FFJ Guest Voices: How to get into broadcast journalism
And a look at our latest podcast episode on pensions
In our Guest Voices slot, we’re on the look out for diverse and different takes, advice, tips and projects. If you have an interesting (and practical) idea there is a Google form for your pitches here.
This week’s contribution is from Amanda Nunn, and editor of journalism newsletter Off The Record. Find out more about her work here.
How to get into broadcast journalism
The BBC and ITN can seem like impenetrable spaceships filled with mythical beings when you’re on the outside, but don’t despair. This handy guide will tell you where the cracks are so you can firmly wedge your foot in the door. Whether you want to add different shifts to your freelance life, make the move from print or radio, or to just start climbing the greasy pole, this guide is for you.
Phase one – Understanding the options
If you want to work at ITN which makes the news for ITV, Channel 4 or Channel 5 then the entry level role is as a freelance Assistant News Editor (ANE). Don’t be deceived by the fancy title, you’re at the bottom of the pyramid and some newsrooms will remind you of that more than others. The pay’s not bad, somewhere between £16-20 an hour, but the shifts are long. There are different roles which include planning, logistics and pictures.
Those working with the planning team set up interviews, find case studies, get filming locations, research stories, and write job sheets either for the next day’s programme or later in the week. Very few people want to work on planning so if you say that’s what you want to do, they’ll chew your arm off. It’s also an easy fit if you’ve worked in print.
A logistics role means working on that day’s programmes on finding case studies, filming locations, setting up interviews, deploying reporters and camera operators. It’s not massively different to planning but more pressure because it’s needed immediately. It’s a long day and can be stressful but don’t let that put you off. Shifts are broken down into day, late, overnights and weekends depending on the channel. Top tip, if you’re asked to do something, do it immediately. The main reason people don’t get asked back is because they lack a sense of urgency.
On picture you will be finding stills or social media footage, keeping across all the international feeds and downloading any videos producers need for a reporter’s piece. You will need to know about copyright law.
If you’re more inclined to the BBC, prepare yourself because it’s a big beast with more acronyms than you can shake a stick at. Entry level jobs are somewhat unfortunately known as BJs (Broadcast Journalists) with Senior Broadcast Journalist (SBJs) a rank above.
If you’ve got experience and/or a journalism qualification, go for the BJ roles. There are also Broadcast Assistants which are more admin based but can get you through the door. There are also plenty of traineeships and apprenticeships which are unavoidably competitive but it’s still worth applying. Don’t expect to get through on your first try and keep going.
Think about gaining experience outside London, especially in the current climate. The BBC has newsrooms in every region in the country (same goes for ITV) so if you have links in a certain region, try to get your foot in there. BBC local radio is a great place to learn the job. Contact regional newsrooms, ask for shadowing/work experience and/or try for freelance shifts.
Phase two - Finding who to contact
Have a look on LinkedIn and Twitter and find the contact details for people who work at the channel you’re targeting. If you want to do ITN planning ANE shifts get in touch with the Head of Planning, for the other two it’s normally news editors. Failing this, find someone you like who works there and DM them asking who the right person to speak to is. Also, if you can’t find contact details for the scores of people who work in these newsrooms, you’re in the wrong industry.
The BBC is huge so decide where you want to work and target it by connecting with journalists and the editors in charge. Find a friendly BJ or SBJ to help you navigate as you’ll need help. Ask for meetings and get a mentor (same advice for ITN) as there is an official scheme, but you can also ask someone in an unofficial capacity which is more achievable when you’re new and shiny. One of the benefits of being at the BBC is that they have loads of courses that you can ask to go on if you are eligible as a freelancer or even after you get a job. Make sure you make the most of these!
Phase three - Develop toxic positivity
You will not send one email and be invited in to run the show. It is all about being persistent and finding the right person. Send an email if they don’t reply, forward that email to them again a week later politely saying that this is just a gentle reminder about the email below. I know one (now staff) ANE who sent nine emails (one every two weeks) before she got shifts. The trick is to be non-annoying and always remain professional.
Once you've wiggled your way in to either organisation, be nice, friendly, and sociable so you can learn who does what. Find out which roles freelancers are employed to do. You'll also then learn which staff jobs you're qualified to apply for and can start plotting your next move. Once you’ve been freelancing for six months at the BBC, you’re often eligible to apply for internal roles which is something to think about too.
Phase four – Sign up for Off The Record
There are so many journalism events and organisations that it’s pretty much impossible to keep on top of everything, but don’t despair, Off The Record is here to help. It’s a weekly journalism newsletter that’s got industry news, events and other bits and bobs so you continually look (at least) like you’re well informed.
This week’s podcast
In this latest episode, we’re talking about pensions and savings, and how we should all be planning for the future. We talk to Brendon Maton an experienced freelance journalist who writes about investing and savings and Hannah Smith, a freelance financial journalist specialising in investment management and personal finance, about the best options out there for freelance journalists.
Listen at the link below or in all your usual podcast places!
Triumph of the week
Getting to the end of a huge amount of things on the to do list and actually taking a week off!
That feeling when
Your afternoon suddenly frees up meaning for once you will finish on time.
We love to hear your feedback on everything we do, so feel free to drop us an email anytime at freelancingforjournalists@gmail.com
Bye for now!
