Broadcast presenter : Employers and vacancy sources

Broadly speaking, the broadcasting industry can currently be divided into television and radio and then sub-divided into national, regional and local stations. However, its structure is constantly changing and new channels are continually launching. Potential employers include:

• the BBC (for both television and radio, nationally and locally);
• independent television companies such as Independent Television (ITV), Channel 4, Channel 5, plus various cable, satellite and digital channels;
• national independent radio companies and local and regional independent radio stations;
• independent production companies, for both radio and television, which make programmes for the BBC and independent stations, normally on a commissioned basis.

The Office of Communications (Ofcom)  website gives a good overview of the independent television and radio stations in the UK. The blurring of boundaries between broadcasting, telecommunications and the internet creates both threats and opportunities. More and more programmes and niche market productions for specialist channels are being made, resulting in increased opportunities available with digital, cable and satellite stations. Interactive services are also on the rise. There is more mobility and easier entry into the industry, but the flip side is less job security.

Many television channels, programmes and newspapers now have interactive elements and websites, which means that new media has become heavily involved in broadcasting.

Sources of vacancies

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• Ariel  - BBC staff newspaper.
• BBC Jobs  
• Broadcast  
• Broadcast Freelancer  
• The Casting Suite  
• Channel 4 Careers  
• Channel Five Careers  
• Equity  
• film-tv.co.uk  
• grapevinejobs  
• Guardian Jobs  
• ITV Jobs  
• Mandy's International Film and TV Production Resources  
• Media Week Jobs  
• New Media Age  
• Production and Casting Report  
• The Radio Academy  
• The Radio Magazine  
• Scottish Television  
• Sky jobs  
• The Stage  
• Stage, Screen and Radio - journal published by the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematographic and Theatre Union (BECTU) eight times a year.

Many job vacancies go unadvertised, so independent research and speculative applications may be another route to gaining employment in the industry.

Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.