Journalism

Journalism is a career track in The Sims: Livin' Large, The Sims 2: Seasons, and The Sims 3.

The Sims: Livin' Large

Journalism offers the same pay as business at both ranks 1 and 10, and follows a very similar pay curve along the way, always staying between the slightly steeper pro athlete and slightly flatter science pay curves. It also requires the same number of friends as business to reach rank 10.

• Journalism Career Levels
• Journalism Chance Cards

Journalism Career Levels
1) Typesetter
Prep the morning SimCity Times for its subscribers, and get the first look at the breaking news stories! The hours are early, but it's a great way to get your foot in the door.	0	0	0
	0	0	0
	04:00 - 12:00		0
			§120/day
2) Game Reviewer
The lowliest writing job you can get, but your name is in the byline. Game companies send you free beta builds, and you get to play them (game and company), deciding on a whim whether you'll give them good press or not.	0	0	0
	0	0	0
	11:00 - 18:00		0
			§200/day
3) Tabloid Writer
Your sensationalist side provides a great benefit in the high-circulation industry of tabloid journalism. The seedy side of reporting lets you focus more on the rich and famous, too.	0	0	0
	0	0	2
	09:00 - 15:00		0
			§230/day
4) Paparazzi
Well, now since you're "in" on the rich and famous, you're capable of hunting them down and harassing them all day AND night. Those tabloids pay better for scandalous photographs than they do for their accompanying articles, so live as vicariously as you like.	0	0	2
	0	0	2
	17:00 - 01:00		2
			§350/day
5) Newspaper Reporter
Finally - the ability to be taken somewhat seriously for all the hot topics of the day you've broken to the paper-reading world. Early mornings continue as you struggle to meet deadlines for the morning edition, and your world is filled with more serious journalists than ever before.	0	0	2
	0	2	4
	03:00 - 10:00		2
			§420/day
6) Meteorologist
Rain, sun, snow, sleet, hail, wind - or perpetual Springtime. Whatever the weather, you'll be the trusted source that SimCitizens look to for the forecasts. Brush up on your image so people have a respectable, trustworthy face to watch with the morning and evening news broadcasts.	0	0	3
	1	3	5
	05:00 - 13:00		4
			§510/day
7) TV Reporter
Your respected face and voice have earned you the chance to report on local news stories from the scene of the event. Keep your presentations concise, winning, and offer perfect sound bites for the national news affiliates - they'll remember you for it.	0	0	6
	2	3	5
	12:00 - 20:00		6
			§660/day
8) Investigative Reporter
Building trust with your viewers over time enables you to dig in to those issues which matter to you the most, and present your findings to the public while on location. Find enough headline-worthy stories, regardless of the danger involved in procuring them, share them before any other reporter, and you could be on your way to a seat at the main news desk.	0	0	8
	3	4	5
	10:00 - 17:00		9
			§850/day
9) National News Anchor
You are the face of honesty, truth, and have that perfect hairdo required of all evening news anchors. The hours are long and late, but you get to deliver news to the nation on politics, entertainment, social crises, and an assortment of crime and education issues. More SimCity households know you by name than you had ever hoped for.	0	0	9
	5	5	6
	11:00 - 20:00		11
			§975/day
10) Talk Show Host
Retiring from your anchor position has left you with the enviable ability to discuss the issues seizing the public's interest and reflect on them in a forum of your most respected peers. Keep the arguments lively, the personalities slightly less-than-comfortable with each other, and your ratings will soar.	0	0	10
	5	7	7
	13:00 - 17:00		14
			§1,200/day

A Talk Show Host will eventually change careers and become a Freelance Photographer in the Slacker career track.

Journalism Chance Cards
1) Typesetter
No chance cards for this level.
2) Game Reviewer
No chance cards for this level.
3) Tabloid Writer
An expose on a recent Simmy Award winner didn't go over very well with their publicist. You settle the libel suit out of court, but it costs you §800 in fines and legal fees.	Negative
	-§800
4) Paparazzi
No chance cards for this level.
5) Newspaper Reporter
No chance cards for this level.
6) Meteorologist
Your team's new advanced radar weather-tracking and warning system allowed local residences to better prepare and avoid the most devastating effects of a sudden tornado. You gain one charisma point, one mechanical point (to help you fix the sensitive equipment after the storm), a key to the City, and a modest but appreciative §1000 reward.	Positive
	+§1000, +1 +1
7) TV Reporter
No chance cards for this level.
8) Investigative Reporter
Simply amazing how much a missed plane can cost you professionally, isn't it? Bad weather keeps you from breaking the story of the year. Boy, is your producer ticked off! Lose one logic point, and the §3,000 it cost you to buy a last-minute replacement ticket to the location with every other newsie in town.	Negative
	-§3,000 -1
9) National News Anchor
No chance cards for this level.
10) Talk Show Host
The Talk-Show racket, while entertaining and intellectually stimulating, has its limits when it comes to appealing to your aesthetic sense and your fondness for sleeping late. Begin to live your life with a "stop and smell the roses" approach, and take a picture while you do. You are now a Freelance Photographer.	Positive
	Change to the Slacker career track as a Freelance Photographer.

