

My hobbies include writing reports on international events so that I can develop my writing skills, and reading fictional stories and autobiographies. To keep fit, I like to go swimming and occasionally, I like to go dancing with my friends.

I am a sociable person who would enjoy being a part of an academic atmosphere and would sincerely welcome the opportunity to take the next step in achieving my goal of becoming a journalist. I am eager to learn and looking forward to being able to share my enthusiasm with like-minded peers and lecturers. If given a place at the University of Bedfordshire, I would be able to offer a dedication and passion for journalism, as well as a desire for excellent results and high standards.

Your personal statement is vital in ensuring you get the university place you want. Don’t take a chance with it. Secure your university place today!

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• Nieman Foundation
• Fellowships

To promote and elevate the standards of journalism

Nieman Visiting Fellowships

How to apply.

• Alumni Perspectives

Application requirements:

All Nieman Fellowship applicants must complete an online application form. Candidates for academic-year fellowships must submit the following information as part of their package: two essays ; a professional profile and study plan summary ; work samples and three letters of recommendation .

Abrams Nieman Fellowship for Local Investigative Journalism complete the Abrams Nieman Fellowship online application, which includes the same requirements as listed above as well as a project proposal . -->

Candidates for the Nieman Visiting Fellowships complete a streamlined application that requires only biographical information, a résumé and a project proposal .

Questions about the application process may be sent to fellowship program administrator Nicole Arias .

Application deadlines:

• To be determined. Go to our Nieman Visiting Fellowships webpage to sign up for our notification mailing list to receive an email once submissions open.

Nieman Fellowships

• International Nieman Fellowship application (for non-U.S. citizens):  December 1
• U.S. Nieman Fellowship application (for U.S. citizens):  January 31

With the exception of Nieman Visiting Fellowship applicants, all fellowship candidates must submit two essays: a personal statement and a proposal for study at Harvard. These essays are equally important parts of the application and selection committee members review them carefully. When writing, include examples from your life and work that demonstrate that you have a significant capacity for growth and leadership. We also want to know how a year at Harvard will help make you a better journalist. Please observe word limits.

Personal statement

The personal statement is an essay of 1,000 words or less that describes your journalistic experience, career plans and goals. What experiences in life and in journalism have shaped you? What personal and journalistic values and intellectual interests have influenced your decision to apply? What motivates your commitment to journalistic excellence? What are your aspirations for your life ahead in journalism? Why have you chosen this time for a transformative experience away from work?

Proposal for study at Harvard

The study proposal is an essay of 500 words or less that describes how you plan to spend a year at Harvard. What will you study during the fellowship year? What is the driving question or interest that will shape your year? It is not necessary to specify course titles, but please identify the resources at Harvard and in the Cambridge area that will serve your goals in journalism.

Candidates applying for a Nieman-Berkman Fellowship for Journalism Innovation should explain how their proposed projects or course of research could have impact on the broader world of journalism.

Project proposal for Abrams Nieman Fellowship candidates

Project proposal for visiting fellowship candidates.

The project proposal is an essay of 600 words or less that describes the project you plan to pursue as a visiting fellow at Harvard. Which particular Harvard or local resources will be especially important and useful? How, specifically, will you use your fellowship time to advance the project? What will be the end product or result of your fellowship? How will your work benefit journalism? As you prepare your proposal, it may be helpful for you to read about the many diverse projects undertaken by our recent visiting fellows.

Send two summaries: a professional profile and a study plan.

Professional profile

Provide a short profile (no more than 100 words) that summarizes your professional career including your current position (work title and news organization, if appropriate); publications that you have written for and/or other news organizations where you have worked; journalism awards you have won; beats and issues that you cover; special interests, etc.

Study plan summary:

Provide a brief summary (50 words) of your study plan.

View examples of professional profiles and summaries

Work Samples

Work samples must be submitted to the online application via file uploads or URLs. You may also provide a summary page that describes your samples.

