Broadcasting Researcher

Also known as:

Radio Researcher
Researcher, Broadcasting
Television Researcher

Introduction

Broadcasting researchers work within a production team in television and radio. The work involves searching out information, locations, people and archive material for producers and writers of television and radio programmes.

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Work Activities

Broadcasting researchers provide the basic material for radio and television programmes. They develop ideas for programmes and follow them through to broadcasting. The nature of the research varies according to the type of programme being produced. They may work on a wide range of programme topics or they may specialise in particular subject areas such as the arts, current affairs, politics or wildlife.

Researchers investigate topics and gather information on them using a wide range of sources, including the internet, libraries and museums. They are responsible for finding out facts and figures, contacting people for comments and setting up programmes. They carry out interviews with a variety of people to get detailed information. Some stories may involve highly sensitive issues and require very careful handling. In such cases, interviewees can be nervous and need support and encouragement.

Researchers may also plan locations for filming and check through archives and specialist collections for historical information. They must make sure that all information for broadcast is factually correct.

Having completed the information gathering process, researchers may help to write news reports and scripts for presenters or interviewers.

It may be necessary to travel nationally and even internationally as a broadcasting researcher.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

Self-confidence, natural curiosity and persistence in pursuing a topic or line of enquiry are essential qualities. It is important that you are able to work on your own initiative, but also operate effectively as part of a team.

You should have the ability to communicate with a wide range of people from many different backgrounds. In particular, you will need to be good at putting people at ease in order to get a good response from them.

Specialist knowledge of particular subjects and research sources may be helpful for some jobs. In all cases you must be committed to accuracy and pay attention to detail. You will have to be able to work under pressure and keep to tight deadlines.

Writing and keyboard skills are essential for drafting scripts and providing reports on findings. A knowledge of one or more foreign languages can be a considerable asset on many occasions.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for broadcasting researchers depend on the type of production they work on, the duration of the project and whether they are employed or self-employed.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Researchers earn in the range of £480 - £660 a week and higher rates are possible.

Broadcasting researchers usually work a basic 40-hour week. However, longer hours, including evening and weekend work may be required.

The main employers of broadcasting researchers on a full-time basis are the BBC and the independent broadcasting companies. Satellite and cable television companies usually employ researchers for a programme or a series, often on short, fixed term contracts.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Relevant skills and abilities gained working as a broadcasting production assistant can be valuable. Some people enter this work following experience in journalism or lecturing.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (eg, Access to Media) could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

• 7% of people in broadcasting research are self-employed.
• 19% work part-time.
• 21% have flexible hours.
• 35% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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