The Sims 2: Seasons

Journalism is a career re-introduced in The Sims 2: Seasons. Its career reward is The Gootentaugen Award for Excellence in Journalism. If Apartment Life is installed, Gearheads and Socialites are likely to be employed in this career. The college majors associated with this career are art and philosophy.

• Adult Promotion Levels
• Teen/Elder Promotion Levels
• Adult Chance Cards

Journalism Career Levels
1) Yearbook Club Supervisor
Pictures need to be in the right place and names properly aligned. It's a lot of busy work, but every journalist starts somewhere.	0	0	0	0
	S M T W T F S		Wage: §115/day
	09:00 - 15:00		Pension: §41/day
			Bonus: None
2) Blog Writer
The Internet is a vast place just screaming for writers to come forth and write about everything on their minds. With a little creativity you can go far.	0	0	0	1
	S M T W T F S		Wage: §228/day
	13:00 - 18:00		Pension: §81/day
			Bonus: §456
3) Internet Movie Critic
Perks like free movie passes and buttered popcorn make the business of reviewing films—both good and bad ones—a nice gig.	1	1	0	2
	S M T W T F S		Wage: §287/day
	14:00 - 20:00		Pension: §102/day
			Bonus: §574
4) Fact Checker
Every detail and fact needs to be checked and double checked. In a world filled with lawsuits and libel you're the paper's last line of factual defense!	2	1	2	3
	S M T W T F S		Wage: §385/day
	09:00 - 16:00		Pension: §137/day
			Bonus: §770
5) Obituary Writer
In time every Sim must part with the world and it's your job to honor them...or at least write something interesting. Work on your Creativity to move onto bigger beats.	3	2	3	4
	S M T W T F S		Wage: §457/day
	11:00 - 17:00		Pension: §163/day
			Bonus: §914
6) Horoscope Writer
Sims around the city read your column every day to see what their future holds. What will the day bring according to you?	4	4	4	5
	S M T W T F S		Wage: §668/day
	10:00 - 15:00		Pension: §238/day
			Bonus: §1,336
7) Sports Columnist
The city is full of great teams and readers want to know your take on them. Stay Charismatic and cook up a few more stories to stay on top.	6	5	4	7
	S M T W T F S		Wage: §874/day
	13:00 - 19:00		Pension: §312/day
			Bonus: §1,748
8) Investigatory Journalist
You're on the case and nothing bad will cross your desk without investigation. Blow the whistle and keep your readers informed!	8	6	5	9
	S M T W T F S		Wage: §1,168/day
	12:00 - 19:00		Pension: §417/day
			Bonus: §2,336
9) Magazine Editor
You're the editor in charge of the hottest magazine on the market—if it's stylish, interesting, or worth reading about, your staff is on it.	9	7	5	11
	S M T W T F S		Wage: §1,460/day
	09:00 - 16:00		Pension: §521/day
			Bonus: §2,920
10) Media Magnate
It isn't easy being the owner of countless media outlets, but the power and wealth that accompanies the responsibility is more than enough compensation.	10	9	6	13
	S M T W T F S		Wage: §2,350/day
	10:00 - 18:00		Pension: §839/day
			Bonus: §4,700

Journalism Career Levels
1) Yearbook Club Supervisor
Pictures need to be in the right place and names properly aligned. It's a lot of busy work, but every journalist starts somewhere.	0	0	0	0
	S M T W T F S		Wage: §57/day
	15:00 - 18:00
			Bonus: None
2) Blog Writer
The Internet is a vast place just screaming for writers to come forth and write about everything on their minds. With a little creativity you can go far.	0	1	0	1
	S M T W T F S		Wage: §84/day
	15:00 - 18:00
			Bonus: §168
3) Internet Movie Critic
Perks like free movie passes and buttered popcorn make the business of reviewing films—both good and bad ones—a nice gig.	1	1	0	2
	S M T W T F S		Wage: §115/day
	15:00 - 18:00
			Bonus: §230

