Broadcast journalist

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Broadcast journalists research and present news stories and factual programmes on TV, radio and the internet.

Salary range: £13,000 to £80,000

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How to become a broadcast journalist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly
  • graduate training scheme
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University

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

Some courses are accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council.

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

More information

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Work

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

Volunteering and experience

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:

Direct application

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.

More 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.

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What it takes

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 carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
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What you’ll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties might include:

  • following story ‘leads’, or generating story ideas
  • researching stories, using the internet, archives and databases
  • writing scripts, and website or social media content
  • preparing and conducting live and pre-recorded interviews
  • presenting in TV or radio studios or on location, and recording voiceovers for recorded material
  • asking questions at briefings and press conferences
  • directing a small camera or sound crew, or operating 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.

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Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a studio-based presenter or a special news correspondent. 

You could also move into programme making, producing, or management.

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