Media Researcher
what is a media researcher ?
The role may also be known as: specialist, live footage or picture researcher, broadcast assistant and assistant producer.
Media researchers support producers by finding information, people and places for television or radio programmes. On a day to day basis they may discuss programme ideas and research needs with producers, find and check information, search media libraries and archives, write briefs for presenters, brief scriptwriters and check copyright, find studio audiences and programme contributors and much more.
The work involves organising, planning and researching everything that will happen during a programme. This includes collecting and verifying information, such as who'll be interviewed, the location, if the film crew will fit, if the budget will stretch and so on.
You're also responsible for fact-checking, writing briefs for presenters and ensuring that production adheres to the appropriate legislation.
How to become a media researcher
The main routes to get into this role are :
A university course- there are many different degrees you could undertake in many different areas.
A college course- there are different diplomas that you could undertake to become a media researcher.
An apprenticeship- there are different diplomas that you could undertake to become a media researcher.
Working towards this role- you could work your way up in this role by gaining an entry level job.
Applying directly- you can apply for aerospace engineering jobs directly if you've got qualifications and experience.
Training with a professional body- you could do research training courses through a professional body like BECTU, the broadcast union. These are open to new starters as well as existing staff looking to progress.
UNIVERSITY OPTIONS
It's common for new researchers to have a degree in any subject, although it may be useful to do a degree in a relevant subject like:
art
broadcasting and media
design
English
history
journalism
politics
public relations
theatre
Personal Statement Help
https://universitycompare.com/personal-statement-examples/media
https://www.studential.com/personal-statement-examples/media-personal-statement-examples
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/university/personal-statements/media/
https://www.personalstatementservice.com/blog/examples/media-studies-personal-statement
APPRENTICESHIP OPTIONS
You can work towards this role by starting with an advanced apprenticeship as a broadcast production assistant. This is dependent on the company and area, you will also usually need to go through an interview process when applying for a degree apprenticeship in media researching.
Apprenticeship Finders
https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
Interview Help
https://www.betterteam.com/media-analyst-interview-questions
employers
Most researchers work on news and current affairs programmes for:
television
independent production companies
radio
satellite and cable companies.
Look for job vacancies at:
BBC Careers - all BBC vacancies, work experience opportunities and trainee schemes are advertised centrally online