Journalism Chance Cards
1) Yearbook Club Supervisor
<Sim> is just about to sign off this year's yearbook for final printing when one of the editors makes a startling discovery - somebody replaced the principal's picture with an image of a toilet. The joke could cost <Sim> his/her job and all the students could face serious detention time. On the other hand, the yearbook is already over budget and the principal may find it funny, especially in light of the money that would be saved. Should <Sim> recall the yearbook to edit the image, or let it remain and hope for the best?	Recall the Yearbook
	Success: +§175	25% chance
	Failure: Get Fired	74% chance
	Leave it in
	Success: +1	74% chance
	Failure: -§185	25% chance
2) Blog Writer
<Sim>'s Blog is starting to get a decent amount of website traffic, which means site maintenance costs are going up. There are two ways to cover the cost: <Sim> can begin using banner ads on the site, or he/she can begin selling t-shirts. Both options have proven to be successful, though banner ads may anger the readers, and t-shirt sales can be a bit of a hassle. What should <Sim> do to cover the website costs?	Host Banner Ads
	Success: +1	15% chance
	Failure: Get Fired	84% chance
	Sell T-Shirts
	Success: Promoted to Internet Movie Critic	84% chance
	Failure: -§254	15% chance
3) Internet Movie Critic
<Sim> has just seen one of the worst films in years and it's time to write the review. Unfortunately, the advertising company that gives him/her the free press movie tickets doesn't look to favorably upon those who write scathing reviews. If <Sim> writes an honest review, the tickets may stop coming. Then again, if he/she writes an extremely positive review, his/her readers may stop coming. What should <Sim> do?	Write an Honest Review
	Success: +1	85% chance
	Failure: -1	14% chance
	Write a Positive Review
	Success: +§325	14% chance
	Failure: Get Fired	85% chance
4) Fact Checker
<Sim> is finishing the final pass of the newspaper before it heads to the printers when he/she finds an error that may not actually be an error. The article in questions says that Hector Reely finished making his first movie when he was 12, but <Sim> could have sworn that he/she read on the internet that Reely was really 15 when the movie was made. There's only enough time to confirm this fact, or read through the rest of the newspaper - is this fact worth checking?	Check the Fact
	Success: Promoted to Obituary Writer	35% chance
	Failure: Demoted to Blog Writer	64% chance
	Finish Reading
	Success: Promoted to Obituary Writer	64% chance
	Failure: Get Fired	35% chance
5) Obituary Writer
The city endures two unexpected deaths in the same day. World renowned astrophysicist Greg Orachi was killed by a falling satellite. Later that day, the sleazy yet beloved actor James "The Coach" MacGruder finally succumbed to old age. Unfortunately for <Sim>, there's only enough room in the paper for one obituary, and the family and fans of both Orachi and MacGruder are demanding their respective death to be honored in print. Who should <Sim> write about?	Greg Orachi
	Success: +§450	85% chance
	Failure: -§300	14% chance
	James MacGruder
	Success: +1	14% chance
	Failure: -1	85% chance
6) Horoscope Writer
<Sim> is roughly woken from a daydream at work with a startling prediction for his/her next horoscope - it appears that a once in a lifetime occurrence of the stars being perfectly aligned means everyone should propose marriage today. <Sim> doesn't begin writing, because horoscope writing isn't an exact science, and if he/she is wrong, thousands of readers could propose before it's the right time! Should <Sim> instruct his/her readers to propose, or should he/she make up another horoscope to play it safe?	Tell Them to Propose
	Success: +1	75% chance
	Failure: -§850	24% chance
	Make Up Something
	Success: +2	24% chance
	Failure: Demoted to Internet Movie Critic	75% chance
7) Sports Columnist
An inside source tells <Sim> the Slamball Championship being held in downtown Sim City is going to be fixed by the favored team - the Demon Llamas. <Sim> could break the story at the risk of exposing his/her sources, or he/she could throw down a few Simoleons down to be on an outcome. Granted, <Sim>'s source may not be correct at all and the Demon Llamas will play the game to win. It's a tough decision for any Sports Columnist to make!	Break the Story
	Success: Promoted to Investigatory Journalist	85% chance
	Failure: Get Fired	14% chance
	Bet on the Game
	Success: +§4,000	14% chance
	Failure: -§2,000	85% chance
8) Investigatory Journalist
<Sim> is tasked by his/her editors to investigate the economic advantages and disadvantages for families to hire a nanny. <Sim>'s initial research yields interesting results, most notably the conclusion that nannies are a bit less effective in child raising and more expensive in the long run. Before publishing the article, a representative of the Nanny's Union meets with <Sim> and threatens dire consequences if the article hits news stands. <Sim> is faced with a bit of a dilemma - should he/she publish the article, or withdraw it?	Publish the Article
	Success: Promoted to Magazine Editor	75% chance
	Failure: Demoted to Obituary Writer	24% chance
	Withdraw the Article
	Success: +§27,000	24% chance
	Failure: Get Fired	75% chance
9) Magazine Editor
One of <Sim>'s columnists, Sally O'Neill, submits a story that has a lot of potential, but is full of errors and the deadline is now. This isn't the first time Sally has presented a sloppy column, but it's difficult to scold her - she's the publisher's niece. Should <Sim> rewrite the column completely, or call Sally into the office to fix her own work?	Rewrite the Column
	Success: +§34,000	25% chance
	Failure: Get Fired	74% chance
	Call Sally
	Success: +§37,000	74% chance
	Failure: Demoted to Investigatory Journalist	25% chance
10) Media Magnate
<Sim> spins in his/her chair to stare at a map covering the wall, with each of his/her media companies denoted by a red sticker. It's decision time for <Sim>, because the investors are demanding <Sim> acquire more newspapers and television stations to increase profits. However, members of <Sim>'s staff disagree with this - they want fewer newspapers so they can focus on individual communities and improve profits via quality. <Sim> needs to make a business recommendation to the board members - what should he/she advise?	Acquire More Companies
	Success: +§63,000	25% chance
	Failure: Get Fired	74% chance
	Revert to Fewer Companies
	Success: +§48,000	74% chance
	Failure: Demoted to Investigatory Journalist	25% chance

