Broadcast journalist
Broadcast journalists research and present the news on TV, radio and the internet.
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
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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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.