At a Glance
- Tasks: Create engaging news content and cover local stories that matter to the community.
- Company: Join the BBC, a leading media organisation committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and support for workplace adjustments.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values creativity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community through storytelling and journalism.
- Qualifications: Strong writing skills and experience in a fast-paced news environment.
The predicted salary is between 27600 - 33900 £ per year.
JOB DETAILS
- CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent, three days a week (21 hours)
- DEPARTMENT: East News
- LOCATION: Northampton
- PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: £27,600 - £33,900 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience.
The expected salary range for this role reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights. We’re happy to discuss flexible working. If you'd like to, please indicate your preference in the application – though there's no obligation to do so now. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.
BBC EXTEND
This role is advertised as part of our BBC Extend programme for disabled people. To apply for this role you should identify as deaf, disabled or neurodivergent and must meet either the definition of disability in the Equality Act (2010), or the definition of disability in the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) if applying in Northern Ireland. You’re broadly defined as disabled under both acts if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long‑term negative or adverse effect on your ability to do normal daily activities. This definition includes both apparent and non‑apparent conditions and impairments, and medical conditions such as Cancer, HIV or Multiple Sclerosis.
We are committed to making the process of applying for this role as accessible as possible. If you need to discuss adjustments or access requirements for the application process, or have any questions about our Extend programme, please contact us. The BBC is fully committed to providing workplace adjustments to help eliminate barriers in the workplace that disabled people face. To do this, we have our own dedicated BBC Access and Disability Service that provides assessments and support throughout employment with us. If you are successful in applying for this role and require workplace adjustments, we will work with you to get your adjustments in place.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
BBC Northampton is looking for a great journalist with sharp writing skills and strong editorial judgement to work as part of our online team. You will play a key role in covering the best stories in Northamptonshire to reflect all audiences. You’ll be adept at responding to breaking news, generating original stories and collaborating with colleagues to ensure content is delivered in accessible and engaging formats. You’ll be a team player with a can‑do attitude, an organised approach, and a talent for telling the stories that matter most to our communities in a conversational and relatable way. We’re looking for people who can help deepen our relationship with local audiences. You’ll be a creative journalist and storyteller who reflects the diversity, energy and character of Northamptonshire.
BBC Local is the family of services we offer across local communities in England—including radio, online, social media and TV. With established brands and new platforms, we provide a rich mix of content from news to entertainment.
Your Key Responsibilities and Impact
- Producing, writing and editing news content for the BBC News website, ensuring it is accurate, engaging and relevant.
- Generating story ideas that connect with local audiences and attract new ones.
- Building and maintaining positive relationships with colleagues throughout the BBC.
Your Skills and Experience
- First‑class writing and organisational skills.
- Significant recent experience in a fast‑paced news environment, preferably working on digital platforms.
- Good knowledge of Northamptonshire.
- Strong editorial judgement and an understanding of the BBC’s audiences and distinctive news values.
- Excellent communication skills, with a commitment to dealing with colleagues in an inclusive, nurturing and kind manner.
Desired but Not Required
- A creative approach to producing impactful content across different output areas and platforms - including radio and digital audio.
- The ability to write stories into Optimo.
- An understanding of our audiences and experience delivering content with diverse communities in mind.
- Experience producing news content such as summaries, digital articles or audio features.
- Knowledge of relevant law and ethics for journalism.
If you can bring some of these skills and experience, along with transferable strengths, we’d love to hear from you and encourage you to apply.
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.
We welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.
Journalist, TV News Norwich (EXTEND) employer: BBC Group and Public Services
The BBC is an exceptional employer, particularly for journalists looking to make a meaningful impact in their communities. With a commitment to inclusivity through the BBC Extend programme, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, a supportive work culture, and opportunities for professional growth within a renowned organisation. Located in Northampton, this role offers the chance to engage with diverse local audiences while developing your storytelling skills in a dynamic news environment.
Contact Details:
BBC Group and Public Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Journalist, TV News Norwich (EXTEND)
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Dive into your local journalism scene! Join organisations like the National Union of Journalists or local media groups to meet industry pros and find out about part-time opportunities. These connections can often lead to gigs that aren't even advertised online.
✨Create a Portfolio of Your Work
Start building a portfolio showcasing your writing, reporting, or multimedia content. Write feature articles or opinion pieces and self-publish them on platforms like Medium or a personal blog. This can impress potential employers like BBC Group and Public Services when you're applying for roles like Journalist, TV News Norwich (EXTEND).
✨Attend Media Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for journalism workshops, conferences, or networking events in your area. These are goldmines for both learning and meeting people who can help you find part-time positions. Plus, you never know who might be looking for their next star writer!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Make sure to apply for the Journalist, TV News Norwich (EXTEND) role at BBC Group and Public Services directly via our website. We love seeing applications come straight from passionate candidates, so put your best foot forward and show us what you've got!
We think you need these skills to ace Journalist, TV News Norwich (EXTEND)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Style:In journalism, your unique voice matters! When applying for a part-time position, make sure to include samples of your best work. Whether it's articles, blog posts, or even social media snippets, we want to see how you express ideas and engage readers. Don’t shy away from showcasing pieces that reflect your interests!
Tailor Your CV for the Media World:Your CV should mirror the fast-paced nature of journalism. Highlight relevant courses, internships, or freelance gigs that speak to your passion for storytelling. We love to see any awards, recognitions, or even the content of a popular article that’s still piquing interest – quantify your achievements wherever you can!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:For a part-time role in journalism, your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your motivation and how this role fits with your career aspirations. Make it personal—tell us why you're excited about joining BBC Group and Public Services and how you can contribute to our narrative!
Think Digital: Showcase Your Online Presence:In the age of digital media, having a strong online presence is key. If you have a portfolio website, blog, or active social media accounts where you engage with current events and trends, include those links! This helps us see how you connect with the audience and keep your finger on the pulse of media at large.
How to prepare for a job interview at BBC Group and Public Services
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
For a part-time role in journalism-media, it’s vital to have a portfolio of your best writing samples at the ready. We should curate a selection of articles or reports that showcase your style and focus areas—whether it's investigative pieces or lifestyle articles—so you can demonstrate your versatility to BBC Group and Public Services.
✨Be Ready for Situational Questions
Expect situational questions that assess your ability to handle breaking news or tight deadlines. We want to think about specific examples where you’ve had to think on your feet, work under pressure, or adapt your story angle. These are pretty staples in the journalism field, and demonstrating your thought process can really impress!
✨Familiarise Yourself with Multimedia Tools
In modern journalism, it's not just about the written word anymore. Brush up on your skills with multimedia tools like Adobe Creative Suite or audio editing software, as these often come up in interviews. Knowing how to leverage these tools can show BBC Group and Public Services that you’re ready to contribute to a more dynamic storytelling approach.
✨Express Your Passion for the Craft
Since this is a part-time position, we can focus on expressing our enthusiasm for journalism as a career. Be prepared to chat about what drives your interest in particular stories or topics—whether it’s social issues or pop culture. This helps convey your genuine motivation and commitment to making an impact at BBC Group and Public Services!