Programme researcher

Programme researcher job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Typical responsibilities include:

• generating programme ideas
• gathering and presenting relevant information, facts and figures
• organising meetings and interviews with appropriate people
• writing and editing briefing notes and scripts
• conducting interviews
• briefing programme presenters
• booking production equipment and staff
• preparing cost accounts.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate their ability to work under pressure and to deadline. The industry is dominated by short-term contracts making for a varied and interesting working life.

Typical employers of programme researchers

Programme researchers are employed by independent production companies and television, radio and cable companies. Experienced researchers may be able to obtain freelance work.

Qualifications and training required

A degree in any discipline is acceptable for entry, although a relevant qualification in, for example, journalism, English, public relations, media studies or history may be preferred. Specialist knowledge may be necessary for some positions. A postgraduate journalism qualification can be helpful for graduates without relevant degrees.

Most vacancies occur in major cities such as Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and London. Opportunities are advertised via the internet, national newspapers and specialist publications such as Media Week and Broadcast Magazine. Networking, job shadowing and speculative applications are advisable (directories including Broadcast Production Guide, the Guardian Media Guide and the Blue Book of British Broadcasting can provide useful contact information).

Key skills for programme researchers

• stamina
• enthusiasm
• determination
• perseverance
• excellent verbal and written skills
• adaptability
• able to work well under pressure
• organisational skills
• administrative skills
• IT skills
• able to demonstrate a genuine interest in the work.