News & Media

Job Description:

Acting as the eyes and ears of the fleet is an integral part of the Navy’s delivery of visual, audio, and written information, both internally and to the public. Your ability to handle deadlines as well as your ability to communicate ideas creatively, artistically, and effectively might make this the perfect career choice for you.

What Will You Do?

As a videographer with a combat photography unit, you might develop a training video for an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team. Or, as a Photojournalist, your images of a humanitarian-relief operation in a foreign country could open the eyes of the world. Then again, maybe you’re technically inclined and are happiest making sure that your ship or unit’s communications equipment has been inspected and repaired and is functioning properly. Regardless of what missions and assignments you encounter, your skills in gathering and creatively communicating information will be used on a daily basis. Some other duties you might perform in the news and media field might be to:

• Gather facts and write articles for publications
• Write, edit, and proofread news for radio and TV
• Write and produce radio and television programs
• Prepare layouts and content for newspapers, magazines, and web sites
• Maintain and repair interior communications systems
• Serve as staff photographer
• Operate various types of still and video equipment
• Operate laboratory and darkroom equipment for film processing
• Take and review aerial photographs, scan and edit digital video images
• Produce training films and video news reports
• Write speeches
• Perform digital editing

Skills and Training

You could receive training in the operation, care, and maintenance of digital and conventional still and video equipment. On-the-job training in this field is extensive, and there are a number of opportunities for intermediate and advanced schooling in the news and media disciplines, depending on the career path you choose. Sailors in the news and media field have access to cutting-edge digital cameras, nonlinear editing systems, and computer-based graphics applications.

Your training might also prepare you for a future career as a:

• Photographer
• TV Camera Operator
• Magazine Editor
• Photojournalist
• Newspaper Editor
• Film Editor
• Web Content Manager
• Reporter
• Speech Writer
• Producer (radio and TV)
• Announcer (radio and TV)
• Production Manager
• Screenwriter
• Audiovisual Repair Technician
• Recording Engineer (radio and TV)
• Art Director
• PR Specialist

Earn College Credits

In the news and media specialty, you will have an opportunity for continued education through various college and tuition assistance programs. Much of the training received in this field will translate toward semester credit hours for a vocational certificate, as well as a bachelor’s or associate’s degree. Advanced technical training may be available toward the later stages of your career development.

Career Outlook

There are many opportunities for individuals to excel in this field, both in and out of the Navy. Your assignments in the news and media field are similar to those you would find in the civilian sector, with one exception – your “beat” is worldwide. The opportunity to document news almost anywhere in the world is a reality in the Navy, giving Sailors in this field a wide range of real-world experience and a portfolio that can’t be beat.

---