Broadcast Journalism is the collection, verification and analysis of information about events which affect people, and the publication of that information in a fair, accurate, impartial and balanced way to fulfil the public's right to know in a democratic society.  This involves a variety of media including television, radio, the internet and wireless devices.  Broadcast Journalists working in television work in a variety of genres including news, current affairs, or documentaries.  They may be employed by broadcasting companies, or work on a freelance basis.

What is the job?

Broadcast Journalists may be studio or office-based, or working in regional, national or international broadcasters' offices.  They may also work from home, utilising broadband and other technology to interface with broadcasters and other employers.  When working on news items, they must be prepared to travel, sometimes long distances, at any hour of the day or night, to gather the relevant information.  They are responsible for generating ideas, and for assessing the value and accuracy of ideas and information from other sources, researching background data, and presenting items for consideration by Editors, Commissioners, or other decision makers. 

They must carry out thorough research into all program ideas, including identifying: suitable interviewees and locations; relevant background and illustrative footage and locations; visual materials, archive picture and sound footage; articles and features. They should know how to access and use all significant information and image sources, including libraries, archives, the internet, academic and other research documents.  They must know how and when it is necessary to acquire the pertinent clearances and licences, including copyright and music clearances, and have a thorough understanding of the laws pertaining to libel and contempt. 

In collaboration with Technical Resource personnel, they identify crewing and equipment requirements so that they are properly technically equipped to record all the required interviews and other picture and sound materials.  They prepare questions, and if possible, brief interviewees in advance.  They conduct interviews on camera, and suggest suitable illustrative and background shots and material to enhance the story, to the Director, Camera Operator, Sound Recordist, or other relevant personnel.  Once the material has been recorded onto the required format, or acquired from other sources, Broadcast Journalists select the relevant sections of interviews and other materials.  They then either work closely with the Editor, or prepare a detailed editing brief.  For quick turnaround items they may edit some materials themselves, using suitable computer editing software packages.

Broadcast Journalists must ensure that they meet the timing and duration requirements of each programme or segment, and work to precise deadlines.  They may also be required to present precisely-timed live on air links into previously edited packages.  When working as news readers they must be able to research, write and present news bulletins, working to precise timings and tight deadlines. 

Typical career routes

Broadcast Journalists may begin their careers working as Researchers or Newsroom Assistants, progressing to become On Screen Reporters, Special Correspondents, News Presenters, and Bulletin or Programme Editors.  They may also move into Programme Production or Management roles, or become Journalists, Newspaper Reporters or Writers.  Some Broadcast Journalists may also start their careers working as Newspaper or other Print Press Journalists.

Essential knowledge and skills

Broadcast Journalists need to have questioning, curious and inquisitive minds, empathy, patience and understanding, and a sense of what makes a successful news story.  Good general knowledge is essential. They must understand programme markets, audience dynamics, and Governmental and social structures.  They should also be able to use the relevant computer software for editing, and the internet for research and web journalism.

Key Skills include:

• excellent verbal and written communication;
• ability to work under pressure, to tight deadlines;
• excellent interviewing and listening techniques;
• excellent content editing skills with basic picture and sound editing abilities;
• precise attention to detail and advanced analytical skills;
• excellent organisational abilities, initiative and problem solving skills;
• ability to see the broader picture and focus in on any niche angle the programme requires;
• self management abilities combined with effective team working, and self-discipline skills;
• diplomacy and sensitivity when working with members of the public and colleagues;
• personality, and excellent interpersonal skills at all levels;
• ability to build a rapport with interviewees without losing objectivity;
• current knowledge of the relevant legislation, regulations, and associated procedures, including Libel and Contempt, Copyright, Data Protection, Public Liability, etc., and how to comply with regulatory requirements;
• knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures;

Training and qualifications

Broadcast Journalists should have successfully completed a BJTC accredited Undergraduate degree, a Postgraduate Diploma or MA in Broadcast, Bi-Media, Multi-Media, TV or Online Journalism.  IT and word processing qualifications are also required. 

Where to go for more information

Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. Browse Skillset's website for links to our network of training partners, information about training and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database. Finally, Skillset Careers is UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.

Websites

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Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC) offers the definitive list of accredited undergraduate and post graduate journalism courses; http://www.bjtc.org.uk/
• -
National Union of Journalism (NUJ) the trade union across UK and Ireland; http://www.nuj.org.uk/
• - National Council for the Training of Journalists;
http://www.nctj.com/
• - Community Media Association;
http://www.commedia.org.uk/
• -
http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/; for journalist & students who work, or aspire to the regional press;
• -
http://www.journalism.co.uk/; includes news and information about the online journalism industry; jobs across print journalism, broadcast and new media; a discussion forum and other resources.
• - Churches Advisory Council for Local Broadcasting;
http://www.caclb.org.uk/
• - Hospital Broadcasting Association;
http://www.hbauk.com/

Publications

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Broadcast, the weekly newspaper for the UK TV and Radio industry; http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/
• -
Televisual, the business magazine for the broadcast and production industry; http://www.televisual.com/
• -
Broadcast Journalism Fifth Edition - Andrew Boyd - ISBN 0-240-51571-4
• -
Broadcast News Writing, Reporting, and Producing 4^th Edition - White - ISBN 0-240-80659-X
• -
The Concise Encyclopaedia of Ethics in Politics & the Media - Chadwick - ISBN 0-12-166255-1

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