Broadcast journalist
Broadcast journalists research, write and report stories for news and current affairs programmes on TV, radio and online.
- Starter salary£27,000 a year
- Experienced£50,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 42 a week
What you'll do
As a broadcast journalist, you could:
- research stories, follow 'leads' and develop ideas
- prepare and conduct live and pre-recorded interviews
- present reports in a TV studio, radio station or on location
- create content in different formats for broadcast
- generate voiceovers for recorded material
- ask questions at briefings and press conferences
- make sure content meets ethical and legal broadcasting standards
- build a list of trusted contacts and sources to develop content and verify facts
Working environment
You could work at a TV studio, on location, in an office or from home.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of media production and communication
- knowledge of English language
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- excellent written communication skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a broadcast journalist
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
University
You could do a degree in journalism, broadcast journalism or multimedia journalism.
You could also study for a degree in another subject, then complete a postgraduate qualification in broadcast journalism.
The Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC) accredits a number of courses and gives advice on what to look for.
As a graduate, you could apply to broadcasting companies who offer trainee journalist schemes. Places are limited and competition is strong.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
Apprenticeship
You may be able to apply for a Junior Journalist Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship or Journalist Level 6 (non-degree) Apprenticeship.
There is a lot of competition for places. Recruitment to the larger broadcast journalist schemes takes place at different times during the year. Check their websites regularly to find out when you can apply.
Entry requirements
To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
Work
You could start as a production assistant , media researcher or production runner with a broadcasting company and work your way up through training and promotion.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a good way to get experience of what it's like to work in the media and can help when you apply for courses and jobs.
You could:
- produce your own current affairs blog or podcast and create an online presence on social media
- submit articles and reviews to news media websites
- get involved in student broadcast productions
You might also contact organisations offering work experience opportunities, such as:
- Community Media Association
- Hospital Broadcasting Association
- Channel 4
- ITV
- BBC
Direct application
You can apply directly for broadcast journalist roles if you have qualifications and experience in the media. A background in print journalism is also acceptable.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become a studio presenter or special news correspondent. You might also work as a senior news editor.
You could also work freelance, planning and producing your own programmes.
Career tips
You could create an online showreel to highlight your work to potential employers.
The journalism industry is working to promote diversity through bursary schemes like the:
- Journalism Diversity Fund
- George Viner Memorial Fund
- BJTC Placement Assistance Scheme
Guides for this industry
Related roles
- Job roleNewspaper or magazine journalist
- Job roleNewspaper or magazine editor
- Job roleMedia researcher
- Job roleTV presenter
- Job roleEditorial assistant
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