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Journalism and Mass Communication Salary in India in 2025 [Average to Highest]

Journalism and Mass Communication Salary in India in 2025 [Average to Highest]

Updated on 07 December, 2024

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• 7 min read

Table of Contents

Average journalism and mass communication salary in India
Top jobs paying highest salary in Journalism and Mass Communication
Skills required for roles in journalism and mass communication
Trends in journalism and mass communication in India
Conclusion

We live in an era where everyone is linked by a network of various modes of communication. From learning about the most recent developments from across the world within no time to available non-stop entertainment via streaming, all is possible with the power of mass media and technology.

While mass communication involves the distribution of current events, journalism is the gathering and broadcasting of news via electronic and print media. This includes writing, editing, reporting, broadcasting, news articles, photographing, and so on. Journalism entails analyzing, investigating, and reporting on local and global events, trends, current affairs, and more.

Given the expanding popularity of mass communication channels, there is a constantly growing scope in journalism and mass communication. You can find employment at production houses, publishing houses, news networks, public relations agencies, or radio stations.

In this article, we will explore journalism and mass communication salary in India. Read along to find out more.

Also Read: Top 18 career options after BMM

Average journalism and mass communication salary in India

The average journalism and mass communication salary in India is INR 3.95 lakh per annum. With this qualification, you can apply for many jobs, such as a news anchor, copywriter, journalist, editor, public relations specialist, etc.

We shall further discuss journalism and mass communication salary in India based on aspects like specialization, designation, qualification, organization as well as location.

Specialization-Wise Salary

Depending upon your specialization in the media and mass communication industry, you can get varied salary packages. A glimpse of it can be seen below:

SPECIALIZATION	AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY (INR)
Broadcast Journalism	4.8 lakhs
Advertising	5 lakhs
Public Relations (PR)	6 lakhs
Print Journalism	6 lakhs
Entertainment Journalism	3.2 lakhs

Designation-Wise Salary

The average salaries in journalism and mass communication can also vary based on specific job roles, due to different levels of responsibility and expertise within the industry. Take a look at the following table to know more:

DESIGNATION	AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY (INR)
Editor	5.2 lakhs
Public Relations(PR) Officer	2.8 lakhs
News Anchor (TV)	11 lakhs
Social Media Manager	5.5 lakhs
Content Strategist	6 lakhs

Qualification-Wise Salary

Generally, educational qualifications in journalism and mass communication influence salary expectations, leading to varied salary trends for graduates, postgraduates, and those with diploma certifications from top-tier

institutions like IIMC.

Qualification	Average Annual Salary (INR)
Bachelor’s in Journalism/ Mass Communication (B.JMC)	3.95 lakhs
Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Journalism/ Mass Communication	6 lakhs
Master’s Degree (M.A. in Journalism, Mass Comm or Media Studies)	5.98 lakhs
PhD in Journalism/ Mass Communication	7.16 lakhs

Organization-Wise Salary

Your salary in the journalism and mass communication field can also vary across different types of organizations, including media houses, advertising agencies, PR firms, and government bodies, highlighting the impact of company size, impact, and industry.

Organization	Approximate Salary Range (INR)
National Newspapers (e.g., The Times of India, Hindustan Times)	6 lakhs to 10 lakhs
TV News Channels (e.g., NDTV, Republic TV, Zee News)	6 lakhs to 12 lakhs
Advertising Agencies (e.g., Ogilvy, BBDO, DDB Mudra)	8 lakhs to 15 lakhs
Public Relations Firms (e.g., Edelman, Adfactors PR)	7 lakhs to 15 lakhs
Government Media Organizations ( e.g., Doordarshan, All India Radio)	5 lakhs to 10 lakhs

City Wise Salary

The location where your media job is based is another key determinant in your salary package. Depending on the cost of living, facilities, and metropolitan area, your salary in journalism varies.

CITY	AVERAGE SALARY
Delhi	4.3 lakhs
Mumbai	4 lakhs
Kolkata	4.5 lakhs
Bengaluru	5 lakhs
Hyderabad	3.7 lakhs

Top jobs paying highest salary in Journalism and Mass Communication

In light of technological advancements and the proliferation of broadcasting channels such as radio stations, television sets, news channels, and social media, an intended viewership has been brought together, opening up vast possibilities and alternatives for applicants who are skilled in public writing, speaking, and reporting.

A degree in the course of Mass Communications and Journalism opens several doors to individuals who desire to work in communications, radio, television, journalism, advertising, and related other fields. Both streams are quite important and offer several chances in the actual world.