For more information on Chance Cards in The Sims 2, see Chance card.

The Sims 3

Journalism is one of the basic career tracks in The Sims 3. Sims can be employed from a newspaper, a computer, or an office building. The Writing and Charisma skills are required in order to advance in this career. Starting with level three, Sims are required to write stories and reviews on the computer as a performance factor. Sims can gather information for the stories and reviews by interviewing other Sims; conducting interview using the mobile radio station; attending a game, concert, or movie; reviewing a bistro; or rummaging through a trash can.

Sims can write either positive or negative stories and reviews with different outcomes. Writing a positive story or review will increase the relationship with the Sim the story is based on, but will not increase the career performance. Writing a negative story or review, however, will decrease the relationship but increase the career performance.

Performance tones

• Business as Usual
• Work Hard - Increases performance faster but adds stress
• Take It Easy - Increases fun but lowers performance
• Meet Co-workers - Meets new coworkers
• Discuss News with Co-workers - Builds relationship with coworkers
• Suck Up to Boss - Builds relationship with the boss
• Sleep Behind News Set - Increases energy
• Practice Writing - Increases Writing skill

Promotion Levels

Journalism Career Levels
1) Paper Boy / Paper Girl
Extra! Extra! Let others read all about it. You have no time to sift through the news section when everyone else is waiting to get their paper. Throw the papers just right to land them on the customers' doorsteps and the Editor may be able to find a desk job for you.	Wage: §38/hour	Bonus: N/A
	Days: S M T W T F S	Pension: §60
	Suburb 08:00 - 14:00	Bridgeport 13:00 - 18:00
	Performance Factors
	Mood	Writing 0-3
2) Automated Spell Checker Checker
In this high-tech world, it's still important to have that Sim touch. As an Automated Spell Checker Checker, it's up to you to know the ins and outs of grammar to ensure the computer never gets it wrong. Touch up your writing skills while you're at it, but try not to be too verbose.	Wage: §44/hour	Bonus: §456
	Days: S M T W T F S	Pension: §70
	Suburb 08:00 - 14:00	Bridgeport 13:00 - 18:00
	Performance Factors
	Mood	Writing 0-4
3) Freelance Writer
The Editor doesn't have room on the payroll to give you a permanent position, but she values your skills as a Freelance Writer. You'll need to bring in some great scoops to progress, because there's a long line of writers all competing for the same few inches of the front page. Perk: Ability to interview. Interviewing other Sims will reveal their traits.	Wage: §50/hour	Bonus: §528
	Days: S M T W T F S	Pension: §80
	Suburb 08:00 - 14:00	Bridgeport 13:00 - 18:00
	Performance Factors
	Mood	Writing 2-5
	Stories and Reviews
4) Professional Blogger
This internet thing is really blowing up and the Editor wants you to start writing for the Online News Group. The Professional Blogger is able to take advantage of hip new web slang, cleverly modified images, and web links to spread news and opinions to readers worldwide. ROFL.	Wage: §76/hour	Bonus: §600
	Days: S M T W T F S	Pension: §80
	Suburb 08:00 - 12:00	Bridgeport 13:00 - 17:00
	Performance Factors
	Mood	Writing 3-6
	Stories and Reviews
