Broadcast Journalist

Broadcast Journalists working in radio supply news content for different outlets which ranges from single radio to single local radio stations to international news organisations and their related websites. Broadcast journalists many be part of a small local team or based in a regional or national newsroom or sometimes in a foreign bureau. In some other cases broadcast journalists may also work from home, utilising broadband and other technology which its used to supply material to broadcasters to other employers.
In the BBC broadcast journalist is used widely where it is a specific grade, as well as a job role, within the career structure for BBC journalists in local radio and its also for those supplying news to the national radio networks. However in commercial radio the Journalist, Broadcast Journalist and Reporter are very smiler roles.

The job of a radio broadcast journalists identify, research and present news stories for a very wide range of audiences, where most of them are expected to broadcast on air. While on air radio broadcast journalists present news bulletins, recording interviews, voicing news items or longer features. However the role may sometimes overlap with a reporter due to the fact alot of the job descriptions are the same and are easy to get mixed up with. In the BBC they show the difference between each job due to the fact the broadcast journalists  may be more on news planning, researching, briefing reporters or presenters, writing, editing and producing material originated by others.

Broadcast Journalists ca be requires to work a variety of shift patterns which includes night shifts, weekends and holidays. While working on news items they must be prepared to travel a great deal and sometimes long distances at any hour of the day including at night to gather relevant information. They are also responsible for generating ideas, researching background data and assessing the value ad accuracy of ideas and information from other sources.

Radio Broadcast Journalists can carry out thorough research into all item ideas including using personal contacts and identifying relevant background articles and features, suitable interviewees and locations, and relevant audio archive material. They should also know how to access, evaluate and use all relevant information sources and in some cases image sources including libraries, archives, the Internet, and academic and other research documents.


Essential Knowledge & Skills
Broadcast Journalists need the following:

• a sense of what makes a good news story
• the ability to generate original ideas and to think creatively about how to communicate them
• excellent writing and story-telling skills which they can adapt for different audiences and platforms
• an understanding of how to use their voice to communicate effectively with listeners
• knowledge of the Radio market, different station and programme styles and audience demographics
• curiosity and inquisitiveness, a willingness to ask questions but also to listen
• the confidence and tenacity to pursue information, overcome obstacles and pitch ideas to senior colleagues
• ability to work independently but also as part of a team
• self-motivation and adaptability
• ability to work effectively under pressure, react quickly and meet tight deadlines
• determination, diplomacy and excellent interpersonal skills
• empathy and patience, the ability to build rapport and draw information from people
• ability to maintain objectivity in order to be fair and balanced in the treatment of stories
• an interest in news and current affairs and good general knowledge
• a thorough knowledge of the law, ethics and industry regulation as they affect radio and the practise of journalism
• knowledge of when it is necessary and how to acquire the relevant clearances and licenses, including copyright and music clearances
• knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures
• a high level of IT skills - particularly good word-processing and data handling skills
• the ability to learn how to use a variety of recording equipment and to operate different radio studios
• ability to conduct effective Internet research, use relevant computer software for audio editing, and, when necessary, to manipulate visual images or edit video, and upload all such material for use on websites.

To be a broadcast journalists you may not always need a degree and alot of them are graduates. However some radio employees do not expect this to be in a media related subject and may even prefer their recruits to have degrees in other disciplines which are politics, business, science or languages which all can come to some great advantage.
A degree or equivalent is usually a requirement, places are highly sought after and the selecting process is rigorous. Broadcast journalists are recruited from newspapers or magazines who usually ave two or three years experience. Alot of broadcast journalists learn a great deal throughout their time being a radio broadcast journalist and therefore grow with confidence.