Now that we have discussed the average journalism and mass communication salary, let’s discuss some of the roles that offer the highest salaries in this field:

JOB PROFILE	AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Public Relations Specialist	6 lakhs
Journalist	4.2 lakhs
News Reporter	2.9 lakhs
Social Media Manager	5.5 lakhs
News Editor	10.9 lakhs
Creative Director (Media & Publishing)	23.1 lakhs
Corporate Communication Head	32 lakhs
Media Buyer	5.3 lakhs

Skills required for roles in journalism and mass communication

A wide range of skills covering technical, artistic, and interpersonal domains are necessary for job roles in journalism and mass communication. Let’s look at some common skills required by these media professionals:

1. Writing and Editing Skills

Doing strong journalistic writing for clarity and engagement
Editing for grammar, accuracy, and style adherence

2. Research and Analytical Skills

Conducting investigative research and fact-checking
Data analysis to support stories with evidence

3. Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Interviewing subjects effectively and building rapport
Public speaking and presenting with confidence

4. Digital Literacy and Technical Skills

Proficiency with social media and digital platforms
Multimedia content creation like video, podcasts, graphics

5. Creative and Visual Skills

Basic design principles for print and digital media
Visual storytelling through images, video, and graphics

6. Global Awareness and Cultural Sensitivity

Sharp awareness of global events and issues
Reporting with cultural respect and empathy

7. Broadcasting Skills and Crisis Management

Voice control and articulation skills with engaging on-air presence
Ability to manage high-pressure situations in crisis reporting

8. Ethics and Legal Knowledge

Understanding media ethics and objectivity
Knowledge of defamation, copyright, and privacy laws

Trends in journalism and mass communication in India

The journalism and mass communication sector in India has probably witnessed one of the most massive transformations in the last decade. Due to the development of digital media platforms, shifting consumer tastes, and technology breakthroughs, we witness new avenues of journalism and broadcast. It barely takes seconds for information to spread like wildfire. This makes it come with both advantages and challenges.

Let’s look at some major trends influencing journalism and mass communication:

The reign of social media dominance
Increased use of data journalism and data visualization
Emergence of freelance and independent journalism
The challenge of misinformation leads to the need for larger efforts in fact-checking
Use of artificial intelligence for automation
Increased user engagement over media platforms

Conclusion

Media is regarded as the 4th pillar of democracy. Ideas and thoughts spread by mass media possess the capacity to influence the general population and society as a whole bringing about change. Furthermore, there is a lot of room for innovation in this subject. Due to these factors, any occupation in this industry is extremely gratifying.

The average journalism and mass communication salary in India is quite impressive, with great scope for career growth in senior roles. It indicates the large demand for skilled professionals in this industry. So, if you are interested in a career in media, now is the time to start.

Interested in expert mentorship to navigate your career? Book a free counseling session with upGrad to know your options!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the top career options in mass communication in India?

Mass communication is a hot career in India as there is a greater dispersal of information through digital platforms. The top career options in mass communication in India include journalism, public relations, content writing, advertising, film direction, radio jockeying, television anchoring, and media management.

2. How is journalism education evolving in India?

Journalism education in India is evolving with a greater emphasis on digital skills, data journalism, investigative reporting, and multimedia training to keep up with industry trends.

3. What is the course content of a journalism and mass communication program?

Journalism and mass communication students study a variety of subjects including media theory, journalism practices, broadcast journalism, digital media, public relations, advertising, photography, videography, media ethics, communication laws, and research methods, preparing them for careers in media, content creation, and public relations.

4. What is the importance of media ethics in journalism?

Media ethics ensure accuracy, fairness, and impartiality in reporting, maintaining public trust, preventing bias, and safeguarding against sensationalism, privacy violations, and conflicts of interest.

5. What are the best journalism and mass communication colleges in India?

Some of the best journalism and mass communication colleges in India include the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi University (DU), Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, and the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII).

6. How is journalism education evolving in India?

Journalism education in India is evolving with a greater emphasis on digital skills, data journalism, investigative reporting, and multimedia training to keep up with industry trends.

7. What are the career prospects for PR professionals in India?

PR professionals can work in corporate communication, government PR, media agencies, or as consultants, handling media relations, brand reputation, crisis management, and public affairs.

8. How does journalism in India differ between print and digital media?

Print journalism and digital media represent two distinct forms of media. While print journalism is more traditional and focuses on long-form, in-depth stories, digital journalism focuses on instant updates, multimedia content, and interactive engagement with audiences.

9. What is the salary of a radio jockey (RJ) in India?

A radio jockey (RJ) in India typically earns between ₹0.6 lakhs to ₹6.6 lakhs annually at entry level. The average salary for experienced RJs can go up to ₹10 lakhs, depending on their popularity and radio station.

10. What are the challenges faced by journalists in India?

The job of a journalist is not always a smooth path, it comes with various hardships. Some of the challenges faced by journalists in India are political pressure, censorship, safety hazards, particularly for investigative reporters, poor pay for entry-level employees, sensationalism, biased reporting, and the proliferation of fake news. The transition to digital also necessitates ongoing adjustment to new media platforms and changing audience tastes.

11. What is the future of journalism in India?

The future of journalism in India is expected to be shaped by digital transformation, AI-driven content, data journalism, and the need for greater focus on ethics, credibility, and fact-checking.

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