For journalists, federal government offers plenty of job opportunities

If you have ever thought about being a journalist or are in the field, then you have thought about working — or are working — for a newspaper, TV news station, radio station, magazine or other media outlet.

Journalism is an exciting and fulfilling career because you get to inform people about all kinds of things. But did you know that you can also do this work in the federal government?

Federal workers serve as reporters, editors, photographers, graphic designers, producers and technical staff. Let’s look at just a few of the media outlets:

Broadcasting Board of Governors:The BBG is the independent entity responsible for all U.S. government and government-sponsored nonmilitary international broadcasting. It is in charge of the International Broadcasting Bureau and its services, which include the Voice of America and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting. The board also oversees Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, Radio and TV Marti, Alhurra, Radio Sawa, and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks. These organizations produce daily news and other programs. The unique thing about the BBG is that its broadcasts are focused on the international market rather than the United States. There is also a big need for broadcasters and reporters with foreign-language skills. You can find out more about the BBG at www.bbg.gov.

The Defense Department’s Defense Media Activity:The DMA says it is the direct line for news and information to U.S. forces worldwide. The agency presents news and entertainment on several platforms, including radio, television, the Internet, print and emerging technologies. Its portfolio includes operating Web sites such as Defense.gov, running the American Forces Press Service, producing television shows on the Pentagon Channel, blogging on the DoDLive blog, providing photos for the Defense Imagery site, and producing publications such as Airman Magazine and Stars and Stripes. The DMA is staffed by military members and civilians who report, host, produce and serve as photographers, camera operators and technical support personnel. You can find out more at www.dma.mil.

If you like magazines, there are plenty of high-quality federal publications to work on. The State Department’s State Magazine looks and reads as well as any of the top travel publications. At the Agriculture Department, there is Agricultural Research magazine. The Smithsonian has its namesake magazine, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency has Pathfinder. Each of these publications covers their agencies, their work and relevant issues in unique and interesting ways.

These are just a few of the government’s publications and programs. Besides these outlets, many of the public affairs or communications offices at various agencies produce Web sites, magazines, videos, newsletters, press releases and much more.

If you are a technical writer or an author, the need for your skills is also great because of the huge number of technical manuals and books the government produces. At www.gpo.gov, the Government Printing Office showcases a list of publications on everything from aviation and energy to insurance and war.

So if you are interested in journalism, public affairs, public relations, communications or writing, the government may be a place for you to take your talents. Look for these jobs on www.usajobs.gov, go to agencies’ sites or contact the publications.

Who knows? The next story I read or hear on a government-run network may be yours.

Derrick T. Dortch, president of the Diversa Group, is a career counselor who specializes in government job searches and military transition.