At a Glance
- Tasks: Create engaging health stories through research, writing, filming, and editing for various BBC platforms.
- Company: Join the BBC Scotland News team in a dynamic, hybrid work environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Embrace a commitment to diversity and innovation in storytelling.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by delivering high-quality journalism that serves diverse audiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in broadcast journalism with strong editorial judgement and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 41000 - 49000 £ per year.
Location: Edinburgh or Glasgow – Hybrid. Contract type: Attachment/ Fixed-Term contract until 02/05/2027, Full-time. Band: D. Department: BBC Scotland News. Proposed salary range: £41,000 - £49,000 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience. Flexible working is welcome and will be discussed at offer stage.
Purpose of the role
The commissioning and original journalism team is looking for a multi-platform producer on attachment to cover the health producer for maternity leave. The role will include broadcast production and some multi-platform reporting, working flexibly with emphasis on developing specialist knowledge around the health brief. You will assess complicated documents and data to turn them into engaging stories with people at their heart. Experience or interest in devolved policy and health stories is important, as well as covering the team's brief with accuracy, impartiality and consideration for underserved audiences. The role will include on-the-day production, sometimes covering general news or other specialisms. Strong editorial judgement, creative thinking and original ideas will be essential.
Your key responsibilities and impact
- Originating and producing stories, including researching, writing, filming and editing content across a range of BBC output
- Occasionally reporting on air for broadcast and regularly writing for the BBC News website
- Seeking ways to increase diversity in contributors and ensuring output reflects the audiences served
- Delivering impartial and accurate journalism of the highest standard within the required timeframe using available resources
- Carrying out duties in accordance with BBC health and safety policy and editorial guidelines
Your skills and experience
Essential criteria:
- High standard of editorial judgment, writing ability and production skills based on substantial broadcast journalism experience
- Knowledge of health policy and main issues in the specialist brief
- Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of more than one team
- Ability to manage resources, staff, and technical facilities to meet tight deadlines
- Commitment to improving diversity in the BBC and understanding how individual differences benefit the BBC
Desirable but not required:
- Understanding of how to use existing and emerging technology
- Experience of newsgathering using mobile phones
- Experience in data journalism and use of Freedom of Information requests
- Ability to analyse complex documents for detail and news value
- Experience in handling sensitive contributors and other challenging stakeholders
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.
Disclaimer
This job description is the 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 are offered this role, the BBC will conduct employment screening checks including reference checks, eligibility to work checks, and safeguarding/adverse media checks where applicable. Any offer 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 risks. Failure to disclose may result in the withdrawal of the offer.
Applications must be submitted online. CV submissions are not accepted. Please click the APPLY NOW button to proceed with your application.
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 that redeployment applications are considered alongside those at risk of redundancy before other applicants.
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 would be happy to discuss: reasonable.adjustments@bbc.co.uk
Senior Journalist (Scotland) - EXTEND employer: BBC Group and Public Services
The BBC is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Scotland, with flexible hybrid working options that promote a healthy work-life balance. Employees benefit from a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, alongside opportunities for professional growth within a renowned organisation dedicated to high-quality journalism. With a focus on innovative storytelling and community engagement, the BBC fosters a culture where creativity and collaboration thrive, making it an ideal place for passionate journalists to develop their careers.
Contact Details:
BBC Group and Public Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Journalist (Scotland) - EXTEND
✨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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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
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Journalist (Scotland) - EXTEND
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 Senior Journalist (Scotland) - EXTEND 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.