Work Sample Specifications

• We are most interested in your recent work. Most of your samples should have been published or broadcast in the 12 months immediately prior to the completion of your application. One older sample may also be submitted.
• Please clearly date all your samples and do not send more than the requested number.
• If your samples are not in English, please include a summary of their contents in English. Supporting materials must also be in English.
• Nieman-Berkman Klein candidates  who work for a news organization in a business, technology, or leadership capacity may omit the work samples portion of the application, but should attach other documentation that illustrates the work they do.

Print and Online Journalists

• Writers: Submit four samples of published work, including publication dates. Samples must be submitted via URLs or individual PDF file uploads.
• Editors: Include a statement describing your job. (This is in addition to your two essays.) This statement should be submitted as a PDF file upload to the Portfolio section of the application. You may list URLs or include files of published work along with a description of your role in these samples. For published work, follow the instructions for writers above.
• Photographers: Submit at least eight samples of your work via file uploads or URLs. A sample could be a single image, an article that includes multiple images, or a PDF excerpt from a published book. Image files up to 10MB each and PDF files up to 20MB each may be uploaded to the online application.

Broadcast Journalists

Work samples collectively should run no longer than 60 minutes. Include a written synopsis of each sample with a brief description of your involvement in each piece. Video files up to 500MB each and audio files up to 60MB each may be uploaded to the application, or instead provide a URL to your work online.

If you have questions about what types of work samples are acceptable, contact fellowship program administrator Nicole Arias .

Letters of Recommendation

Three confidential letters of recommendation are required. These letters should indicate how your abilities and experience make you stand out as a fellowship candidate and should describe your qualifications, your potential for professional growth and leadership, and the impact a fellowship might have on your career in journalism.

Abrams Nieman Fellowship for Local Investigative Journalism who work in a news organization must also submit a letter from their employer: The employer must indicate support for the public service project you plan to pursue and state the intent of the news organization to permit you to work on the project during your fieldwork. If the immediate supervisor who is writing one of your three letters of recommendation also will submit your letter of support, that person may do so within a single letter. -->

Once an applicant completes the references section of the online application for each recommender, SlideRoom will send an auto-generated email to each person with a link to access the online recommendation portal. That email is sent from [email protected] with the subject line “The Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard recommendation request from [applicant name] for Nieman Fellowships.” Each recommender will be able to type or copy/paste the letter within this portal (no file uploads) by the following dates:

• International Nieman Fellowship applicants: December 15
• U.S. Nieman Fellowship applicants: February 14

Recommendations should be written by:

• Two professional associates familiar with your work who can comment on your journalistic abilities and potential for growth and leadership (e.g., current or former colleagues, mentors/advisors).
• An immediate supervisor with an appraisal of your qualifications. (Freelancers: This may be someone who has recently worked with you in a supervisory capacity.)

Nieman Visiting Fellowship applicants are not required to supply letters of recommendation.

Submissions have closed for the 2024-2025 academic-year Nieman Fellowships. Applications for the 2025-2026 Nieman Fellowships will open in early October. The deadlines to apply will be Dec. 1 for international journalists (non-U.S. citizens, even if you work in the U.S.) and Jan. 31 for U.S. journalists (U.S. citizens, even if you don’t work in the U.S.).

Apply Now -->

For questions about the application process, contact Nieman Fellowship program administrator Nicole Arias .

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7 Freelance Journalist Resume Examples for 2024

Freelance journalist resumes require a focus on writing experience, published work, and areas of expertise. This article includes proven resume examples and advice on presenting your skills and achievements. Learn how to highlight relevant experience, showcase your portfolio, and structure your resume for success.

• 03 Sep 2024 - 5 new sections, including 'Position your educational background', added
• 03 Sep 2024 - 5 new resume templates, including Aspiring Freelance Journalist (Transferable Skills), added
• 01 Sep 2024 - Article published

  Next update scheduled for 11 Sep 2024

Here's what we see in the best freelance journalist resumes.

Show Impact With Numbers : The best resumes use numbers to show results. Include metrics common to this job, such as article view counts , social shares , publication reach , and engagement rates . Numbers make your impact clear.

Include Relevant Skills From Job Descriptions : Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are SEO , AP Style , WordPress , Google Analytics , and Adobe Creative Suite . Choose skills you have and are mentioned in the JD.

