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Broadcast journalist

Alternative titles for this job include

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

Average salary (a year)

£14,000 Starter

to

£60,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 irregular

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays at short notice

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

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

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

Some courses are accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council.

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to start out on a junior journalist advanced apprenticeship or a senior journalist higher apprenticeship.

There is a lot of competition for places. Recruitment takes place at set times during the year. You can find out when schemes are open for applications on broadcasters' websites.

Entry requirements

To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

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

Volunteering

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.

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:

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.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

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 use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

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 a TV or radio studio 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 and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Editorial Apprentice

  • Wage: £15,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Not known

Junior Journalist Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £15,000.00 Annually
  • Location: London
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Creative Media Production & Technology - Journalism & Digital Communications

  • Provider: HAVANT AND SOUTH DOWNS COLLEGE
  • Start date: 05 September 2022
  • Location: Waterlooville

Journalism Vocational 30 Credit

  • Provider: SIR GEORGE MONOUX COLLEGE
  • Start date: 05 September 2022
  • Location: London
Find courses near you

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