Media researcher
Media researchers support producers by finding stories, information, people and locations for television and radio programmes.
- Starter salary£24,000 a year
- Experienced£40,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 45 a week
What you'll do
As a media researcher, you could:
- discuss programme ideas and research needs with producers
- search media libraries and archives for information
- check details, facts and figures for accuracy
- write briefing notes for presenters and check copyright issues
- find studio audiences, guests and programme contributors
- search for potential programme locations
- research and write content for websites and social media
Working environment
You could work in an office or at a TV studio.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- analytical thinking skills
- knowledge of English language
- the ability to use your initiative
- customer service skills
- excellent written communication skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- persistence and determination
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a media researcher
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
- training with a professional body
University
You can do a degree at university before applying for researcher jobs. Most subjects are acceptable, although some programme makers may look for expertise in a particular subject, depending on the show.
Subjects include:
- film, TV and media studies
- journalism
- history
- politics
- English and modern languages
- science
- broadcast production
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
College
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this role.
Courses include:
- creative digital media
- creative media production and technology
- T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Production Assistant - Screen and Audio Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
You would learn a wide range of skills on this apprenticeship. On completion, you could concentrate on the research side of programme production.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
Work
You could start as an administrator, runner or production assistant with a TV company and take on research duties, with the support of your employer.
Volunteering
Making contacts in the industry is a good way to find opportunities and work placements to develop your research skills. You could:
- work on radio programmes, or student film or TV productions
- produce content for local newspapers, student publications and podcasts
- help out on hospital or community radio shows
- volunteer with film archives and image libraries
Direct application
You can apply directly to employers if you've got relevant skills and knowledge needed for this job. Work experience, contacts and good research skills are highly valued.
You could also move into programme research if you've worked in journalism, or had a research job in a non-media field, such as social or political fact-finding and analysis.
Other routes
You could take a training course through a professional body, like BECTU , the broadcast union, or ScreenSkills . These are open to new starters as well as existing staff looking to progress.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could supervise a research team on larger productions.
You could also move into an assistant producer role, or get into writing or directing.
Working as a freelance researcher is another option.
Career tips
You'll need to get practical experience of media production, and develop a network of contacts in the industry.
Being able to solve a problem creatively can be very useful. It'll also be helpful if you have knowledge of current affairs and the media.
Some understanding of how artificial intelligence content creation tools work may be helpful in certain roles. While specialist subject knowledge may be needed for specific programmes and documentaries.
Guides for this industry
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