Broadcast journalist

Broadcast journalists research and present the news on TV, radio and the internet.


Typical Salary

£23,000 – £42,000

per year

Working Hours

37–39

hours per week

Career Area

Newspaper and periodical journalists and reporters

View related courses

Day-to-day tasks

As a broadcast journalist you might:

  • research stories, follow 'leads' or develop ideas
  • prepare and conduct live and pre-recorded interviews
  • present in a TV or radio studio or on location
  • record voiceovers for recorded material
  • ask questions at briefings and press conferences
  • direct a small camera or sound crew or operate equipment yourself

Skills needed

  • knowledge of media production and communication
  • knowledge of English language
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • customer service skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

How to get into this role

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

Career progression

With experience, you could become a studio presenter or a special news correspondent.

You could also make, produce or manage your own programmes.