Abstract

There has been a limited focus on the topic of publishing and how students majoring in Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC) perceive the field of publishing as a potential career. This research aimed to investigate the perceptions of journalism students regarding a career in publishing. The study had several objectives, including examining how JMC students view publishing as a career, identifying the most popular career choices among JMC students, and understanding the reasons why a significant number of JMC students and graduates tend to avoid pursuing careers in publishing.

The research employed a descriptive quantitative design, chosen for its suitability in dealing with numerical data, as it aimed to gather the opinions of a wide range of students at the University of Buea on the topic in question. The findings revealed that a majority of the respondents were aware that their journalism qualifications made them eligible for employment in the publishing industry. Moreover, most respondents believed that publishing involved the creation of news stories. A significant portion of the participants had also visited a printing and publishing firm.

Interestingly, even though many respondents expressed disinterest in pursuing a career in publishing, the majority indicated that they would accept a job offer from a publishing house if presented with one, primarily due to the need for employment opportunities, while only a few respondents stated that they would decline such an offer.

Based on the findings, the researcher recommends that JMC students should receive more information and awareness about the potential benefits and opportunities associated with pursuing a career in publishing.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The concept of publishing has evolved over time, influenced by advances in technology and changes in information dissemination. Traditionally, publishing involved making information available to the public through printed copies of documents such as books and newspapers. However, in the digital age, the scope of publishing has expanded to encompass various channels, including websites, e-publications, apps, and more. The challenge now lies in choosing the right publication channels that align with a publication’s status and reach the intended audience effectively.

According to the National Archives, publishing is about making information accessible to the public. This can be achieved through a variety of means, including digital platforms, print, DVDs, e-publications, and more. The aim is to ensure that information reaches its target audience while maintaining the publication’s credibility and provenance.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines publishing as the process of producing and disseminating literature, music, or information to the general public. This can involve various activities, from creating content to delivering and displaying it. In some cases, authors take on the role of publishers, managing both the content creation and its distribution. Additionally, the term “publisher” can refer to an individual leading a publishing company or owning a magazine.

With the advent of digital information systems and the internet, publishing now encompasses electronic resources, such as e-books, online magazines, and micropublishing. The publishing process includes stages like content development, acquisition, copy-editing, graphic design, production (including printing), marketing, and distribution of various forms of media, from newspapers and books to software and electronic publications. Moreover, publishing has legal implications and is essential as a legal concept.

In Cameroon, publishing has a rich history, introduced during the early colonial period by missionaries. Over time, indigenous Cameroonians have embraced the profession. Additionally, many higher education institutions, including the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, have incorporated publishing into their programs. However, despite the growth of publishing in Cameroon and the numerous opportunities it offers, many graduates from journalism and mass communication programs tend to overlook the field of publishing. This research aims to investigate how students perceive publishing as a potential career.

1.2 Problem Statement

While student publications hold significance from policy and historical perspectives, they also have other important implications. Publishing is a rapidly growing sector within the journalism profession, with many journalism and mass communication programs integrating it into their curricula. In the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Buea, students receive training in journalism, public relations, communication research, and publishing. However, it is observed that journalism students hold varying perceptions of publishing. Some may have misconceptions or fears related to publishing due to a lack of education about its importance and opportunities.

Furthermore, a significant number of journalism graduates from the University of Buea do not pursue careers in publishing after graduation. This might be due to a lack of awareness about the potential benefits of publishing. While journalism and mass communication graduates have diverse career options beyond television presenting, many are unaware of the opportunities in publishing. Each year, the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication produces over 100 graduates, yet only a few of them choose careers in publishing. This research aims to explore why journalism graduates tend to shy away from publishing and the factors influencing their career choices.

1.3 Research Questions

1.3.1 General Research Question

• How do journalism students perceive a career in the field of publishing?

1.3.2 Specific Research Questions

This study seeks to address the following specific questions:

1. To what extent do journalism and mass communication students perceive a career in the field of publishing?
2. What are the dominant career choices among journalism and mass communication students?
3. What are the reasons behind a majority of journalism and mass communication students and graduates avoiding careers in publishing?

1.4 Research Objectives

1.4.1 General Objective

The primary objective of this study is to examine how journalism students perceive career opportunities in the field of publishing.

1.4.2 Specific Objectives

Specifically, this research aims to:

1. Assess the extent to which journalism and mass communication students perceive career prospects in publishing.
2. Identify the prevalent career choices among journalism and mass communication students.
3. Investigate the reasons behind the reluctance of a significant number of journalism and mass communication students and graduates to pursue careers in publishing.

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Based on the research questions, the following hypotheses are proposed:

• Hypothesis 1: Journalism and mass communication students do not generally perceive a career in the field of publishing.
• Hypothesis 2: Journalism and mass communication students tend to perceive a career in the field of publishing.