At a Glance
- Tasks: Create engaging social media content and uncover local stories that matter.
- Company: Join the BBC, a leading media organisation with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and excellent career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team that values creativity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local journalism and connect with your community.
- Qualifications: NCTJ qualification or equivalent, plus experience in digital and social media content.
The predicted salary is between 27600 - 30000 £ per year.
CONTRACT TYPE: Fixed Term Contract / Attachment, Full Time until September 2027
DEPARTMENT: Journalist, Social Media Producer Devon (BBC Local)
LOCATION: Plymouth
PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: £27,600 - £30,000 per annum depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience.
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
We're looking for an experienced journalist and social media storyteller to create original content for BBC Local across social and digital platforms. Passionate about local journalism, you'll use social listening, audience insight and strong news judgement to uncover untold stories, spot emerging trends and create engaging content for audiences who don't typically consume local news through traditional channels. Combining editorial expertise with social media insights, you'll help shape story priorities, formats and storytelling approaches. You'll research and produce content for live and future programmes, cover breaking news, deliver trusted journalism across radio, and hold organisations to account. Working closely with digital, audio and TV news teams, you'll create content that informs, explains and sparks engagement around issues affecting local communities. The ideal candidate will have newsroom experience and be confident making editorial decisions in a fast-paced news environment.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM
BBC Local’s social media platforms are key to reaching new audiences. We're looking for someone who can identify compelling local stories, understand why they matter and tell them in engaging ways across social channels. Combining reporting instincts, audience insight and creative storytelling, you'll use social listening to develop original ideas, repurpose content from across BBC Local, and create video, audio and social content that reflects local lives and interests while appealing to the BBC's lightest users. Working closely with reporters, producers and editors across online news, local radio and TV, you'll help ensure our journalism reaches audiences wherever they consume content.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT:
- Find and develop original local stories through social listening, audience insight, contacts and community engagement.
- Use strong editorial judgement to identify stories that are important, interesting and relevant to local audiences.
- Create engaging social-first content that helps BBC Local reach and grow under-35 audiences.
- Script, film, produce and edit video content for social media and digital platforms.
- Work with reporters and correspondents to create explainers, interviews and other innovative storytelling formats including radio visualisation.
- Repurpose content from BBC News website, BBC Spotlight and BBC Radio Devon into engaging social media formats.
- Publish content across social platforms and contribute ideas that increase audience engagement, reach and account growth.
- Use analytics and audience insight to determine the most effective formats, treatments and platforms for different stories.
- Monitor emerging audience behaviours and platform trends, adapting storytelling approaches while maintaining BBC editorial standards.
- Help ensure all content meets BBC editorial, legal and compliance standards.
- Deliver fast, accurate news in a live environment - produce and present bulletins and other content to deadlines, maintaining the BBC's highest editorial standards.
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
- NCTJ qualification or equivalent journalism qualification. Those with at least two years professional experience in news content will also be considered.
- Experience of creating and publishing content for digital and social platforms within a journalism, news, comms or factual content environment.
- Strong news judgement and a demonstrable understanding of what makes a compelling local news story that reflects the lives, interest and concerns of local communities.
- Broadcast and on-air experience with the confidence to write for radio, produce content and deliver timed news bulletins, with the ability to appear on-air live or pre-recorded when required.
- A good understanding of media law, journalistic ethics and the BBC's Editorial Guidelines.
DESIRABLE:
- Experience using social listening, audience insight and analytics tools to identify stories and measure content performance.
- Experience of creating content across multiple platforms including social, digital, radio and television.
- Experience of creating social infographics and image layout/Photoshop or equivalent.
- Social reels presentation/using the format for reporting.
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. Priority consideration means for those employees seeking redeployment their application will be considered alongside anyone else at risk of redundancy, prior to any individuals being considered who are not at risk.
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.
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.
Diversity, inclusion & belonging strategy
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, Social Media Producer Devon in Plymouth 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, Social Media Producer Devon in Plymouth
✨Get Your Foot in the Door
Temporary roles often pop up when companies need extra hands for specific projects, so keep an eye on local job boards and news websites. Don’t hesitate to check out industry-specific platforms like Journalism.co.uk or local community groups for short-term gigs.
✨Network Like a Pro
Attend journalism and media events in your area, such as press launches or panel discussions. These are golden opportunities to meet industry insiders who might have the scoop on temporary openings. Plus, connecting with your peers can lead to unexpected recommendations.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a portfolio that showcases your best work, even if it’s just student projects or freelance articles. For journalism, a strong online presence is key, so make sure to share your pieces on platforms like Medium or your own blog to attract potential employers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Site
We often have temporary positions available at BBC Group and Public Services. Keep an eye on our careers page and apply directly – you're one step closer to landing that opportunity. Tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences that make you a standout candidate!
We think you need these skills to ace Journalist, Social Media Producer Devon in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Writing Style:When applying for a temporary role in journalism-media, it's crucial to exhibit your unique writing voice. Attach samples of your work that showcase not just your ability to report, but also to engage readers. A link to your online portfolio can really help us see your style and versatility!
Tailor Your CV to Highlight Relevant Experience:In the world of journalism-media, it’s all about storytelling and your CV should reflect that! Focus on any journalism-related internships, freelance articles, or relevant coursework. Make sure to include specific achievements, like publications or recognitions, that make you stand out.
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:For a temporary position, we want to know what excites you about journalism and why this role at BBC Group and Public Services matters to you. Share your motivation for applying and what you hope to learn during your time with us. Let your passion for the media shine through!
Stay Current with Industry Trends:Show us that you’ve got your finger on the pulse of journalism-media trends. Reference recent developments or challenges in the industry in your application to demonstrate your enthusiasm and awareness. This can set you apart from other candidates who may not be as in-the-know!
How to prepare for a job interview at BBC Group and Public Services
✨Showcase Your Versatility
In the world of journalism, adaptability is key. Be prepared to discuss various topics you've covered, whether it's breaking news, features, or investigative pieces. Bring along a portfolio that shows your range—think articles, videos, or even social media content you've created. This will demonstrate your ability to tackle different formats and subjects under pressure!
✨Nail That Story Pitch
As a temporary journalist, you'll need to hit the ground running. Before your interview with BBC Group and Public Services, think about a compelling story idea you could pitch them. Tailor it to their audience and showcase your unique angle—this will show you're proactive and understand their publication's style, which is gold in fast-paced media environments.
✨Know Your Tools
Familiarise yourself with the tools journalists use—whether that’s content management systems, Adobe Suite, or video editing software. During the interview, highlight your proficiency with these tools. A temporary role at BBC Group and Public Services might require you to jump into production quickly, and showing you're tech-savvy can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Quick Adaptation
In temporary roles, your ability to adapt and learn quickly is crucial. Be ready to discuss a time when you had to adjust your writing or reporting style to fit a new audience or medium. This will show BBC Group and Public Services that you can thrive in dynamic situations and won't just be another warm body—but a valuable team member right from day one.
