Broadcast Journalist

Typical Salary

£13,000 To £80,000

Typical Hours

37 to 39 irregular

evenings / weekends / bank holidays at short notice

How To Become a Broadcast Journalist

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
applying directly
graduate training scheme

College / University

Most broadcast journalists enter the job after doing a degree or postgraduate qualification in broadcast journalism.

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

Apprenticeship

You could do a higher Digital Journalism Apprenticeship with a broadcaster like the BBC.

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

You could start as a production assistant or runner with a broadcasting company and work your way up.

Some broadcast journalists move into broadcast journalism from print journalism.

Other Routes

You could apply directly to broadcasting companies like the BBC who offer graduate training schemes. Places are limited and competition is strong.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of media production and communication
knowledge of English language
the ability to use your initiative
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
excellent verbal communication skills
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
customer service skills
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Day To Day Tasks

In your day-to-day duties you might:

follow story 'leads', or generate story ideas
research stories, using the internet, archives and databases
write scripts, and website or social media content
prepare and conduct live and pre-recorded interviews
present in TV or radio studios or on location, and record voiceovers for recorded material
ask questions at briefings and press conferences
direct a small camera or sound crew, or operate recording equipment yourself

Working Environment

You could work at a TV studio, from home, in an office or at a film studio.

Your working environment may be you'll travel often and outdoors in all weathers.

Career Path & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering is a good way to get experience of what it's like to work in the media and will help when you apply for courses and jobs.

Organisations offering work experience opportunities include:

Tips & Information

Career tips

You could create an online showreel to show potential employers examples of your work.

Further information

You can find out more about careers and training in the media through the Broadcast Journalism Training Council.

You can get more information on working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.