Journalist (Early Newsreader)- Worcester

CONTRACT TYPE: Attachment/ Fixed‑term Contract until 26/02/2027; Full‑Time

DEPARTMENT: Nations - Radio Hereford and Worcester

LOCATION: Worcester (Office based)

PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: Up to £37,000 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

We’re looking for a first‑class journalist to join the ambitious team at BBC H&W. You will be responsible for preparing and reading weekday bulletins in the important morning timeslots. You’ll also be in charge of recording bulletins for smart speakers. As the news reader on the BBC Hereford and Worcester Breakfast show, you’ll also be part of the on‑air team on that show, which could include taking part in on‑air chats and team moments, or delivering breaking news inserts and 2‑ways. As an important part of the Local Story Team at BBC Hereford and Worcester, you’ll also liaise with your colleagues at BBC online and Midlands Today to ensure they are aware of our best stories and strongest new lines.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT

• Produce and present BBC Hereford & Worcester's weekday morning bulletins.
• Exercise editorial judgement in developing story ideas and producing accurate and impartial journalism.
• Keep colleagues across the BBC – including online, social media, TV and national radio – in the loop about any breaking or big stories.
• Gathering and editing material as a multi‑media journalist for use across all outputs including radio, online, TV and social media.
• Playing an on‑air role in audio programmes.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Strong bulletin writing and editing skills.
• Live broadcasting – you’ll need to be an experienced newsreader with the ability to perform live in pressurised circumstances and time‑sensitive environments.
• Creativity – the ability to generate great story ideas for use on local radio and in the digital space.
• Sound editorial and policy decisions based upon a clear understanding of the BBC’s distinctive news agenda, the requirements of news and current affairs coverage and the audience.
• Understand the priorities and pitfalls of story selection and to write them in the strongest way possible.
• Effective planning and organising skills, ability to concentrate on several areas of work at one time, delivering consistently to deadlines and reacting positively to changes and conflicting priorities.
• Ability to use technology as required, in order to gather material for broadcast and an understanding of how to maximise opportunities presented by digital platforms including BBC Sounds.

BENEFITS

• 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.

DIVERSITY, INCLUSION & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

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, please contact us via email.

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.