Trend Towards Multimedia Storytelling : More journalists are using multimedia elements. Highlight skills like video production or podcasting to stand out.

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Freelance Journalist Resume Sample

Find out how good your resume is.

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Get your resume scored

Want to know if your freelance journalism resume stands out? Our resume scoring tool gives you a clear picture of where you excel and where you can improve. It checks for key elements that editors and publications look for when hiring writers.

Upload your resume now for an unbiased assessment. You'll get instant feedback on how to make your writing experience and skills shine, helping you land more freelance opportunities.

Position your educational background

As a hiring manager, I recommend you to position your education effectively on a resume. If you are new in the field of freelance journalism or have recently finished a journalism degree or related course, place your education section before your work experience. This will show employers that your recent academic training is the most current and relevant aspect of your professional development.

For those with substantial freelance journalism experience, your work history should take precedence. Your education can then follow to provide context and background, especially if it is in a field that enhances your reporting and writing skills, such as political science or economics. Always ensure your most relevant qualifications are easy to find and at the forefront of your resume.

Breaking into journalism

Start by building a strong portfolio. Include links to published articles and personal blogs in your resume. This shows your writing style and proficiency.

Networking is essential. Attend industry conferences and join journalism groups on social media platforms. Mention any industry memberships in your resume. This demonstrates your engagement and commitment to the field.

Entry-Level Freelance Journalist Resume Sample

Ideal resume length.

Keep your resume concise, aiming for one page, especially if you have less than 10 years of experience. As a freelance journalist, this means including your strongest and most recent work. Prioritize showcasing your most impactful articles, the range of your reporting skills, and diverse publication platforms. Highlight collaborations and key interviews that align with the role you are seeking.

If you have ample experience stretching beyond a decade, consider extending to two pages. Here, focus on depth, including significant investigative pieces or series, high-profile assignments, and leadership in journalistic projects. Always remember to maintain enough white space for readability and to use a layout that naturally guides the reader through your career timeline and accomplishments.

Senior Freelance Journalist Resume Sample

Gaining credibility.

Consider adding a section for quotes or testimonials from editors or readers. This can provide external validation of your work and reliability.

Highlight any niche areas you specialize in, like technology or politics. This helps employers match your skills to their needs and shows you have depth in specific topics.

Freelance Journalist with a Specialization in Technology Resume Sample

Aspiring freelance journalist (transferable skills) resume sample.

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Journalist casualties in the Israel-Gaza war

September 6, 2024 1:00 AM EDT

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The Israel-Gaza war has taken an unprecedented toll on Gazan journalists since Israel  declared war  on Hamas following its  attack  against Israel on October 7, 2023.

As of September 6, 2024, CPJ’s preliminary investigations showed at least 116 journalists and media workers were among the more than 42,000 killed — 40,800 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis — since the war began, making it the  deadliest period for journalists  since CPJ began gathering data in 1992.

• See CPJ’s database of the full list of journalists and media workers killed in the Israel-Gaza war

Journalists in Gaza face particularly  high  risks as they try to cover the conflict, including devastating Israeli airstrikes, famine , the displacement of 90% of Gaza’s population , and the destruction of 80% of its buildings. CPJ is investigating more than 130 additional cases of potential killings, arrests and injuries, but many are difficult to document amid these harsh conditions.

“Since the war in Gaza started, journalists have been paying the highest price – their lives – for their reporting. Without protection, equipment, international presence, communications, or food and water, they are still doing their crucial jobs to tell the world the truth,” said CPJ Program Director Carlos Martinez de la Serna in New York. “Every time a journalist is killed, injured, arrested, or forced to go to exile, we lose fragments of the truth. Those responsible for these casualties face dual trials: one under international law and another before history’s unforgiving gaze.”

Journalists are civilians and are protected by International Law. Deliberately targeting civilians constitutes a war crime. In May, the International Criminal Court announced it was seeking  arrest warrant  applications for Hamas and Israeli leaders for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

To date, CPJ has determined that at least five journalists were directly targeted by Israeli forces in killings which CPJ classifies as murders:  Issam Abdallah ,  Hamza Al Dahdouh ,  Mustafa Thuraya ,  Ismail Al Ghoul , and  Rami Al Refee . CPJ is still researching the details for confirmation in at least 10 other cases that indicate possible targeting.

