At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our audio team for two weeks, working on popular podcasts and pitching your own story ideas.
- Company: The Guardian champions diverse representation in media and offers a supportive environment for aspiring journalists.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, mentorship from seasoned journalists, and potential grants for accommodation in London.
- Why this job: This is your chance to break into journalism, learn from the best, and make your voice heard.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, show genuine interest in journalism, and have relevant work or online presence.
- Other info: Apply by March 30, 2025, and submit your ideas to stand out!
The Guardian believes there should be a better representation of our diverse society in the media and, to break down barriers, each summer we run a work-experience scheme for those considering a career in journalism.
This year our London office is running a paid work shadowing scheme for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic(BAME) applicants interested in podcasting and audio storytelling.
Successful applicants will spend two weeks in our audio department, during June or July, on podcasts such as Today in Focus, Politics Weekly, Science Weekly, and Football Weekly.
Working alongside our producers, editors and hosts, your tasks will include fact-checking stories and scripts, and assisting with research tasks and interview booking.
You’ll have a chance to pitch story ideas and sit in on recordings and edit sessions.
You will also have an experienced journalist as a mentor to offer careers advice.
Criteria
To be considered for a placement you must be at least 18 years old, with the right to work or train in the UK, and be able to demonstrate a genuine interest in journalism – for example, having work published online or in print, involvement in student journalism, work experience on local/specialist media, or an impressive personal website or blog.
The aim of this scheme is to introduce aspiring journalists or those at the start of their careers to the Guardian’s editorial environment. For this reason experienced professional journalists, and those who have received a previous placement at GNM, are not eligible to apply for these positions.
For applicants who have no access to accommodation in London (nor the ability to travel daily to our King’s Cross headquarters), the has kindly offered to provide a small number of grants. If you’d like to be considered for one of these, you can do so via the application form.
Application instructions
Please complete the application form and attach the following four items within ONE document:
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A covering letter (no more than 150 words) explaining how you qualify for this diversity scheme, why you’re applying, and what you hope to learn from your time with us
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Your current CV
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Examples and/or links to your online audio work if relevant
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An idea for an episode of one of the Guardian’s podcasts, detailing the issues and angles you’d like to include (max 300 words).
Deadline for receipt of applications is midnight on Sunday 30 March 2025.
We’re committed to providing reasonable adjustments as detailed by the Equality Act 2010. Should you require any particular adjustments to be made to allow you to fully participate in the recruitment and work experience process, please email sean.brinkley@guardian.co.uk.
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We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people at the Guardian. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future.
Positive action is covered by section 158 of the Equality Act 2010.
Positive Action Scheme 2025 - Podcasting & Audio Storytelling - BAME employer: The Guardian
Contact Detail:
The Guardian Recruiting Team
sean.brinkley@guardian.co.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Positive Action Scheme 2025 - Podcasting & Audio Storytelling - BAME
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the Guardian's podcasts, especially those mentioned in the job description like Today in Focus and Politics Weekly. Understanding their style and content will help you pitch relevant story ideas that resonate with their audience.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the journalism community online, particularly on platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn. Follow journalists and producers from the Guardian to stay updated on their work and industry trends, which can inform your contributions during the placement.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider creating a short audio piece or podcast episode as a sample of your work. This not only showcases your skills but also demonstrates your passion for audio storytelling, making your application stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare thoughtful questions for your potential mentor. Showing that you're eager to learn and engage with experienced professionals will reflect positively on your application and help you make the most of the opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Positive Action Scheme 2025 - Podcasting & Audio Storytelling - BAME
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your Covering Letter: Write a concise covering letter (max 150 words) that clearly explains how you qualify for the diversity scheme, your motivation for applying, and what you hope to gain from the experience. Make sure to convey your genuine interest in journalism.
Update Your CV: Ensure your CV is current and highlights relevant experiences, such as any work published online or in print, involvement in student journalism, or other media-related activities. Tailor it to reflect your passion for podcasting and audio storytelling.
Showcase Your Work: Include examples or links to your online audio work if applicable. This could be previous podcasts, audio stories, or any relevant projects that demonstrate your skills and creativity in audio storytelling.
Pitch Your Podcast Idea: Develop a compelling idea for an episode of one of the Guardian's podcasts. Detail the issues and angles you want to explore in a maximum of 300 words. Make sure your idea aligns with the Guardian's values and audience interests.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Guardian
✨Show Your Passion for Journalism
Make sure to express your genuine interest in journalism during the interview. Share any relevant experiences, such as published work or involvement in student media, to demonstrate your commitment to the field.
✨Prepare Your Podcast Idea
Since you'll need to pitch an episode idea, come prepared with a well-thought-out concept. Focus on the issues and angles you want to explore, and be ready to discuss why it's relevant and engaging for the audience.
✨Research The Guardian's Podcasts
Familiarize yourself with the podcasts produced by The Guardian, like Today in Focus and Politics Weekly. Understanding their style and content will help you align your ideas with their editorial vision and show that you're a good fit.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask your interviewers about their work and the audio department. This shows your enthusiasm and willingness to learn, and it can also help you gauge if this opportunity is right for you.