Examining Factors Driving Motivation among High School Students to Pursue Careers in Journalism: A Comprehensive Analysis of Influences, Educational Initiatives and Future Prospects

The study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the driving factors, examining influences, educational initiatives, and future prospects that motivate high school students to pursue careers in journalism. An exploratory design with snowball sampling was used to collect data. A total of 300 participants, including 150 journalism educators and 150 high school students from 10 regions of Ghana, were randomly selected. Data were gathered through structured interviews conducted in person and over the phone to capture detailed insights into participants' experiences and perspectives. It was found among other things that 60% respondents said high school students were motivated by the desire to create a positive impact on society through journalism, 21% of them said they are influenced by exposure to successful journalists or influential media personalities and 19% of them said they are primarily motivated by a genuine passion for storytelling. Based on the study's findings, it is recommended, among other things, that educational institutions strengthen mentorship programmes and provide students with opportunities to interact with experienced journalists and media personalities.