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- Tasks: Create engaging news content for BBC South West across digital, radio, and TV platforms.
- Company: Join the BBC, a leading media organisation with a commitment to quality journalism.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £33,000, flexible working options, and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact by telling diverse stories that resonate with local and national audiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in journalism, strong writing skills, and knowledge of media law.
- Other info: Dynamic newsroom environment with opportunities for career growth and creativity.
The predicted salary is between 26400 - 39600 £ per year.
CONTRACT TYPE: 2 x Permanent, full-time
DEPARTMENT: BBC South West
LOCATION: Plymouth (office based)
PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: Up to £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. 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.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
Join the South West digital team and produce content that serves audiences in Devon, Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, Guernsey and Jersey, as well as national and international audiences, via the BBC News website and social media. This will primarily be a writing role with an emphasis on digital-first storytelling online and on social media platforms, but you will be expected to tell your stories across radio and TV too and you will be given the training to do that if needed.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM
Are you a driven and passionate journalist who wants to help reach new audiences? The role requires someone who is keen to do more than just look for press releases – we want original ideas that help reflect the diverse audience in the South West, including the Channel Islands. You will work on news stories, features and explainers. The ability to come up with creative treatments, gain great access to people at the heart of stories and work collaboratively are essential.
We’re seeking a versatile, experienced journalist confident in fast‑paced, multi‑story environments, delivering high‑quality, digital‑first journalism that also works across radio and TV. You’ll write for the BBC News website, create engaging social content, and contribute across platforms, with training provided if needed. We want someone driven, curious, and proactive in generating original ideas, spotting trends, and uncovering stories that reflect the region’s diversity. You must understand media law and BBC guidelines, and consistently produce accurate, fair work. The role spans breaking news to features, requires strong community access and collaboration, and includes weekend and early/late shifts on a rota.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT
- Producing and writing news content for the BBC website
- The ability to produce fast, accurate copy to tight deadlines
- Understanding how to use images, video and headlines to enhance your copy and make it appealing to our audience
- Responsible for originating and producing stories for the BBC website which can also be used on TV and radio, as well as turning around content from wires and press releases
- Coming up with story and feature ideas which help us represent the many different sides of life in the region
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
- Substantial experience as a daily news journalist working on a newspaper, news website, news agency or other newsroom
- Experience of writing tight, accurate and impartial news stories to tight deadlines
- A good understanding of media law and the BBC’s editorial guidelines
- A good understanding of social media platforms both for sharing content and finding stories
- Experience of using social listening tools to find stories which are engaging our audience
DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED
- Be familiar with social media in a news context and know how to make the most of various platforms to reach a range of audiences
- Understanding of SEO within a news context to help our stories reach the people most interested in and impacted by them
- An understanding of using audience analytics to inform our journalism
- A keen eye for strong imagery to make stories stand out online and be able carry out basic photo editing
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.
Journalist, BBC South West in Plymouth 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 Journalist, BBC South West in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former BBC journalists on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role at BBC South West. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to interview or meet with someone, come prepared with unique story ideas that reflect the diverse audience in the South West. This will demonstrate your passion and understanding of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive on social media! Share your thoughts on current events and engage with local stories. This not only showcases your journalistic skills but also helps you build a following and connect with potential sources.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team. Don’t forget to highlight your relevant experience and how you can contribute to the BBC South West!
We think you need these skills to ace Journalist, BBC South West in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Journalism: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for journalism shine through. Share your unique perspective on storytelling and how you can contribute to the diverse voices of the South West. We want to see your creativity and drive!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant experience that aligns with the job description. Mention specific examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to produce fast, accurate copy and engage audiences across different platforms.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can write tight, accurate news stories, so show us you can do that right from the start!
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 – just follow the prompts and you’ll be all set!
How to prepare for a job interview at BBC Group and Public Services
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research BBC South West and its audience. Understand the unique stories that resonate with people in Devon, Cornwall, and the Channel Islands. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in producing content that reflects their diverse experiences.
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
Prepare examples of your previous work that highlight your ability to create engaging, digital-first stories. Be ready to discuss how you've used different media formats—like images, videos, and social media—to enhance your storytelling. This will demonstrate your versatility and creativity as a journalist.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Media Law
Brush up on media law and the BBC's editorial guidelines before the interview. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you understand the importance of accuracy and fairness in journalism, which is crucial for this role.
✨Be Proactive with Ideas
Come prepared with original story ideas that could work for BBC South West. Think about trends or issues affecting the region and how you would approach them. This proactive attitude will impress the interviewers and show that you're ready to contribute from day one.