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Broadcast journalist
Broadcast journalists research and present the news on TV, radio and the internet.
Average salary (a year)
£23000
Starter
£42000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37.0 to 39.0 hours
irregular
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
at short notice
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
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
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
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
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
BBC apprenticeships|https://www.bbc.co.uk/careers/trainee-schemes-and-apprenticeships
ITV apprenticeships|https://careers.itv.com/teams/early-careers/apprenticeships
Channel 4 apprenticeships|https://careers.channel4.com/4talent/apprenticeships
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:Community Media Association, Hospital Broadcasting Association, ITV, Channel 4, BBC
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.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
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
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
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 & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience, you could become a studio presenter or a special news correspondent.
You could also make, produce or manage your own programmes.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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