As of September 6:

• 116 journalists and media workers were confirmed killed: 111 Palestinian, two Israeli, and three Lebanese.
• 35 journalists were reported injured.
• 2 journalists were reported missing.
• 54 journalists were reported  arrested .
• Multiple assaults, threats, cyberattacks, censorship, and killings of family members .

CPJ is also investigating numerous unconfirmed reports of other journalists being killed, missing, detained, hurt, or threatened, and of damage to media offices and journalists’ homes.

The list of killed journalists documented in our database includes names based on information obtained from CPJ’s sources in the region and media reports. It includes all journalists * involved in news-gathering activity. It is not always immediately clear whether all of these journalists were covering the conflict at the time of their deaths, but CPJ has included them in its count as it investigates their circumstances.

The list is being updated on a regular basis, with names being removed if CPJ confirms that those members of the media were not working journalists at the time they were killed, injured, or went missing. 

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) officials have repeatedly told  media   outlets  that the army does not deliberately target journalists. It also told  agencies  shortly after the war started that it could not guarantee the safety of journalists. CPJ  has called  for an end to the longstanding  pattern of impunity  in cases of journalists killed by the IDF.    

United Nations experts have  raised concerns  over the killings of journalists, saying in a February statement that they were “alarmed at the extraordinarily high numbers of journalists and media workers who have been killed, attacked, injured and detained in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly in Gaza, in recent months blatantly disregarding international law.”

The lists below detail those injured and missing in the Israel-Gaza war:

CPJ is aware that dozens of Palestinian journalists were injured during the war. CPJ counts the journalists cases it was able to document, and continues to investigate other cases.

August 26, 2024

Mohammed Al-Za’anin

Al-Za’anin, a 40-year-old Palestinian journalist who works as a camera operator for the Turkish-owned TRT Arabic broadcaster, was injured when shrapnel from a missile struck his left eye after an Israeli strike on a house next to the TRT temporary office located in Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip. Al-Za’anin’s assistant, Mohammed Karajah, was also injured in the incident, according to multiple media reports and the journalist, who spoke to CPJ.

The office is currently located in a warehouse facing Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis.

Al-Za’anin has been a camera operator and a photographer for 19 years. He was on assignment in the south of the Gaza strip in the early days of the war and remained there as a displaced person when the war unfolded.

“We were near Nasser Hospital when an Israeli warplane struck near us,” Al-Za’nin told CPJ by phone. “I was injured by shrapnel that penetrated my left eye and has not yet come out, and my assistant, Mohammed Karajah, was injured by shrapnel in his left leg. The doctors were able to remove it and he left the hospital.”

Al-Za’anin said that he walked on foot after his injury to Nasser Hospital because of its proximity to the office, and that he is still being treated there after undergoing surgery, but told CPJ he needs an operation outside Gaza to extract the shrapnel due to the lack of capabilities in the strip.

The Turkish foreign ministry posted on X about the incident, saying “the attacks on TRT members in Gaza are an Israeli effort to cover up the truth, with its hands stained with blood. We stand with all members of the press who are working with all their might to make Israel’s cruelty known to the world. We extend our best wishes to the TRT members and the TRT family who were injured in the latest attack.”

Mohammed Karajah

Karajah, a -32-year-old Palestinian media worker who works as an assistant photographer for the Turkish-owned TRT Arabic broadcaster was injured by shrapnel from Israeli missiles when an Israeli airstrike hit a nearby house to the TRT temporary office located in Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, according to multiple media reports and his colleague Mohammed Al-Za’anin, who was also injured and spoke to CPJ.

Karajah was displaced from the Bureij Palestinian refugee camp east of the central Gaza Strip to the neighboring city of Deir al-Balah.

August 18, 2024

Salma Al Qaddoumi

Al Qaddoumi, a freelance Palestinian journalist, who works with multiple outlets including the Turkish state-owned Anadolu Agency, Al Jazeera, and AFP news agency, was injured when an Israeli tank fired towards a group of journalists reporting in the Hamad city area, northwest of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza, according to news reports . Freelance journalist Ibrahim Muhareb was also killed in the incident.

The Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate posted a description by journalist Rasha Ahmed of the incident. Ahmed said she was one of five journalists on assignment together when a military tank suddenly advanced from the Al-Hawz area in the northwestern part of Hamad city and opened heavy fire on them. Some reporters lay on the ground for more than five minutes due to the intense gunfire, until they were “miraculously” able to get out. Al-Qaddoumi also tried to run, unaware that her back was injured, but fell to the ground. Ahmed and another journalist Saeed Al-Lulu rescued Al-Qaddoumi and found a cart and then a car to transport her to hospital, the PJS report said.

On August 19, Al-Qaddoumi told CPJ by phone that the group of journalists reported from “a place far from the presence of tanks” but “a number of tanks suddenly appeared in the area after filming had ended.”

“The tanks fired shells and bullets at us, and Ibrahim was hit directly. He asked me to help him leave the place, and I went with one of the displaced people in the area to rescue him, but the tanks fired more shells and bullets at us. At that moment, I was hit in the back by two (pieces of) shrapnel, either from the shells or the bullets. I then lost consciousness and found myself in the hospital,” she told CPJ.

Sami Barhoom

Barhoom, a Palestinian correspondent for the Turkish state-owned broadcaster TRT Arabic was injured by shrapnel from Israeli sniper bullets when he and a colleague were reporting in southern Gaza, according to news reports and the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate .

“I was on a field mission to prepare a report with camera operator Hazem al-Baz about the cemeteries being full and the lack of graves to accommodate the martyrs in the Austrian neighborhood northwest of Khan Yunis,” Barhoom told CPJ by phone. “We finished and headed to another mission near Hamad city, west of Khan Yunis, at exactly 2:00 p.m.”

“Although the car was marked “Press” and “TV” and we were (both) wearing a “Press” jacket and helmet, we were surprised by direct fire on our car … The first shot hit the right door of the car, so I knew it was a targeted attack because the gunfire was hitting the sand very heavily,” he said, referring to the desert sand they were driving over.

“We tried to get out of the car to hide, but as soon as we tried to get out of it, the bullets hit the front window of the car at the level of our heads, and it was clear that the target was to kill,” he said.

Barhoom said the pair managed to get out of the car, which was hit by five bullets, and took cover in a nearby shelter for an hour until it was safe to leave. In April, Barhoom was one of four journalists injured by Israeli shelling while reporting in Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. His TRT Arabic colleague Sami Shehadeh lost a leg in the incident.

May 21, 2024

Amro Manasrah

Manasrah, a freelance photographer working with the local Palestine Post outlet and the regional Hezbollah-affiliated Al Mayadeen broadcaster, was hit in the back by an Israeli  bullet that ricocheted off the wall next to him as he and other journalists were reporting on an Israeli operation in the West Bank city of Jenin, according to Palestine Post , Al Jazeera , and the journalist, who spoke to CPJ.

Manasrah, who was wearing a press vest, told CPJ via phone call after he was hospitalized, that the bullet hit a wall next to him and ricocheted, hitting him in the back. Manasrah said that only journalists were in the area and were visible to IDF soldiers. Manasrah was later released from the hospital on the same day.

Journalist Obada Tahayneh, a freelance reporter for Al Jazeera Mubashar who was at the scene, told CPJ over the phone that “there were approximately 20 journalists present at the scene, only 150 meters away from IDF soldiers. Seven of us moved towards the nearby hospital, when we heard shots fired. We ran and hid next to a wall, and shortly after I saw Manasrah on the ground.” Tahayneh added that he is still “in shock” from being so close to the shooting and witnessing Manasrah’s injury.

April 12, 2024

Sami Shehadeh, cameraman, TRT Arabic injured by an Israeli shell while reporting in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, which led to the loss of his right leg.

Sami Barhoom, TRT Arabic reporter, injured by an Israeli shell while reporting in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.

Ahmad Harb was on duty for Al Arabiya TV at the time of the incident and was injured by the Israeli shell.

