Broadcast journalist
Broadcast journalists are responsible for investigating, gathering and reporting on news and current affairs. They are expected to present this information in a fair, balanced and accurate way through news bulletins, documentaries and other factual programmes for radio, television and online broadcast.
Creative Skillset: The Sector Skills Council for the Creative Industries defines broadcast journalism as 'the collection, verification and analysis of events which affect people'. The work of a broadcast journalist shapes people's perceptions of the world in which they live and therefore has a far-reaching impact. Broadcast journalists can fill a number of roles within the media including editor, reporter, presenter/news anchor, producer and correspondent.
Although exact duties and responsibilities will vary from role to role and between radio, television and the internet, broadcast journalists will generally be involved in many of the following duties, on a daily basis:
Skillset has developed a set of national occupational standards which details the responsibilities expected from broadcast journalists.
There are three main entry routes into broadcast journalism:
Although this area of work is open to all graduates, a degree in journalism, or business, finance/economics or government/politics may increase your chances, particularly if wishing to pursue a career as a special correspondent. The industry is divided over the value of undergraduate journalism and media studies degrees, so it is worth investigating which courses have industry recognition or recommendation and studying the success rates of their alumni. Details of relevant courses can be obtained from the following accrediting bodies: National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) ; and the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC) .
Entry is not usually possible with an HND only.
Postgraduate entry is the most common route to this profession. The BJTC and NCTJ also accredit postgraduate courses which offer both theoretical and practical training. Information about funding for postgraduate study is available from Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC) and from the journalism department at City University London . In recent years, the media has introduced a number of initiatives, such as the Journalism Diversity Fund , to encourage applications from traditionally under-represented groups. Support is, therefore, available for those who may not have studied in higher education. Details of many schemes are available through the Cultural Diversity Network .
Potential candidates will need to show evidence of some or all of the following:
Work experience, whether paid or unpaid, can be a useful way to develop these skills. The BBC and ITV regional news both run small, sponsored news traineeship schemes. Competition for both traineeships and unpaid work placements at larger network stations is fierce. Making direct approaches to individual editors or producers, or local stations, may prove more fruitful than applying via recruitment departments. Local press, hospital radio and community media (Community Media Association ) are excellent training grounds, as is any involvement in student media (largely magazine, newspaper or radio). Applications, even for work experience, will be stronger if accompanied by demo tapes or cuttings and student media is an ideal place to start building a portfolio. Make yourself known to as many people as possible, be flexible and available at all times. Volunteer to get involved wherever you can and do not be afraid to be pro-active.
There are no age restrictions for entry. Skills, experience and qualifications are the main criteria for selection.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
If entry has been via an accredited course, it will be expected that the necessary basic training needed to practise in the profession will have been covered. For those who have not come via this route, gaining an understanding of media law and health and safety is normally considered an immediate training need. A substantial amount of training will be informal and 'on the job'. It is usual for trainee journalists to initially be assigned basic tasks such as working autocues and fetching tapes, gaining an insight into the whole process, before they move into more specific and responsible roles.
As budgets are stretched, multi-skilling is becoming more prevalent in the media. Many broadcast journalists find that they can now be responsible for recording and editing their own footage. Acquiring knowledge and understanding of technical equipment and relevant software is, therefore, currently a key training need and many employers will require/support training in these areas.
The media is a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry. Its professional bodies Creative Skillset: The Sector Skills Council for the Creative Industries , National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and National Union of Journalists (NUJ) recognise the need to support journalists in their continual professional development in order to stay ahead of the game. Short courses include negotiating contracts, public relations, sub-editing, interviewing skills, as well as new technologies.
The Media Courses and Multimedia Courses Directory compiled by Skillset and BFI, lists over 6,000 available courses. Others can be found through Journalism.co.uk or BBC Academy including some free online courses.
Broadcast journalists who start in television will often begin as newsroom assistants or researchers before moving into a reporting role. As experience is gained, there is scope to specialise; some may choose to focus on pursuing a senior broadcast journalist role with responsibility for managing news staff and budgets, while others may prefer to become a studio-based news anchor or presenter. Another route may be to specialise to become a correspondent. The ultimate aim for the latter may be to secure a position as a senior correspondent on network news, though these positions are highly coveted and few and far between.
Investigative journalism or documentary journalism can be suitable career development alternatives. Those who wish to move behind the scenes may aspire to become programme editors/sub-editors or producers.
Radio differs slightly in that trainees are normally given greater responsibility earlier on. Depending on the size of the station, they may even find that they have sole responsibility for a newsroom from the outset. Progression would normally be to positions with larger commercial or network stations or across into television and then as above.
Employers of broadcast journalists include:
Competition for jobs with network broadcasters is extremely tough. However, digital broadcasting has created new openings for broadcast journalists, with the arrival of 24-hour news channels and niche programming and increased opportunities in ethnic broadcasting.
Employers from the radio sector include BBC national and regional stations, as well as local and national commercial radio stations. See The Local Radio Company or RadioCentre for contact details.
A small number of recruitment agencies specialise in journalism, including The Media Network . Some presenters may use an agent.
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