Staff Writer, BBC Studios Audio

A contract as a staff writer for the radio/audio arm of BBC Studios.

The Staff Writer role sees two candidates writing for audio shows made by BBC Studios. One starting in February 2026 and one in September 2026.

The BBC says in its job advert: “Are you a writer developing a career in the comedy and entertainment industry? Do you aspire to be a full‑time comedy writer with the dream of creating the next big hit sitcom, sketch show or comedy entertainment format? Then this is the position for you.”

“This is an opportunity to join the award‑winning Comedy and Entertainment team at BBC Studios Audio. We make a wide variety of programmes including comedy podcasts, radio panel shows, sitcoms and comedy entertainment formats. We champion the work of new and emerging talent as well as working with some of the all‑time greats.”

Responsibilities

• To develop a narrative audio comedy idea with funny returning characters who could be at the heart of the nation\’s next favourite sitcom.
• To write for any of our shows as required; we produce a wide variety of formats and styles. You’ll be a versatile writer who can create one‑liners, host links, sketches, narrative and more.
• To contribute as required to long‑running topical series like The News Quiz, working to tight deadlines.
• To script edit sketch and narrative comedy shows.
• To write to a brief set by a producer or another writer and to contribute to idea generating sessions.
• To develop scripted and non‑scripted podcast ideas for development.

Qualifications

• At least two professional writing credits in audio or TV comedy. These credits should be for paid work on established broadcast platforms e.g. radio, podcast, terrestrial or SVOD content platforms.
• A good knowledge of comedy and a passion for both the comedy world and writing comedy.
• Experience of working with performers and writers, creating material that showcases them at their best.
• Experience of originating and developing ideas, working to notes and briefs from producers and commissioners.
• The drive to be a self‑starter who is able to instigate projects and take an active role in their development.
• The desire to make new contacts and to be confident in networking around the office and at wider industry events.
• Experience of writing to a brief set by others and to write in other people\’s voices.
• The ability to treat colleagues with respect and inclusivity and to support and encourage others.

Based in London, the job will be for four days a week for six months. Interviews will be held in January.

A webinar Q&A hosted by a member of the BBC Studios Audio Comedy and Entertainment leadership team alongside the current staff writers will be held on Tuesday 25th November from 8‑8:45pm. Register on Zoom.

Insight, updates, workshops and wisdom with leading industry figures including writers, commissioners, agents and producers, plus headline interviews with writer Ben Elton and producer John Lloyd.