Media researchers support producers by finding information, people and places for television or radio programmes.
£16,000 Starter
to£40,000 Experienced
38 to 40 variable
evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home
You can get into this job through:
It's common for new researchers to have a degree in any subject, although it may be useful to do a degree in a relevant subject like:
You'll usually need:
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge, useful for this role. Relevant subjects include:
You'll usually need:
You can work towards this role by starting with an advanced apprenticeship as a broadcast production assistant.
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
You could start as an administrator, runner or production assistant in TV and work your way up.
You could get contacts and experience by:
You can apply directly to employers if you've got some of the relevant skills and knowledge needed for this role.
Work experience, contacts and the right skills are highly valued and it could be possible to enter without a degree.
You could also move into programme research if you've worked in journalism or had a research job in a non-media field, like social or political research.
You could do research training courses through a professional body like BECTU, the broadcast union. These are open to new starters as well as existing staff looking to progress.
You'll need to get practical experience of media production, and to develop a network of contacts in the industry.
For general areas, knowledge of current affairs and the media, plus evidence of lateral thinking and creative problem solving is useful.
Specialist knowledge and research experience may be needed for specific subjects or documentaries.
You can find out more about becoming a media researcher from ScreenSkills and BBC Careers.
You'll need:
Your day-to-day duties might include:
You could work in an office or at a tv studio.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.