CNN stringer Mohammad Al-Sawalhi was struck by shrapnel, resulting in a slight injury to his right hand and bruising on his left leg.

March 31, 2024

Freelance photojournalist Ali Hamad, whose back was hit with missile shrapnel in an attack on Al-Aqsa hospital .

Freelance photojournalist Saeed Jars, whose knee was hit by shrapnel in an attack on Al-Aqsa hospital .

Freelance photojournalist Naaman Shteiwi suffered minor facial injuries in an attack on Al-Aqsa hospital .

Zain Media cameraperson Mohammed Abu Dahrouj was seriously injured in the leg in an attack on Al-Aqsa hospital .

Freelance photojournalist Nafez Abu Labda suffered a leg injury in an attack on Al-Aqsa hospital .

Al-Aqsa photographer Ibrahim Labad suffered leg injuries in an attack on Al-Aqsa hospital .

Al Jazeera photographer Hazem Mazeed, who suffered leg injuries in an attack on Al-Aqsa hospital .

Freelance photojournalist Magdi Qaraqea was also injured in the attack in an attack on Al-Aqsa hospital , according to CPJ sources. Those sources did not specify his injuries.

January 7, 2024

Hazem Rajab , injured by the same strike that killed Mustafa Thuraya and Hamza Al Dahdouh on January 7, 2024.

Amer Abu Amr , injured in an Israeli strike on January 7, 2024, several minutes before the one that killed Thuraya and Al Dahdouh.

Ahmed al-Bursh , injured in an Israeli strike on January 7, 2024, several minutes before the one that killed Thuraya and Al Dahdouh.

December 23, 2023

Khader Marquez

Marquez, a cameraman for Lebanon’s Hezbollah-owned TV channel Al-Manar was injured after shrapnel from an Israeli missile hit his car on the Khardali road of south Lebanon, injuring his left eye, according to Al-Manar correspondent Ali Shoeib, who was with Marquez, posted about the incident on social media , and spoke to the privately-owned Beirut-based Al-Jadeed TV . The incident also was reported by the privately owned Lebanese Annahar newspaper , the Beirut based press freedom group SKeyes , the National News Agency , and multiple news reports .

December 19, 2023

Islam Bader

Bader , a Palestinian reporter and presenter for the Hamas-affiliated Al-Aqsa channel, and a contributor to multiple media outlets including the Qatari-funded Al-Araby TV, was injured in the right shoulder and hip in an Israeli airstrike on Block 2 of the Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza, on December 19, according to the London-based pan-Arab newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat , Al-Araby TV , and Palestine TV . His colleague Mohamed Ahmed was injured in the same strike. A video posted by Al Jazeera shows the two journalists being treated in Jabalia medical center after the attack. Another video posted by the local Palestine Post website shows Bader and Ahmed lying on the floor of the medical center frowning in pain.

Bader told Al-Araby TV that he was injured by three pieces of shrapnel in his shoulder, and hip.

Bader and Ahmed are among the few journalists still reporting from northern Gaza.

Mohamed Ahmed

Ahmed, a Palestinian reporter for the Hamas-affiliated Shehab agency and photographer for the Hamas-affiliated Al-Aqsa channel, was injured in the left thigh in an Israeli airstrike on Block 2 of the Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza, on December 19, according to the London based pan Arab newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat , Al-Araby TV , and Palestine TV . His colleague Islam Bader was injured in the same strike. A video posted by Al Jazeera shows the two journalists being treated in Jabalia medical center right after their injury. Another video posted by the local Palestine Post website shows Bader and Ahmed lying on the floor of the medical center frowning in pain.

December 16, 2023

Mohamed Balousha

Balousha, a reporter for the Emirati-owned Dubai-based Al Mashahd TV, was shot in the thigh while reporting on the war from northern Gaza on December 16, 2023. According to his outlet Al Mashhad , Al Jazeera , and the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate , the bullet was fired by an Israeli sniper. Balousha said in a video about his injury that he lost consciousness for about 30 minutes after “six hours of agony” and was roused by the nuzzling of cats he was feeding before the shooting. Al Mashhad said that Israeli forces intercepted the ambulances sent to evacuate him, delaying his transfer to a hospital for treatment. In late November, Balousha broke a story that four premature babies left behind at al-Nasr Children’s Hospital died and their bodies had decomposed after Israel forced the staff to evacuate without ambulances. Balousha accused Israel of directly targeting him. “I was wearing everything to prove that I was a journalist, but they deliberately targeted me, and now I am struggling to get the treatment necessary to preserve my life,” he told The Washington Post.

