At a Glance
- Tasks: Write, edit, and translate news stories for BBC News Russian across digital platforms.
- Company: Join the BBC, a leading global media organisation with a commitment to quality journalism.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, 25 days annual leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive environment that values diversity and supports career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic newsroom and make an impact on international news coverage.
- Qualifications: Fluent in Russian and English, with strong writing skills and digital journalism experience.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 38000 £ per year.
CONTRACT TYPE: 12 month Fixed-term Contract, Full-time
DEPARTMENT: BBC News
LOCATION: London
PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: £28,000 - £38,000 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
This is a role in the BBC News Russian London newsroom. It will involve working shifts – including late nights and weekends, as part of a team producing, updating and translating news stories for the BBC News Russian website. You will be expected to write stories on a wide range of topics, and to contribute to our continuing live page on the Ukraine war. The successful candidate will have a keen interest in international news, a thorough knowledge of Russia and neighbouring states, and strong writing skills. The ability to work quickly and calmly under pressure delivering to very tight deadlines when news stories break is essential for this role.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM
BBC News Russian is one of the BBC’s largest language services, delivering continuous multimedia content across global platforms and social media. Our journalism is guided by BBC values of accuracy, impartiality, and independence from commercial or political influence.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT
- Write, edit, translate and adapt news content for BBC News Russian across digital platforms, ensuring accuracy, quality and adherence to BBC editorial standards.
- Develop original story ideas, cultivate sources and identify compelling angles that engage audiences and strengthen coverage.
- Manage developing and breaking news stories, updating content quickly and accurately as events unfold.
- Contribute creative and innovative ideas for digital storytelling, including new formats, audience-focused content and multimedia approaches.
- Work collaboratively with reporters, contributors and editorial colleagues to plan, produce and deliver high-quality journalism.
- Use and adapt to a range of digital publishing, content management and news production systems, embracing new technologies and ways of working.
- Build effective working relationships across the BBC, particularly within Global News, to maximise the reach, impact and quality of BBC News Russian output.
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
- Full professional fluency in written and spoken Russian, with outstanding writing, editing and translation skills and the ability to communicate complex information in a clear, engaging and accessible way.
- Strong command of English, with excellent comprehension of written and spoken content and the ability to work effectively in a bilingual news environment.
- Substantial experience in digital journalism, with a strong understanding of online news production, audience needs and multi-platform storytelling.
- In-depth knowledge of Russian, regional and international news, politics and current affairs, with the ability to identify and develop stories of relevance to BBC Russian audiences.
- Excellent understanding of social media platforms and their role in newsgathering, audience engagement and content distribution, with experience creating effective digital-first journalism.
- Ability to work calmly and accurately under pressure, making sound editorial decisions and responding quickly to breaking news developments.
- Strong knowledge of media law, editorial standards and journalistic best practice, with the ability to produce content in a variety of formats and build relationships with contributors, sources and key newsmakers.
Disclaimer: This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.
Please note: If you were to be offered this role, the BBC will conduct Employment screening checks which include Reference checks; Eligibility to work checks; and if applicable to the role, Safeguarding and Adverse media/Social media checks. Any offer made is conditional on these checks being satisfactory.
Before your start date, you may need to disclose any unspent convictions or police charges, in line with our Recruitment policy. This allows us to discuss any support you may need and assess any risks. Failure to disclose may result in the withdrawal of your offer.
Redeployment: The BBC is committed to redeploying employees seeking suitable alternative employment within the BBC and they will be given priority consideration ahead of other applicants.
Information at a Glance: This is your BBC. At the BBC you can create and innovate in an inclusive environment while contributing to some of the world’s best loved content, and the BBC’s mission to inform, educate and entertain.
Find out more about the BBC Life at BBC. Here you will benefit from:
- Fair pay and flexible benefits including a competitive salary package, a flexible 35-hour working week, 25 days annual leave with the option to buy an extra 5 days, a defined pension scheme and discounted dental, health care and gym.
- Excellent career and professional development.
- Support in your working life, including flexible working which you can discuss with us at any point during the application, selection or offer.
- A values-based organisation where the way we do things is important as what we do.
Benefits may vary if you are joining on an FTC basis or on an orchestra conditions contract. Learn more about life at the BBC and our values in our candidate pack.
You belong: We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual's unique contribution, so all our employees feel that they can belong, thrive and achieve their full potential. We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to join us. The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity.
We welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. Find out more about diversity, inclusion and belonging in our strategy below.
Disability confident: We are a disability confident employer. If you need to discuss adjustments or access requirements for the interview process, or to carry out this role, please contact us via email and we’d be happy to discuss: reasonable.adjustments@bbc.co.uk.
Journalist, BBC Russian London Newsroom employer: BBC Group and Public Services
At BBC Studios, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture in the heart of London. With competitive salaries, generous bonuses, and a commitment to employee growth, we empower our team to drive innovation and creativity in the media landscape. Join us to collaborate with industry leaders, develop your skills, and contribute to world-class commercial products that engage global audiences.
Contact Details:
BBC Group and Public Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Journalist, BBC Russian London Newsroom
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.
✨Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at BBC Group and Public Services!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like BBC Group and Public Services, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Journalist, BBC Russian London Newsroom
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.
Tailor Your Application for BBC Group and Public Services:When applying for the Journalist, BBC Russian London Newsroom role at BBC Group and Public Services, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what BBC Group and Public Services produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at BBC Group and Public Services
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
✨Convey Your Passion and Drive
As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within BBC Group and Public Services. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
