At a Glance
- Tasks: Produce and read engaging news bulletins for BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.
- Company: Join the BBC, a leading broadcaster with a commitment to quality journalism.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on creativity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make your mark in journalism while connecting with diverse audiences.
- Qualifications: Strong writing skills and experience in live radio broadcasting.
JOB BAND: C
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent, Full-time.
DEPARTMENT: BBC Nations
LOCATION: Cambridge
PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: £27,600 - £35,500 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience. The expected salary range for this role reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
BBC Radio Cambridgeshire is looking for an excellent journalist with sharp writing skills and a terrific voice to read its weekday early news bulletins. As the bulletin reader you will be preparing and reading bulletins for BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, and ensuring our smartspeaker bulletins are delivered. You’ll be used to reacting to breaking stories and you’ll be able to work with our digital team so that your content can reach a wider audience. You’ll be a team player, an organised individual with a can‑do attitude and a knack for being able to deliver the day’s news in an accessible and conversational way.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT
- Producing and reading news bulletins on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire across our Breakfast and Morning output.
- Producing, editing and setting up stories for bulletins.
- Writing news bulletins and summaries with accuracy, clarity, wit and flair, often under pressure.
- Showing the ability to source a range of stories that connect with our audiences and engage new ones.
- Working with the entire range of on‑air talent, including editors, presenters and reporters.
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- First class writing, production and organisational skills.
- Significant recent experience of reading live radio bulletins.
- Good knowledge of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
- An understanding of our audience, and a track record in delivering content with diverse audiences in mind.
- A creative approach to producing the best content for impact across our different output areas and platforms – radio and digital audio.
- Editorial judgement: making the right editorial and policy decisions based on a clear understanding of the BBC's audiences and distinctive news agendas; generating original ideas for broadcast.
- Experience in producing news summaries, bulletins and programmes.
- Knowledge of the law and ethics as they apply to journalism.
- A good understanding of BBC News services and output.
- Excellent communication skills, with a commitment to dealing with colleagues in an inclusive, nurturing and kind manner.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
- First class writing, production and organisational skills.
- Experience of reading live radio bulletins.
- Good knowledge of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
- Knowledge of the law and ethics as they apply to journalism.
DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED
- Experience of telling compelling stories across social media platforms.
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 are unable to accept applications via CV and only applications made online will be considered.
EEO & BELONGING
We welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‑economic background, religion and/or belief. 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 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: reasonable.adjustments@bbc.co.uk
BBC Group and Public Services, Broadcasting House, Portland Place, London, United Kingdom, W1A 1AA. BBC Studios Distribution Limited, company no: 01420028, registered address: 1 Television Centre, 101 Wood Lane, London, United Kingdom W12 7FA.
Journalist -Cambridge in Otley 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 -Cambridge in Otley
✨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 -Cambridge in Otley
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 -Cambridge 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.
