At a Glance
- Tasks: Produce and direct long-form investigations, manage logistics, and edit content for broadcast.
- Company: Join the BBC Nations, Midlands Investigations Team, known for impactful journalism in diverse communities.
- Benefits: Salary range of £41,200 - £67,800 with flexible working options available.
- Other info: Position based in Birmingham with flexibility to travel across the Midlands.
- Why this job: This role offers a chance to lead complex investigations that make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-impact long-form investigations and strong shooting and editing skills required.
JOB BAND: D
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent, Full-time
DEPARTMENT: BBC Nations, Midlands Investigations Team, BBC Local
LOCATION: Birmingham (with flexibility to travel to other parts of the Midlands)
PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: £41,200 - £67,800 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience. The expected salary range for this role reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights. We are happy to discuss flexible working.
Purpose of the Role
The Midlands Investigations team doesn’t just report the region — it changes it. We uncover the stories that matter most to our communities. We search for the facts and hold power to account, giving people a voice, exposing what’s hidden and making a tangible difference to people’s lives across one of the UK’s most diverse and dynamic regions. This is a rare opportunity for a Senior Journalist Reporter (SJR) who wants to do their best work with real impact. You’ll be backed by a talented, multi‑platform team to work in an ambitious, collaborative way, prioritising curiosity, rigour and creativity in equal measure. Experience in building high‑impact long‑form investigations – from sourcing to shooting to roll‑out – is key. So if you’re relentless in pursuit of truth, instinctively audience‑focused and ready to lead complex investigations which really count, then the Midlands is where to do it.
Key Responsibilities and Impact
- Produce and direct original long‑form investigations that are legally and editorially complex, in line with BBC Values and Editorial Policy.
- Accomplished shooting skills – use a range of camera equipment on location to gather footage for our investigations. Deliver multi‑platform content to the highest technical and editorial standards.
- News editing – edit alongside colleagues and on solo projects, using your own footage and rushes from other crews to bring together the full story for broadcast on TV and for online use. A creative eye is essential. Work flexibly across the East and West Midlands regions.
- Understand and serve diverse East and West Midlands audiences, and be flexible to work across both.
- Manage logistics and resources, production planning, communicate effectively and meet tight deadlines.
- Show strong organisational skills and willingness to bring transferable strengths.
Skills and Experience – Essential Criteria
- Experience filming, editing and pitching high‑impact, people‑focused original long‑form investigations that have made noise across the wider BBC and external media.
- Track record of detailed research, production planning and creatively and editorially ambitious storytelling while working to tight broadcast deadlines.
- Highly flexible, capable of problem‑solving and assessing legally and editorially complex stories, advising on multi‑platform roll‑out for regional and network outlets.
- Foster and develop a collaborative culture, know when to work independently and when to refer up, and provide guidance to less senior team members.
- Knowledge of East and West Midlands diverse and underserved audiences and issues, with flexibility to work across both.
Contact and Application
For any further information, contact Anthony Bartram (Anthony.bartram01@bbc.co.uk) or Nicola Gilroy (nicola.gilroy@bbc.co.uk).
Equal Opportunity
We welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‑economic background, religion and/or belief.
Legal and Screening
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, 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.
Employment Conditions
We are unable to accept applications via CV and only applications made online will be considered.
Senior Journalist - Birmingham employer: BBC Group and Public Services
The BBC is committed to uncovering stories that matter, serving diverse audiences in the Midlands. Employees enjoy a competitive salary and flexible working arrangements, fostering a collaborative culture within the team.
Contact Details:
BBC Group and Public Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Journalist - Birmingham
✨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.
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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.
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Journalist - Birmingham
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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.
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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.
