Introduction
If you are considering a career in journalism today, you have probably heard mixed opinions. Some say television news is losing relevance, while others believe it still offers the most stable and respected roles. At the same time, many see digital journalism as the future of news. The truth lies somewhere in between.
India’s media landscape now has hundreds of private news channels alongside thousands of digital news publishers, and both continue to grow. This shift has created two clear career paths for aspiring journalists. Broadcast journalism offers structure, visibility, and real-time reporting, while digital journalism brings speed, flexibility, and the freedom to experiment with formats. Understanding how these two paths differ in scope, salary, skills, and growth is important before making a choice.
So let's break down broadcast journalism careers versus the digital journalism scope in 2026, and they will help you pick out the one that actually matches your vibe.
What is Broadcast Journalism?
Broadcast journalism covers everything you watch on television and hear on the radio. It includes live reporting, studio anchoring, news bulletins, field reporting, prime-time debates, and election coverage. Professionals in this field work in fast-paced environments where information must be reported accurately and delivered in real time.
Careers in broadcast journalism span news channels, radio stations, and digital news platforms. These roles may involve appearing on screen, reporting from the field, or working closely with production teams behind the scenes to ensure timely and credible news coverage.
As you train and work in broadcast journalism, you gradually build a mix of communication, technical, and reporting skills that are essential to the role.
Skills you master include:
- On-camera presence and effective voice modulation
- Live reporting and handling high-pressure situations
- Studio production, teleprompter reading, and news presentation
- Interviewing politicians, public figures, and celebrities
- Working closely with large teams, including camera crews, producers, and editors
What is Digital Journalism?
Digital journalism refers to news and storytelling created specifically for online platforms. This includes content produced for news websites, mobile apps, YouTube channels, podcasts, newsletters, social media platforms, and OTT-based digital news outlets such as The Wire, The Quint, and Mojo Story. The focus is on reaching audiences where they consume information most actively, on their phones and screens.
Careers and the scope of digital journalism are fast-moving and constantly evolving. Journalists in this space often work across multiple formats, combining reporting with content creation, editing, and audience engagement.
As you train and work in digital journalism, you develop a practical skill set that blends storytelling, technology, and audience awareness.
Skills you master include:
- Video shooting and editing using a phone or a laptop
- Writing strong headlines, scripts, and short-form news content
- Understanding SEO, platform algorithms, and content reach
- Building a personal brand and engaging an online audience
- Using data journalism tools and fact-checking techniques
Is Broadcast Journalism a Good Career Option in 2026?
If you are drawn to television news and live reporting, broadcast journalism can still be a good career option in 2026. India continues to have a strong network of national news channels like NDTV, India Today, Republic, and ABP, along with well-established regional players such as TV9, Asianet, and ETV.
Broadcast journalism places you right at the centre of important moments. This includes election coverage, live Parliament debates, breaking news situations, and major sports events like cricket World Cups. For many journalists, the excitement of being on the ground, reporting in real time, and delivering news to millions is what keeps the field relevant and engaging.
Several well-known organisations continue to hire broadcast journalists across the country.
Top recruiters include:
- National news channels such as Aaj Tak, Zee News, and Times Now
- Public and international broadcasters like Doordarshan, BBC Hindi, and Al Jazeera
- Regional networks, including Sun TV and the ETV Network
Digital Journalism Scope: A Growing Opportunity
Digital journalism is growing rapidly in India. New platforms are launching every year, many of them backed by strong funding and large audiences. This growth has opened up fresh opportunities for young journalists who want to report, explain, and tell stories online.
Some well-known digital-first platforms include:
- The Lallantop, a Hindi digital news platform backed by the India Today Group
- Mojo Story, an independent digital journalism platform founded by Barkha Dutt
- Brut India, a social-media-first platform focused on news and storytelling
- ScoopWhoop, a youth-focused digital media company covering news, culture, and trends
Along with established platforms, many independent journalists and creators are building large audiences on YouTube and social media. Several of them have crossed 1 to 5 million subscribers by consistently creating relatable and engaging content.
Today, it is not unusual to see a 22-year-old digital creator with around five lakh subscribers earning more than a television reporter with years of experience. This shift highlights how quickly digital journalism scope is increasing and how much opportunity it offers to those who adapt early.
Scope of Broadcast Journalism vs Digital Journalism in India (2026)
Both broadcast and digital journalism offer strong career paths, but they differ in pace, structure, and creative control. Understanding how these two fields compare can help students decide which path aligns better with their skills, goals, and working style.