5) Anonymous Source Handler
Hot tips are coming off the wire all over town and somebody, namely you, needs to manage the flow of information. Respect the anonymity of others and pass along only the best information and you'll do well as an Anonymous Source Handler. It's a good time to work on your charisma, because people that like you talk more generously.	Wage: §97/hour	Bonus: §912
	Days: S M T W T F S	Pension: §120
	Suburb 08:00 - 13:00	Bridgeport 13:00 - 17:30
	Performance Factors
	Mood	Writing 4-7
	Charisma 0-4	Stories and Reviews
6) Investigative Reporter
Papers are flying off shelves, but that's not enough! You've been tasked to bring in dirt on anything of interest to the newspaper buying public. Dig too deep and you may bite off more than you can chew. Not deep enough, and you're not worthy of your Investigative Reporter badge. It's a fine line, and you're the one who must walk it.	Wage: §126/hour	Bonus: §1,164
	Days: S M T W T F S	Pension: §120
	Suburb 08:00 - 13:00	Bridgeport 13:00 - 17:30
	Performance Factors
	Mood	Writing 5-8
	Charisma 2-6	Stories and Reviews
7) Weather Man / Weather Woman
After shedding some light on a few serious issues, the Editor thinks you're due for a little time in the sun, with a slight chance of rain. Enjoy it, as the Weather Man / Weather Woman is the only job where you can be wrong 100% of the time and still be valued! Bring the weather report to the masses and you just may get the nod to do some real news work.	Wage: §151/hour	Bonus: §1,512
	Days: S M T W T F S	Pension: §150
	Suburb 08:00 - 13:00	Bridgeport 15:00 - 19:30
	Performance Factors
	Mood	Writing 6-9
	Charisma 3-7	Stories and Reviews
8) Lead Reporter
As the Lead Reporter, you get first pick of the choicest stories in town. Send your writing minions out to scour for facts, and then fill the paper with stories that make your Editor smile. You determine what the town reads, what they know, and what they care about.	Wage: §189/hour	Bonus: §1,812
	Days: S M T W T F S	Pension: §180
	Suburb 08:00 - 13:00	Bridgeport 13:00 - 17:30
	Performance Factors
	Mood	Writing 7-9
	Charisma 4-8	Stories and Reviews
9) Editor In Chief
The view of the bustling office looks great from the Editor's chair. It's never easy juggling placement of the top stories, convincing advertisers to spring for the full pager, or bringing in the best writing talent, but that's what the news business is all about.	Wage: §236/hour	Bonus: §2,268
	Days: S M T W T F S	Pension: §230
	Suburb 08:00 - 13:00	Bridgeport 13:00 - 17:30
	Performance Factors
	Mood	Writing 8-10
	Charisma 5-9	Stories and Reviews
10) Star News Anchor
Without peer, (Sim Name) is in charge. Tonight's top story is delivered through your pearly whites, and the town swoons with every word. You're the most trusted person in town, because you're the Star News Anchor. Bring in the news, tell it like it is, and always wish everyone a good night. Perk: Unlock Impressive Story.	Wage: §383/hour	Bonus: §2,832
	Days: S M T W T F S	Pension: §300
	Suburb 08:00 - 12:00	Bridgeport 14:00 - 18:00
	Performance Factors
	Mood	Writing 9-10
	Charisma 6-10	Stories and Reviews

Sims in the Journalism career

• Connor Frio - Automated Spell Checker Checker
• Cycl0n3 Sw0rd - Automated Spell Checker Checker
• Victoria Andrews - Freelance Writer
• Simis Bachelor - Professional Blogger
• Fiona McIrish - Investigative Reporter