Runner, broadcasting/film/video : Employers and vacancy sources

Potential employers are mostly broadcasting/film/video production and post-production companies, along with a small number of opportunities in animation and interactive media.

The UK's largest broadcaster is the BBC , which is funded by the licence fee and has a remit for public service broadcasting. With its expansion into digital TV and its international audience, this makes the BBC one of the biggest employers of media runners. See BBC Work Experience  for opportunities. The BBC also has ten national radio stations and a number of local radio stations, as well as the World Service.

Other independent broadcasters who produce either some or all of their own content include:

• ITV - includes 12 regional broadcasters that make up the ITV network (see ITV Jobs );
• Channel Five Careers
• BskyB - the UK's largest pay subscription television provider producing TV content and owning several TV channels (see Work for Sky ).

Many TV companies outsource the production side of the programme making, for example Channel 4, Channel 5, Sky and Virgin Media Television currently outsource the majority of their production operations. There are around 1,500 independent production companies in the UK, and some of the main ones are:

• Endemol UK;
• RDF Media;
• Talkback Thames;
• Tiger Aspect;
• Shine;
• All3 Media;
• Community Channel.

Media directories, such as The Knowledge and Kays Media , list a wide range of production companies both small and large. Mandy's International Film and TV Production Resources offers another directory of film and TV production companies and the website also has job vacancy listings, including positions for runners.

Sources of vacancies

• BBC Jobs
• Broadcast
• 4rfv
• Broadcast Graduate
• Mandy's International Film and TV Production Resources
• grapevinejobs
• 4Talent
• ITV Jobs

Only approximately 30% of runner positions are advertised, so you need to be proactive and network to gain access to the majority of vacancies. Most people find work through word of mouth and speculative applications.

Smaller independent television, film and video companies offer additional opportunities and sometimes advertise on their websites. If you are planning a period of time abroad consider researching possible international work experience opportunities. Visit Mandy's International Film and TV Production Resources for ideas.

Attending media fairs and networking events is a good way of finding out about opportunities. Your careers service is always a good starting point.

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