TV journalist

What does a TV journalist do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A TV journalist works with collecting, processing, and conveying news or other stories for television media. Tasks may include everything from research, interviewing, scripting, editing segments, to being on camera as a reporter or news anchor. The work is often fast-paced and under pressure, especially during live broadcasts or major news events. Many TV journalists work at editorial offices, but segments can also be recorded on location in the community. The profession requires good teamwork and flexibility, as the work environment can vary between office, studio, and fieldwork depending on the assignment.

Salary development over time

TV journalist salaries have shown some variation over recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,000 SEK per month, followed by a slight decrease to 42 500 SEK in 2023. However, in 2024, the salary has recovered and increased to 44 800 SEK, representing an increase of just over 5% compared to the previous year. This development can partly be explained by increased demand for qualified journalists in TV, while competition for attractive positions remains high. The salary increase may also be due to more journalists having higher education and broad digital skills, which are highly valued in today’s media market. Despite this, differences between employers and regions continue to influence salary levels.

TV journalist salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 44 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 43,900 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 51,000 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 269 SEK
• Women: 44 400 SEK/month (98% of men's salary)
• Men: 45 200 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Depending on the job market and media house – metropolitan regions tend to offer higher salaries than smaller towns.

Education and qualifications

To work as a TV journalist, a post-secondary education in journalism, media and communication, or a similar field is usually required. Many employers also value practical experience in TV production, such as through internships or trainee programs. In addition to formal education, the ability to work with various technical tools and platforms is highly valued, as digital competence has become increasingly important.

• Journalism education: 2–3 years at university or vocational college
• Internships or trainee programs: Recommended for gaining work experience and building networks
• Courses in TV production and digital publishing: Provide technical and practical skills
• Prerequisites: High school diploma, often with focus on social sciences or media
• Additional merits: Language skills, experience in editing and storytelling

Common benefits and compensation

TV journalists are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible hours, remote work opportunities, and professional development. Occupational pensions and collective agreements are common, especially within larger media companies and the public sector. Extra compensation is often provided for working inconvenient hours.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a TV journalist is fierce, especially at larger editorial offices in metropolitan areas where the job market is most attractive. Many pursue the profession due to its dynamic nature, but the number of permanent positions is limited, and temporary employment is common. Technological development and changing consumption habits require continuous skills development, especially in digital publishing and social media. The work can be stressful, with tight deadlines and irregular hours, requiring good stress resilience and flexibility.

Tips for aspiring TV journalists

To succeed as a TV journalist, it’s good to combine curiosity and creativity with analytical skills. Building a strong network during your education can provide valuable contacts and internship opportunities. It’s important to take initiative, be persistent, and seek various projects to broaden your experience. Communication skills and responsiveness are essential for creating interesting stories and managing interviewees. Technical proficiency in video, audio, and digital tools is increasingly important, so continuously updating your skills is advantageous. Flexibility and stress tolerance are necessary to handle rapid changes and irregular hours. Lastly, high integrity and a sense of responsibility are valued, as the profession often involves handling sensitive information and complex situations.

Key facts about TV journalists

• Education level: Post-secondary education, often 2–3 years
• Work environment: Varies between studio, editorial office, and field
• Work form: Commonly temporary contracts and projects
• Demand: High competition, approximately 620 available jobs in the profession
• Special skills: Digital publishing and TV production

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a TV journalist, there are opportunities to develop into roles such as editor, producer, presenter, or specialized reporter within fields like society, foreign affairs, or culture. Many also choose to work as freelancers or transition to related careers in communication and PR. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there is no clear forecast for future job opportunities due to limited data, but digitalization and changing media habits are expected to maintain demand for journalists with broad digital skills. Currently, there are about 620 available jobs in the profession, providing some opportunities for those who are flexible and possess the right skills.

Frequently asked questions about TV journalists

• What does a TV journalist earn?
  - A TV journalist has an average salary of 44 800 SEK per month. The salary can vary depending on experience, education, and workplace.
• What education is required to become a TV journalist?
  - Usually, a post-secondary education in journalism or media, often 2–3 years at university or vocational college.
• Is there a difference between men's and women's salaries?
  - Yes, women earn an average of 44 400 SEK while men earn 45 200 SEK, which means women earn 98% of men's salaries.
• What is the job market like for TV journalists?
  - Competition is high, but there are about 620 available jobs in the profession according to recent statistics.
• What tasks does a TV journalist perform?
  - Tasks include research, interviews, scripting, segment production, and sometimes acting as a reporter or presenter during broadcasts.
• What is the highest salary for a TV journalist?
  - The highest salary is 51,000 SEK per month, belonging to a man in the public sector with at least three years of post-secondary education.
• How does the region affect the salary of a TV journalist?
  - Salaries can be higher in metropolitan regions and larger media companies, while smaller towns often have lower salary levels.