Broadcast journalist

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

In this guide

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

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

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

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

Most relevant

  • English Language - Broadcast journalists write scripts, prepare interview questions, and craft news stories that need to be clear, accurate, and engaging. Strong command of language is essential for presenting complex information in a way that audiences can quickly understand.
  • Media Studies - Broadcast journalists produce news across TV, radio, and online platforms. Media Studies builds an understanding of how audiences consume news, how representation shapes storytelling, and how media language – words, images, and sound – is used to structure and present reports.
  • Politics - Broadcast journalists frequently cover political stories, from local council decisions to general elections and international diplomacy. Understanding how government, parliament, and political parties work helps them ask informed questions at press conferences and explain events accurately to viewers.

Also relevant

  • Film Studies - Broadcast journalists often direct small camera crews or operate equipment themselves, making decisions about shot composition and framing. Film Studies builds their understanding of visual storytelling – how camera angles, lighting, and editing shape the way a story comes across on screen.
  • English Literature - Broadcast journalists benefit from the close reading and analytical skills developed in English Literature – interpreting texts, identifying bias, and understanding narrative structure. These skills help when researching stories, evaluating sources, and crafting compelling reports.
  • History - Broadcast journalists often need to place current events in their historical context to explain why a story matters. Understanding how to research, evaluate sources, and construct a clear narrative from complex information are skills historians and journalists share.
  • Sociology - Broadcast journalists report on issues like inequality, crime, education, and community life that are central topics in sociology. Understanding social structures, cultural trends, and how different groups experience society helps them cover stories with depth and sensitivity.
  • Modern Foreign Languages - Broadcast journalists who speak other languages can report from overseas, interview non-English speakers, and access a wider range of sources. Language skills are particularly valuable for correspondents covering international news or working in multilingual communities.
  • Economics - Broadcast journalists regularly report on topics like inflation, interest rates, trade, and employment figures. Understanding economic concepts helps them explain financial news clearly and ask meaningful questions when interviewing business leaders or government officials.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

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

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

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

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

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:

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

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.

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