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Broadcast journalist

Alternative titles for this job include

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

Average salary (a year)

£23,000 Starter

to

£42,000 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

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

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

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

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:

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

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.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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

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

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a broadcast journalist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Journalism

  • Provider: LUMINATE EDUCATION GROUP
  • Start date: 13 September 2025
  • Location: Leeds

Media - Digital Journalism

  • Provider: NORTH KENT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Dartford
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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