Journalist (BBC Radio Devon) in Plymouth

CONTRACT TYPE: 6 months Fixed-term / Attachment, Part-time (21 hours per week)

DEPARTMENT: BBC Radio Devon

LOCATION: Plymouth

PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: £27,600 - £33,000 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.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

Join BBC Radio Devon to tell the stories that matter to local communities. As a part‑time Journalist (6 month role), you’ll research and produce content for live and future programmes, working to tight deadlines and covering breaking news—from major incidents to holding organisations to account and celebrating community achievements. With industry experience, you’ll deliver trusted journalism across radio and social, driving conversation and holding organisations to account.

WHY JOIN THE TEAM

You’ll join a friendly, supportive team delivering trusted, high‑quality journalism for a respected brand close to its audience. If you’re full of ideas to lead John Acres at Breakfast or spark conversation on Caroline Densley’s show, you’ll thrive here. You’ll build a broad skillset across production, newsreading and socials, learn from experienced colleagues, and deepen your understanding of audience needs while creating relevant, distinctive content that reflects Devon.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT

• Shape standout local journalism across radio, news and social – play a central role in connecting with audiences through engaging, high‑impact content.
• Set the agenda with original stories and sharp editorial insight – find, research and brief stories that get Devon talking and keep programmes relevant.
• Deliver fast, accurate news in a live environment – produce and present bulletins and other content to deadlines, maintaining the BBC’s highest editorial standards.
• Create compelling, multi‑platform storytelling – bring creative ideas that reflect Devon’s communities and drive conversation.
• Work collaboratively across teams and departments – share material, avoid duplication and ensure consistent, high‑quality output in line with BBC values.

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• Significant recent journalism experience with strong editorial judgement – demonstrable experience in a broadcast or newsroom environment, with the ability to generate, research and develop accurate, impartial content in line with BBC Editorial Guidelines.
• Strong newsgathering and contact‑building skills – proven ability to independently find and approach contributors directly, build contacts and source original stories.
• Planning and organisational skills – proven ability to prioritise, manage competing deadlines and contribute effectively to team workflows in a fast‑paced environment.
• Broadcast and on‑air experience – confident writing for radio, producing content and delivering timed news bulletins, with the ability to appear on air live or pre‑recorded when required.
• Teamwork and collaboration – experience building strong working relationships and contributing positively to a collaborative, inclusive team culture.

DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED:

• Live reporting or news reading experience – ability to report live on location or prepare and read timed bulletins, delivering accurate and engaging content under pressure.
• Social media production skills – experience creating and adapting content for digital platforms, with an understanding of audience engagement and reach.

We look forward to hearing from candidates who bring a combination of these skills and experience, along with transferable strengths.

BENEFITS

• 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 a contract with different conditions.

EEO AND DISABILITY CONFIDENTIALS

We welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‑economic background, religion and/or belief. 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 reasonable.adjustments@bbc.co.uk.