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Media

Broadcast journalist Green Job

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

Annual Salary

£23,000 to £42,000

Average UK salary in 2022 was £33,200
(source Office for National Statistics)

Working hours

37 to 39 irregular

You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; at short notice

2.4%
Future employment

There will be 2.4% more Broadcast journalist jobs in 2027.

Day to day tasks

As a broadcast journalist you might:

  • research stories, follow 'leads' or develop ideas
  • prepare and conduct live and pre-recorded interviews
  • present in a TV or radio studio or on location
  • record voiceovers for recorded material
  • ask questions at briefings and press conferences
  • direct a small camera or sound crew or operate 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.

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly
University

Most broadcast journalists have either a degree in journalism or a degree in another subject followed by a postgraduate qualification in broadcast journalism.

Some courses are accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council.

Graduate trainee schemes

As a graduate you could apply to broadcasting companies like the BBC who offer advanced journalism trainee 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
For more information
Apprenticeship

You may be able to become a broadcast journalist by doing a level 5 journalist or a level 7 senior journalist apprenticeship.

There is a lot of competition for places. Recruitment to the larger broadcast journalist schemes takes place at set times during the year. Check their websites 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
For more information
Work

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

Volunteering and work 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

You can apply directly for broadcast journalist roles if you a qualification and some experience. Experience in print journalism is also relevant.

More information

Career tips

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

The journalism industry is working to promote diversity through bursary schemes like:Diversity Fund; George Viner Memorial Fund; BJTC Placement Assistance Scheme

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

You could also make, produce or manage your own programmes.

How does this job help to address the impacts of climate change and protect wildlife and nature in the West of England?

Journalists may be involved in researching and reporting on environmental issues, highlighting the impacts of climate change on society and the natural environment through a range of media.

Examples of post-16 courses you could study at local schools or colleges

  • Media Studies, Environmental Science, English A-levels
  • T Level Media Broadcast and Production

Click here to find a local provider

Apprenticeships you may be able to take with local employers

  • Level 5 Journalist
  • Level 7 Senior Journalist

Click here to search for a local apprenticeship

Examples of post-18 courses you could study at local higher education providers

Click here to search for other university courses

Click here for an explanation of the different course and apprenticeship levels.

Examples of local employers 

  • BBC Natural History Unit
  • BBC News
  • Met Office

For more local employment opportunities see the 'Live job vacancies by region' section above.

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

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
  • ambition and a desire to succeed
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
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