At a Glance
- Tasks: Pitch and develop original ideas for The One Show's current affairs and arts films.
- Company: Join the BBC Studios team, known for its innovative storytelling.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact by creating engaging content that resonates with audiences.
- Qualifications: Strong writing skills and at least six months of experience as a Researcher.
- Other info: Collaborate with talented professionals and build your network in the media industry.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
EOI: 2 x Development Researchers, The One Show VT Team - BBC Studios, Salford
Contract: Fixed Term Contract/Attachment
Both Contracts:
- Start Date: Monday 16th March 2026
- Contract 1 End Date: Friday 12th March 2027
- Contract 2 End Date: Friday 28th September 2026
Application Closing Date: Midnight, Sunday 15th Feb
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet Series Editor Alan Clayton and Development Producer Gary Butcher.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
BBC Studios’ Documentary Unit is seeking a Development Researcher to join the Development team creating current affairs, special project and arts films for The One Show. This is a full time role, based in Salford, with an on site requirement of two days per week.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM
The team is seeking a strong journalist with a proven ability to deliver original ideas under pressure. You’ll have an established contacts book, meet tight deadlines, and bring resilience, alongside a clear interest in current affairs, entertainment, arts and human-interest stories.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT:
Using sound editorial judgement and journalistic expertise, The One Show Researcher must be a tenacious idea generator: pitching original, achievable ideas and treatments each week, and delivering popular journalism under tight deadlines and budgets. The role involves researching and simplifying complex stories, fact checking, casting contributors, and writing producer and presenter briefs.
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
You’ll be rigorous in fact checking, experienced in writing treatments, and able to support filmmakers through handover into production. You’ll work confidently within BBC Editorial Policies, maintaining accuracy and stamina in a fast turnaround environment.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
Candidates will have a strong understanding of The One Show audience, with the ability to handle complex topics with tact and sensitivity. You’ll bring strong writing skills, mature editorial judgement, and experience pitching current affairs and arts VT ideas, with at least six months’ experience at Researcher level. You’ll build trust with contributors, work collaboratively in a fast paced environment, and demonstrate strong organisation, adaptability and a proactive, can do attitude.
Please Note: Final offers are subject to greenlight.
EOI: 2 x Development Researchers, The On employer: BBC Group and Public Services
Contact Detail:
BBC Group and Public Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land EOI: 2 x Development Researchers, The On
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to The One Show. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to pitch ideas, make sure they’re original and relevant. Think about what resonates with The One Show audience and tailor your pitches accordingly.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for the interview! Research the latest episodes of The One Show and come armed with ideas that could fit into their format. This shows you're not just interested but also invested in their work.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace EOI: 2 x Development Researchers, The On
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Current Affairs: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for current affairs and storytelling shine through. We want to see that you’re not just applying for a job, but that you genuinely care about the topics we cover on The One Show.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for someone who understands our audience and can pitch ideas that resonate with them, so don’t hold back on showcasing your best work!
Be Clear and Concise: In the fast-paced world of journalism, clarity is key. Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate well-structured writing that gets straight to the heart of your experience and ideas.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at BBC Group and Public Services
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, make sure you understand who The One Show's audience is. Familiarise yourself with the types of stories they cover and think about how your ideas can resonate with viewers. This will show that you’re not just a researcher, but someone who truly gets the essence of the show.
✨Pitch Original Ideas
Come prepared with a few original ideas or treatments that you can pitch during the interview. Think about current affairs, arts, or human-interest stories that could fit well within the show's format. This demonstrates your creativity and ability to generate content under pressure.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Be ready to discuss your research process and how you fact-check information. Highlight any past experiences where you simplified complex topics for a wider audience. This will reassure the interviewers that you have the journalistic expertise they’re looking for.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with producers and contributors, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in previous roles. Emphasise your adaptability and proactive attitude, as these traits are crucial in a fast-paced environment like BBC Studios.