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The Journalism Department offers practical news experience and academic preparation for students entering the workforce or seeking transfer to four-year institutions. Our journalism students embrace multimedia as an essential part of storytelling.
Department Overview
Taking journalism courses or majoring in journalism can help you sharpen your skills in critical thinking, analysis, research, public speaking, marketing and of course — writing.
As the journalism industry continues to evolve, Laney College can help prepare you for a fulfilling academic or work trajectory that isn’t limited to a newsroom!
Career Opportunities
A journalism degree offers a diverse range of career opportunities across various media platforms, including print, broadcast, digital, and multimedia outlets. Here are some potential career paths for individuals with a degree in journalism:
- Reporter/Journalist: Reporters gather information, conduct interviews, and write news stories for newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and online media outlets. They cover a wide range of topics, from local events and politics to sports and entertainment.
- News Anchor/Presenter: News anchors or presenters deliver news broadcasts on television, radio, or online platforms. They report on breaking news, conduct interviews with guests, and provide commentary on current events.
- Broadcast Journalist/Correspondent: Broadcast journalists report news stories for television, radio, or online video platforms. They may cover local, national, or international events, conduct live reports from the field, and contribute to news programs and documentaries.
- Multimedia Journalist (MMJ): Multimedia journalists produce news content across multiple platforms, including print, digital, video, and social media. They write articles, shoot and edit video footage, and engage with audiences through interactive storytelling techniques.
- Photojournalist: Photojournalists capture images that tell compelling stories and accompany news articles in newspapers, magazines, websites, and multimedia platforms. They may cover a wide range of subjects, including politics, culture, sports, and human interest stories.
- Editor/Managing Editor: Editors oversee the editorial process for newspapers, magazines, websites, or broadcast news programs. They assign and edit stories, set editorial priorities, manage staff, and ensure that content meets quality and journalistic standards.
- Digital Content Producer/Editor: Digital content producers and editors create and manage content for online news websites, blogs, social media platforms, and digital publications. They may write articles, produce videos, curate multimedia content, and engage with online audiences.
- Investigative Journalist: Investigative journalists conduct in-depth research and reporting to uncover corruption, injustice, and wrongdoing in government, business, and society. They may work independently or as part of investigative journalism teams within media organizations.
- Foreign Correspondent: Foreign correspondents report on international news and events from different regions of the world. They may cover conflicts, humanitarian crises, political developments, and cultural trends, providing insights and analysis for global audiences.
- Data Journalist: Data journalists analyze and interpret data sets to identify trends, patterns, and insights that inform news stories and investigations. They use data visualization tools to present information in engaging and accessible formats for audiences.
- Freelance Journalist: Freelance journalists work independently, pitching story ideas and articles to various media outlets on a freelance basis. They may contribute to newspapers, magazines, websites, and broadcast programs on a wide range of topics.
- Media Producer/Director: Media producers and directors oversee the production of news programs, documentaries, and multimedia content for television, radio, online platforms, and streaming services. They manage production teams, develop content strategies, and ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
Journalism Advisory Committee
The Laney College Journalism Advisory Committee is made up of local and national industry professionals who advise our department about industry demands, next steps for curriculum and so much more.
John Diaz, Editorial Page Editor, San Francisco Chronicle
Martin Reynolds, Co-Director, The Maynard Institute
Cole Goins, Engagement Lead, Journalism+Design
Tasneem Raja, Editor in Chief, Oaklandside
Rachele Kanigel, Department Chair and Professor, San Francisco State University Journalism Department
Blake Eskin, Associate Professor, Journalism+Design, The New School, New York
David DeBolt, Pulitzer-Prize winning reporter, Bay Area News Group
Duncan Sinfield, Digital Producer, KTVU Channel 2
Kristopher Noceda, Digital Managing Editor, KRON Channel 4
Florence Laumanamea Brown, Director of Communications, Philadelphia International Airport
Contact Us
Department Chair
Eleni Gastis
Email: eegastis@peralta.edu
Dean
Elizabeth Maher
Email: emaher@peralta.edu
Learning & Career Pathway
Language & Communication
Division
Liberal Arts
Location
Building ?, Room ??? (G-140)
Degree & Certificate
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This Degree offers practical newspaper experience and academic preparation for students preparing to transfer to four-year institutions. Emphasis is placed on new technologies and preparation for media jobs in a computer-oriented society.
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This Degree is designed to prepare students for a seamless transfer with junior status and priority admission to their CSU campus to a program or major in Journalism or similar major for completion of a baccalaureate degree.
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This Certificate provides foundational knowledge and hands-on training that prepares students for jobs in the media realm. The certificate serves as a comprehensive and multi-discipline overview of content and skills needed by the modern journalist.
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This Certificate provides foundational knowledge and hands-on training that prepares students for jobs in the media realm. The certificate serves as a comprehensive and multi-discipline overview of content and skills needed by the modern journalist.
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Student Run Publication
The Citizen amplifies community voices while holding those in power accountable. They aim to foster the growth of student journalists while giving full representation of Peralta's complex and diverse community.
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Unlock Financial Aid for College Expenses
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Laney College's AA-T and AS-T degrees guarantee junior standing admission to the CSU system, with priority for local CSU campuses in similar programs. Consult a counselor or transfer specialist for details.
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Counselors can help you create a Student Educational Plan (SEP) to outline the courses needed for an Associate’s degree, transfer, or certificate, even if you're unsure of your educational goals.
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We provide support with career exploration, self-assessment as well as the major and career decision making process to help all Laney students achieve career satisfaction and success.