December 15, 2023

Wael Al Dahdouh

The Gaza bureau chief for Al Jazeera, Al Dahdouh was injured by a drone strike while covering the aftermath of nightly Israeli strikes on a UN school sheltering displaced people in the center of Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, according to reports by their Al Jazeera , Middle East Eye , and Reuters . Dahdoh was hit with shrapnel in his hand and waist and treated at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. His colleague, camera operator Samer Abu Daqqa, was killed in the same strike.

Mustafa Alkharouf

Alkharouf, a photographer with the Turkish state-owned Anadolu Agency, was covering Friday prayers near Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem on December 15 when a group of Israeli police and soldiers attacked him, according to Anadolu Agency , footage shared by The Union of Journalists in Israel, and the Palestinian Authority’s official news agency WAFA . Soldiers initially brandished their weapons at Alkharouf, punched him, and then threw him to the ground, kicking him. Alkharouf sustained severe blows, resulting in injuries to his face and body, and was transported by ambulance and treated at Makassed Hospital in East Jerusalem.

November 18, 2023

Mohammed El Sawwaf

Mohammed El Sawwaf , an award-winning Palestinian film producer and director who founded the Gaza-based Alef Multimedia production company, was injured in an Israeli airstrike on his home in Shawa Square in Gaza City. The airstrike killed 30 members of his family, including his mother and his father, Mostafa Al Sawaf, who was also a journalist, according to the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate , Anadolu Agency , and TRT Arabic .

Montaser El Sawaf

Montaser El Sawaf, a Palestinian freelance photographer contributing to Anadolu Agency, was injured in the same Israeli airstrike that injured his brother, Mohammed El Sawwaf and killed their parents and 28 other family members, according to the Anadolu Agency , the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate , and TRT Arabic .

November 13, 2023

Issam Mawassi

Al Jazeera videographer Mawassi was injured after two Israeli missiles struck near journalists in Yaroun in southern Lebanon covering clashes, which also resulted in damage to the journalists’ cars in the area, according to multiple media reports , some of which show the journalists live on air the minute the second missile hit the area. CPJ reached out to Mawassi via a messaging app but didn’t receive any response.

October 13, 2023

Thaer Al-Sudani Al-Sudani, a journalist for Reuters, was injured in the same attack that killed Abdallah near the border in southern Lebanon, Reuters said . Maher Nazeh Nazeh, a journalist for Reuters, was also injured in the same southern Lebanon attack. Elie Brakhya

Brakhya, an Al Jazeera TV staff member, was injured as well in the southern Lebanon shelling, Al Jazeera TV said . Carmen Joukhadar Joukhadar, an Al Jazeera TV reporter, was also wounded in the southern Lebanon attack. Christina Assi

Assi, a photographer for the French news agency Agence France-Press (AFP), was injured in that same attack on southern Lebanon, according to AFP and France 24 . Dylan Collins

Dylan Collins, a video journalist for AFP, was also injured in the southern Lebanon shelling .

October 7, 2023

Ibrahim Qanan

Qanan, a correspondent for Al-Ghad channel, was injured by shrapnel in the city of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, according to MADA and JSC.

CPJ safety advisories

As we continue to monitor the war in Israel/Gaza, journalists who have questions about their safety and security can contact us [email protected] .

For more information, read:

• Physical Safety: War Reporting
• Physical and digital safety: Civil Disorder
• Psychological Safety
• Physical and digital safety: Arrest and detention

These are available in multiple languages, including Arabic.

Nidal Al-Wahidi

Nidal Al-Wahidi , a cameraman and photographer in Gaza for the Nablus-based Palestinian broadcaster An-Najah Nbc Channel, went missing near the Erez crossing, known in Gaza as the Beit Hanoun crossing, while reporting on Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 according to news reports , the Palestinian press freedom organization MADA , and a video interview with his father, Suhail Al-Wahidi, on Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera Mubasher. 

