At a Glance
- Tasks: Research and develop impactful stories for Countryfile, focusing on countryside issues.
- Company: Join the BBC, a leader in factual broadcasting with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Gain invaluable experience in public-interest journalism and work on compelling investigations.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a supportive team environment with diverse perspectives.
- Why this job: Shape the national conversation around rural life and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Strong journalistic skills and a passion for uncovering stories that matter.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to research investigative, current affairs stories for Countryfile, one of the BBC's flagship factual programmes. We are seeking a Researcher with an interest in countryside issues and the ability to quickly develop expertise. Working closely with a Producer, you will play a key role in developing investigations that sit at the heart of rural affairs broadcasting and help lead the agenda on issues shaping the countryside and beyond. You will have experience uncovering stories that matter, developing exclusive angles and bringing clarity and insight to complex subject areas. If you are driven by public‐interest journalism and want to shape the national conversation around rural life, we'd love to hear from you.
Responsibilities
- Identify, research and develop investigative story ideas with strong editorial focus.
- Build and maintain relationships with key figures and organisations across the rural agenda.
- Use contacts and journalistic skills to uncover exclusive stories that translate into compelling television.
- Handle sensitive contributors with care and professionalism.
- Support logistical organisation of investigations, including shoot planning and scheduling.
- Maintain a strong knowledge of countryside issues.
Essential Qualifications
- Strong journalistic skills with experience delivering popular, hard‐hitting current affairs.
- A clear understanding of the BBC audience and a commitment to reflecting diverse perspectives within rural Britain.
- Knowledge of, or the ability to quickly identify and engage with, key organisations.
- Proven ability to understand complex information and translate it into compelling television.
- Ability to work in a supportive team to deliver high‐quality journalism under deadlines.
- Strong organisational and communication skills, including scheduling and coordinating shoots.
- Familiarity with, or willingness to learn, BBC Editorial Guidelines, health and safety policies and archiving systems.
- Resilience, sensitivity and ability to juggle multiple investigations at once.
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience sourcing and clearing archive material, both within the BBC and from external sources.
- Basic shooting skills.
Base: Bristol
Start Date: 27th July 2026 - 23rd October 2026
BBC Studios is committed to increasing the diversity of its workforce, and we strongly encourage applicants from under‐represented backgrounds to apply.
Leads Researcher, Countryfile in Bristol employer: BBC Studios - Fact/Ents
At BBC Studios, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions public-interest journalism and fosters a collaborative work culture. As a Leads Researcher for Countryfile based in Bristol, you will not only have the opportunity to engage with vital countryside issues but also benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and diversity. Join us to make a meaningful impact on rural affairs broadcasting while enjoying the unique advantages of working within one of the UK's most respected media organisations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Leads Researcher, Countryfile in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to rural affairs. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about sliding into DMs – you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your research skills! Create a portfolio of your best investigative work that highlights your ability to uncover stories that matter. This will not only impress potential employers but also give you confidence when discussing your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on countryside issues! Follow relevant news, blogs, and social media accounts to keep your finger on the pulse. This knowledge will help you during interviews and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from passionate candidates. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Leads Researcher role at Countryfile.
We think you need these skills to ace Leads Researcher, Countryfile in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand the BBC audience. We want to see how you can reflect diverse perspectives within rural Britain in your application. Show us that you get what matters to them!
Show Off Your Research Skills:This role is all about uncovering stories that matter. In your application, highlight your experience with investigative journalism and how you've developed exclusive angles on complex issues. We love a good story, so make sure yours stands out!
Be Organised:We’re looking for someone who can juggle multiple investigations at once. In your written application, demonstrate your organisational skills and how you’ve successfully managed projects or deadlines in the past. A well-structured application speaks volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen and ready to jump into the process with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at BBC Studios - Fact/Ents
✨Know Your Countryside Issues
Before the interview, dive deep into current affairs and issues affecting the countryside. Familiarise yourself with recent stories covered by Countryfile and think about how you can contribute to the conversation. This will show your genuine interest and help you stand out.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Prepare examples of your previous research work that led to compelling stories. Be ready to discuss how you identified these stories, the process you followed, and the impact they had. This will demonstrate your ability to uncover exclusive angles and handle complex information.
✨Build Connections
Highlight any existing relationships you have with key figures or organisations in the rural sector. If you don’t have them yet, think about how you would go about building these connections. This shows initiative and your understanding of the importance of networking in journalism.
✨Be Organised and Professional
Since the role involves logistical organisation, come prepared with examples of how you've successfully managed projects or investigations in the past. Discuss your approach to scheduling and coordinating shoots, as well as how you handle sensitive contributors with care and professionalism.
