Programme researcher, broadcasting/film/video
A programme researcher provides support to the producer and production team. Researchers contribute ideas for programmes, source contacts and contributors and collect, verify and prepare information for film, television and radio productions. A researcher can work on a wide variety of programmes or within one subject area.
The work involves organising, planning and researching everything that will happen during the programme: who will be interviewed; location; will the film crew fit; does the budget stretch? The researcher has a responsibility for fact checking, writing briefs for presenters and ensuring that there is adherence to appropriate legislation relating to the production.
The job can be seen as an apprenticeship for the producer role and a chance for ambitious recruits to show their potential.
The variety and type of work carried out by a researcher depends on individual producers and the companies that employ them. Depending on the size and type of employer, researchers may carry out specific research-based tasks or their job might expand into more production-based activities.
In radio, broadcasters will do elements of their own programme research, assisted by the producers and researchers. Researchers in radio will contribute to the development of websites that enhance programme delivery. In television and film, researchers may be involved in a wide variety of activities and the role may be roughly divided into two: factual research (checking all the information used in making a film is accurate, e.g. period costume and architecture), and picture research (examining archives for film, video and photographic material to be used in documentaries).
Typical work activities are, therefore, extremely varied but may include:
This area of work is open to all graduates, as work experience and contacts often count for more than your degree subject. Nevertheless, a degree in one of the following subjects may increase your chances:
Graduates tend to be preferred but relevant work experience, personal qualities, confidence and evidence of skills may compensate. Specialist knowledge and research experience may be required for specific subject areas or documentaries. For general areas, knowledge of current affairs and the media, plus evidence of lateral thinking and creative problem solving is useful.
A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not essential, although a practical journalism or media course may help.
Many graduate researchers have previously worked in newspapers or radio (mainly as journalists) or gained experience in entry-level jobs in television, often unpaid or in the role of a runner. Therefore, pre-entry experience is seen to be vital, especially as competition for all advertised vacancies is so fierce. Opportunities for work experience do exist but places may be limited so you will need to be determined to succeed. The BBC offers work experience nationally in a variety of roles, see BBC Work Experience and many broadcasting recruitment agencies advertise short-term contracts. Be prepared to network and perhaps try to get summer work experience in a research role with the local or regional press, community radio or student union publications. If trying to get into freelance work, the Broadcast Freelancer is a useful resource.
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
To be successful in securing freelance work, researchers also need to be skilled in self-management and self-promotion.
Joining communities with an interest in film, television and radio such as the British Film Institute (BFI) , the Documentary Filmmakers Group (DFG) , the Stellar Network , the Royal Television Society and Women in Film & TV (WFTV) will help provide useful links and keep you up to date on current affairs within the industry. Build a portfolio of everything you have contributed to, from newspaper articles to television programmes, to demonstrate your experience when approaching potential employers.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
A lot of training is on the job although there are short training courses available in-house or externally. The BBC, for example, runs a number of training schemes which are advertised on BBC Academy . Training opportunities within broadcasting companies are usually linked to operational needs.
Creative Skillset: The Sector Skills Council for the Creative Industries has information on a range of training available for researchers and along with the British Film Institute (BFI) they run a database to help those in the industry identify appropriate courses. The Indie Training Fund (ITF) offers short courses and in-house training for members, while the Top TV Academy runs a variety of focused training courses aimed at researchers to help develop skills. Mandy's International Film and TV Production Resources holds information on workshops and training in this field.
In Scotland, Scottish Screen provides training for the Scottish broadcast and film industry, including a new entrants' scheme and The Research Centre in Glasgow and Manchester delivers training and runs a researcher development programme.
City & Guilds also offer the Certificate for Audio Visual Industries Induction, a level two qualification designed for new entrants, which provides an overview of the requirements of working in the audiovisual industries. The certificate focuses on providing realistic information which will prepare learners for the realities of the industry and make them more employable. It may therefore be a useful overview to anyone who has just secured a job as a researcher.
There is no fixed career ladder, but the nature of the job makes it an excellent starting point for an ambitious entrant. Career progression is achieved by working on a variety of programmes, films and stations. Researchers in local radio may move into the national network, while those in television may go on to work on high-profile current events programmes or specialise in a particular area, such as music research or stills research. On a larger production there may be opportunities for experienced researchers to supervise a team of researchers, maintaining a high level of contact with the producer and director and so in effect moving into a senior researcher role. Working as a researcher enables you to develop a good awareness of other roles in the industry.
Researchers are being employed less in some broadcasting companies, due to the introduction of assistant producers. However, it has been recognised in some areas that a researcher's skills still have an important role to play and this may mean that researchers will grow to be more specialised in future. Currently, researchers are becoming more hands-on, involved in shooting, sound recording and even directing, alongside traditional research and increasing responsibility in programme making. Some move into other media roles, such as journalism or other areas of production. Competition is fierce for all promotional positions.
To progress in this rapidly changing industry, you need to be pro-active and willing to learn new skills, meet new people, make new contacts, and above all, work hard to show a firm commitment to your job. It is a small industry so maintaining good relationships within the sector is very important. See Creative Skillset Careers for information on careers and progression in the audiovisual industry.
The majority of researchers work for television, independent production companies, radio, or satellite and cable companies, on news and current affairs programmes.
The UK's largest broadcaster is the BBC . The majority of its programmes are produced in-house but it has a statutory obligation to ensure that 25% of its commissioned programme hours are made by independent producers.
ITV produces about half its programmes outside London and comprises 15 regional licensees and the GMTV national breakfast station. The major players are Carlton and Granada. Channel 4 broadcasts throughout the UK, except parts of Wales. It does not make programmes but commissions them from independent production companies. S4/C , the Welsh fourth channel, offers programmes in both Welsh and English. BBC Alba in Scotland broadcasts some Gaelic programmes and is also responsible for the Gaelic Digital Service channel. Channel 5 broadcasts across the UK by aerial, cable, satellite or digital equipment, and makes a small number of programmes.
Independent production companies include HIT Entertainment, The Television Corporation, Tiger Aspect, Endemol UK and TWI (UK), plus over 1,400 smaller independent companies, based mainly in London, which mostly recruit freelancers.
Commercial radio companies include Chrysalis Group (Galaxy and Heart 106.2), Capital Radio, GWR (Classic FM), SMG (Virgin Radio and Wireless Group), and EMAP Group (stations in London and Kerrang! in the West Midlands).
There are numerous satellite, cable and digital broadcasters, including Sky and NTL, and researchers are also employed by a small number of production companies in the film industry.
To make speculative applications consult employer listings in directories such as the Guardian Media 08 publication, KFTV and the PACT Directory of Independent Producers .
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