On assignment? Yes

Haitham Abdelwahid

Haitham Abdelwahid , a cameraman and video editor for Ain Media, a Gaza production company, went missing near the Erez crossing, known locally as the Beit Hanoun crossing, while reporting on Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, according to news reports , his employer , and the Palestinian press freedom organization MADA .

Clarifications and corrections:

*Definition of a journalist : CPJ’s research and documentation covers all journalists, defined as individuals involved in news-gathering activity. This definition covers those working for a broad range of publicly and privately funded news outlets, as well as freelancers. In the cases CPJ has documented, multiple sources have found no evidence to date that any journalist was engaged in militant activity.

On February 6, 2024, Canadian-Palestinian journalist Mansour Shouman was found alive after being reported missing more than two weeks before. We have removed him from our list of missing journalists.

According to CPJ’s research, Israeli journalist Oded Lifschitz wasn’t working when he was taken as a hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023. CPJ removed his name from the list of missing journalists after contacting the family.

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Media, journalism and creative industries personal statement example.

While writing an article for my blog on the life of the singer Jim Morrison, I stumbled upon a quote by him "Whoever controls the media, controls the mind," which made me realize the colossal power media holds-to influence the opinions and attitudes of people.

This thought precipitated a realization for me that the field of media resonates with my communication skills, ingenuity, and intellectualism. Media's power to influence not only the social and political spheres but also an individual's day to day life, including my own, is what motivates me to study this course.

The social aspect of media, in particular, compels me because of its potential to amplify marginalized voices. Coming from an Indian background, the issue of oppressive patriarchal dominance in my society piqued my interest and the platform of social media has helped me raise awareness about the same through online petitions and campaigns.

Managing a social media account to promote feminism among the youth has not only enabled me to connect, critique, and share perspectives but also significantly enhanced my skills to investigate and present allowing me to have hands-on experience in social media management and networking.

To expand my knowledge, I participated in the Fortis Peer Moderator Program on Media literacy and Gender Sensitivity, which enabled me to become a wiser consumer and producer of media. To further augment my knowledge of the foundation of media, I completed a Coursera course through the University of Amsterdam on Media Ethics and Governance.

This course provided me with the knowledge of perspectives on media ethics as well as the dominant theoretical approaches that enabled me to reflect on ethical dilemmas and develop a well-substantiated argumentation in a variety of media-related contexts.

The case studies in this course made me realize that various dimensions like culture, psychological behavior, and statistics are also an indispensable part of media. Finding this multifaced element of media intellectually fascinating, I enrolled in a summer training program on Creative and Cultural Events through which, in addition to learning how to practically organize cultural events, I also learned how the mass media influences modern culture and shapes societal behavior.

While these courses exposed me to the basis of media and creative industries, my schoolwork prepared me for the academic workload. Throughout school, I have been awarded the scholar badge for eight consecutive years and attained proficiency awards in English and Mathematics which have upskilled my resilience. My extracurriculars have also prepared me for a career in media.

Competing in several essay writing competitions has enhanced my ability to write in a clear, concise, and professional manner which further enabled me to get an opportunity to co-author a published book - Crescent. I have also regularly written and edited articles for my school magazine. These projects allowed me to expand my writing, text editing, and compiling skills.

Having won an award at the UtopiaMUN and various debate competitions, I am equipped with confident public speaking skills. These competitions required me to have an intricate knowledge of current affairs which I've received by listening to Peter Kafka's Recode Media podcast weekly.

In addition to writing and public speaking, I also have a keen interest in community service. Being a zone leader at the Sankalp NGO and having successfully raised money through a social crowdfunding program for providing mid-day meals to underprivileged children, I realized the correlation media platforms have with the service dimension.

My other hobbies include reading suspense novels, writing poetry, and journaling regularly. Through my training and coursework, I have developed the necessary skills required for a successful career in media, and this bedrock along with my enthusiasm for the subject will facilitate me to productively learn this course at university.

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got offers from into kcl, leeds and Cardiff and it's only dec:)

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