At a Glance
- Tasks: Create engaging audio content that tells local stories and connects with the community.
- Company: Join BBC Radio Berkshire, a vibrant team serving nearly a million listeners.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, 25 days leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace where your voice matters.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by sharing compelling stories that resonate with local audiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in audio production and journalism with strong storytelling skills.
The predicted salary is between 27600 - 33900 £ per year.
CONTRACT TYPE: Fixed-term Contract / Attachment until 01/11/2026, Full-time
DEPARTMENT: BBC Radio Berkshire
LOCATION: Reading, office-based
PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: £27,600 - £33,900 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience.
We are happy to discuss flexible working. If you would like to, please indicate your preference in the application – though there is no obligation to do so now. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
Do you relish getting to the heart of your community and telling its stories in a way that grabs people's attention? We are looking for an ambitious producer and journalist who understands how to make compelling content which really makes an impact on people living in Berkshire.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM
BBC Radio Berkshire serves a diverse population of almost a million people in urban centres like Reading and Slough, historic Windsor and rural West Berkshire. You will be building on the BBC's strong connections with local communities, where our storytelling is closest to the audience, and you will be joining a creative and supportive team with a strong internal culture.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT
- You will work as part of a multi-skilled team, developing content for radio and digital.
- You will be able to draw on a wide range of sources for story ideas and you will deliver original stories which surprise and engage listeners in creative ways.
- You will need a real passion for creating powerful audio by understanding our local audiences and what matters to them.
- You will need to have a flair for writing great scripts.
- We are looking for individuals with experience of a variety of audio production techniques across both linear and digital platforms, and a track record in live radio production.
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
- If you have a passion for local life and the ability to look at stories from diverse perspectives, and if you are bursting with creative ideas, we want to hear from you.
- An experienced audio practitioner, you will have substantial experience of audio production and journalism with strong editorial judgement.
- You will have the great people skills needed to collaborate with colleagues across our local platforms.
- You will also have a good knowledge of the BBC's editorial guidelines, a thorough grasp of impartiality as it applies to our output, and good knowledge of broadcast law.
DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED
- If you have experience developing productive working relationships with presenters, helping to get the best out of each other, it will strengthen your application.
- Substantial time spent creating speech-based features for a daily radio show is an advantage.
- If you can bring some of these skills and experience, along with transferable strengths, we would love to hear from you and encourage you to apply.
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 pensions 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.
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.
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 would be happy to discuss: reasonable.adjustments@bbc.co.uk
Journalist (Producer), Radio Berkshire in Reading employer: BBC Group and Public Services
At BBC Radio Berkshire, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a creative and supportive work culture. Our commitment to flexible working, competitive salaries, and comprehensive benefits ensures that our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. With ample opportunities for career development and a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, joining our team means becoming part of a community dedicated to impactful storytelling that resonates with nearly a million listeners in the heart of Berkshire.
Contact Details:
BBC Group and Public Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Journalist (Producer), Radio Berkshire in Reading
✨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 (Producer), Radio Berkshire in Reading
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 (Producer), Radio Berkshire 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.