Factor | Broadcast Journalism | Digital Journalism |
Employment security | High, especially with established news channels | Medium to high, depending on platform growth and consistency |
Starting salary | ₹3–6 LPA at reputed news channels | ₹2.5–8 LPA; top digital creators and YouTubers can earn ₹15 LPA or more |
Growth speed | Slower, as promotions follow hierarchy and experience | Faster, with content performance driving visibility and growth |
Work hours | Fixed shifts, often extending into late nights | Flexible schedules, but constant pressure to stay active |
Creative freedom | Limited due to channel policies and editorial guidelines | High, with greater control over content and format |
Recognition | Strong on-screen recognition and public visibility | Recognition often comes through content rather than face value |
Global reach | Largely focused on Indian audiences | Worldwide reach from the start through digital platforms |
Entry barrier | High, with emphasis on voice, appearance, and networks | Lower, where quality content can create quick opportunities |
Which Journalism Career Should You Choose?
Before picking between broadcast and digital journalism, it helps to be honest with yourself and choose your broadcast journalism career. Ask these questions:
- Do you enjoy being on camera, in a studio, under bright lights?
Broadcast journalism may suit you. - Do you like shooting, editing, and publishing your own stories on your phone?
Digital journalism is a better fit. - Do you prefer a fixed salary and a structured newsroom job?
Broadcast usually offers more stability. - Do you want to build your own identity or personal brand over time?
Digital gives you that flexibility. - Can you handle constant pressure, online criticism, and breaking news at odd hours?
Both paths demand high tolerance.
Best Courses for a Journalism Career after 12th
No matter which path in journalism you choose, proper training and a clear understanding of the field make a real difference. Choosing the right course matters.
There are many institutes across India that offer journalism programmes, and AAFT is one of them, providing practical courses for students interested in television news and media.
Course Type | Course Name | Who It’s Best For |
Undergraduate Degree (3 Years) | Ideal for students interested in media, storytelling, and public communication. It combines theory with hands-on training to build skills for print, television, radio, and digital platforms. | |
PG Diploma (1 Year) | Designed for graduates interested in storytelling and media communication. The programme focuses on building skills in news reporting, digital content creation, PR campaigns, and documentary production. | |
Diploma (1 Year) | Suited for students interested in news, digital content, and media. Designed for learners after Class 12, the programme builds skills in reporting, production, and communication for television and digital platforms. | |
Certificate (6 Months) | Suited for students interested in on-screen news presentation. This broadcast journalism course focuses on voice modulation, teleprompter reading, studio interviews, and field reporting, helping build confidence and on-camera presence. |
Conclusion
Broadcast journalism and digital journalism offer different kinds of opportunities, and neither is better than the other. What matters in 2026 is having a skill set that allows you to move between both spaces with confidence. A strong foundation in camera presence, scripting, editing, storytelling, and journalism ethics helps you stay relevant as the media landscape continues to evolve.
At AAFT, students are trained through a hands-on approach that focuses on real newsroom experiences rather than theory alone. With access to professional studios, daily news bulletins, portfolio-driven learning, and mentorship from active journalists, students gain practical exposure to both broadcast and digital media. Placement support with national and regional channels further helps students understand industry expectations.
If you are exploring journalism as a career and want structured training that builds real skills, you can fill out the enquiry form, and our counsellor will get in touch to guide you further.
FAQs
- Are broadcast journalism careers good for me in 2026?
Yes, Broabascat journalism is counted as one of the best career options. The National and regional TV channels still dominate credibility and pay decent starting salaries from ₹3–6 LPA.
- Which pays more: broadcast or digital journalism?
Top TV anchors earn crores, but top digital creators cross that faster today. Both fields are paying well with lots of good career opportunities.
- Can I switch to digital from broadcast later?
Absolutely, most skills like storytelling, camera work, and ethics transfer easily. The base of journalism is almost the same, with little variation.
- Is a degree necessary for digital journalism?
No, but a solid course gives you an edge in scripting, ethics, and camera skills. It’s very important to build a base.
- Does AAFT provide placement support for journalism students?
Yes, 100% placement assistance with TV channels, digital platforms, and news agencies. AAFT also offers internships for students to gain practical skills and experience.
6. Do journalists need to be active on social media?
Today, yes. Even broadcast journalists use social media to share stories, build credibility, and reach wider audiences.
7. What is the biggest challenge in journalism today?
Handling pressure, maintaining credibility, and working under constant deadlines are common challenges across both broadcast and digital journalism.
8. Can journalism skills be used in other careers?
Yes. Journalism skills transfer well to PR, corporate communications, content marketing, media strategy, and documentary production.
