Radio Broadcaster

The majority of Broadcast Journalists working in Radio supply news content, for one or more different outlets, ranging from single local radio stations to international news organisations, and their related websites. They may be part of a small local team, or based in a regional or national newsroom, or in a foreign bureau. Some Broadcast Journalists may also work from home, utilising broadband and other technology to supply material to broadcasters or other employers.

The job title Broadcast Journalist is used widely in the BBC where it is a specific grade - as well as a job role - within the career structure for BBC journalists in local radio and for those supplying news to the national radio networks. In Commercial Radio the job titles Journalist, Broadcast Journalist and Reporter (link) may be used for fairly similar roles according to the practice of the particular station or news organisation.

What does the job entail:
Radio Broadcast Journalists identify, research and present news stories for a wide range of audiences. Most are expected to broadcast on air: presenting news bulletins, recording interviews, voicing news items or longer features. Although the role can overlap with that of a Reporter, in some parts of the BBC in particular, the distinction between Broadcast Journalist and Reporter or Newsreader roles may be greater, in which case the emphasis of the Broadcast Journalist job may be more on news planning, researching, briefing reporters or presenters, writing, editing and producing material originated by others.

Typical Career Routes:
There are broadly three entry routes into Broadcast Journalism in Radio: traineeships offered by a few of the larger employers; moving into radio after first working as a print journalist; or completing an accredited pre-entry degree or post-graduate qualification. Employers also look for evidence of interest in, and hands-on experience of radio broadcasting, particularly skills gained through community radio, student or hospital radio.
Career progression often involves moving to a larger station, to a programme with a wider audience or from a local to a regional or national service. Broadcast Journalists may become Reporters, Specialist Correspondents, Presenters, and Bulletin or Programme Editors. They may also move into Programme Production or Management roles.

Training and qualifications
Although a degree may not always be essential, the majority of Broadcast Journalists are graduates. However, Radio employers do not necessarily expect this to be in a media-related subject, and may even prefer their recruits to have degrees in other disciplines. Specialist knowledge in fields such as politics, business, science or languages may be advantageous.