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Broadcast journalist

Broadcast journalists report the news on TV, radio and online.
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What does a broadcast journalist do?

Broadcast journalists research and report the news across broadcast channels, such as TV, radio and online. You may be working behind the scenes as a researcher or producer – finding out background details about a story or interviewing people – or you may be in front of the camera or on the radio as a reporter or presenter.

You’ll need to work to tight deadlines, reporting breaking and unfolding news as well as investigating your own stories. You may be working indoors or out in the field. You’ll need to be able to use recording equipment such as microphones and cameras, as well as being able to edit material. It’s a highly competitive job, for which you’ll need excellent English, communication and IT skills. 

What do I need to do to become a broadcast journalist?

There are a number of different routes into broadcast journalism. You could train on the job as part of a trainee or apprenticeship scheme, or you could do an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in journalism.

To get on a relevant degree you'll need five GCSEs A-C, including maths, English and science and three A levels. There are no specific subjects required but relevant ones include: English literature, English language, media, psychology, sociology, communication studies and law.

A level 3 vocational qualification in media studies would be relevant for this work. Check with universities regarding acceptability

The Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC) website has a list of accredited degrees and postgraduate courses in broadcast journalism. Check with colleges or universities for their exact entry requirements.

Related skills

  • Attention to detail
  • Communication
  • Creativity
  • Interpersonal skills
  • IT
  • Literacy
  • Patience
  • Problem solving
  • Teamwork
  • Time management
  • Word processing

Academic route

  • Three A levels, e.g. English literature, English language, media, psychology, sociology, communication studies and law

Vocational route

Level 3 vocational qualification in media studies

Related subjects

  • Drama, music, and performing arts
  • English
  • History
  • Media studies

Desirable qualifications

  • BCTJ accredited undergraduate degree
  • BCTJ accredited postgraduate degree
  • A level English

Where to find out more

Where could I be working?

You could be working for yourself as a freelancer (where you work on an ad hoc basis for different media companies) or you could be employed directly by a TV or radio company. 

Job families

 Broadcast, media and performing arts

There are a whole range of different jobs associated with TV, film, radio and theatre. You could be anything from a singer, to a make-up artist to a director. It’s an exciting and highly competitive field to work in. If you’re creative and good with people this could be the career for you.

 Journalism and publishing

If you have a keen eye for a story then a career in journalism or publishing could be for you. Whether you’re writing a novel or working as a television journalism good written skills are really important. You may be working alone, in a small team or in a busy newsroom.

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