At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct in-depth research for bold, investigative journalism on major Channel 4 documentaries.
- Company: Join Channel 4, known for innovative and award-winning current affairs content.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £35,000 and the chance to work in various UK offices.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to work on high-profile projects.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team creating impactful journalism that shapes public discourse.
- Qualifications: Experience in investigative journalism and knowledge of AI and OSINT techniques.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 £ per year.
Reports to: Team Leader, Dispatches Investigation Unit and Commissioning Editor, Dispatches
Department: Commissioning - News and Current Affairs
Status: 6 month FTC
Location: This position can be based in any of our offices including Bristol, Glasgow, Leeds, London and Manchester
Grade: P2
Salary: £35,000
Conduct in-depth research for bold, investigative journalism that informs major Channel 4 documentaries and programmes. Channel 4 creates innovative and alternative content which is distributed for free and admired globally. Channel Four’s current affairs department is known for its multi award-winning films that have investigative and revelatory journalism at their heart. The department is responsible for commissioning a wide range of current affairs programmes, including Channel Four News, Dispatches, Unreported World, Untold, major current affairs documentaries, studio programmes and series.
The dedicated C4 Dispatches Investigations Unit pursues original investigative journalism to generate high profile programmes that are made by independent producers. It is at the core of the remit-defining, noisy and bold investigations for which Dispatches and the wider current affairs department has won both headlines and major awards. The C4 Dispatches Investigations Unit has already made waves by being behind high impact programmes including Russell Brand: In Plain Sight and The King, The Prince & Their Secret Millions.
Job purpose: As the researcher for the Channel 4 Dispatches Investigations Unit, you will be the foundation of this award-winning team – providing the detailed and rigorous research that supports the remit-defining, noisy and bold journalism the unit delivers. You will deploy a wide range of research skills to supercharge investigations, including AI (Artificial Intelligence) and OSINT (Open Source Intelligence). You will work alongside the Investigations Editor and two senior journalists in a supportive environment that is focused on delivering in depth, robust and high-quality journalism. Your research will be at the heart of hard-hitting programmes made by the country’s most talented current affairs directors and production companies.
Key responsibilities:
- Research investigative and revelatory stories that can form the basis of films for Dispatches, Untold and the wider current affairs output.
- Use and identify investigative tools including AI, OSINT, FOIs and other methods to create an evidence base for the rigorous journalism at the heart of C4 Dispatches Investigations Unit.
- Assist in the running of the C4 Dispatches Investigations Unit.
- Represent the C4 Dispatches Investigations Unit to external partners and collaborators including independent production companies, freelance journalists and other media organisations.
Essential experience and skills:
- A proven track record in investigative journalism.
- A deep knowledge of the latest techniques in journalistic research including data journalism, AI assisted research and OSINT.
- A proven ability to work autonomously and execute independent editorial judgement.
- A proven track record of generating and developing ideas.
- Demonstrated understanding of legal, ethical and regulatory issues around television production.
- Good relationships and contacts within journalism and current affairs.
- The ability to work effectively across several different investigations at any one time.
- The ability to clearly present detailed information to colleagues, including senior leaders.
- A desire to work collaboratively with colleagues and collaborators.
We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are under-represented in the creative industries. Please make sure that you state in your application that you found this role via Creative Access.
Researcher – Dispatches investigations unit employer: Hachette UK
Channel 4 is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that fosters creativity and innovation in investigative journalism. With opportunities for professional growth and collaboration within a multi-award-winning team, employees are empowered to contribute to impactful documentaries that resonate globally. The flexibility of working from various locations such as Bristol, Glasgow, Leeds, London, and Manchester further enhances the appeal, making it an ideal environment for those passionate about bold storytelling and meaningful journalism.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Researcher – Dispatches investigations unit
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current or former employees of Channel 4. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your research skills! Prepare a mini-project or case study that highlights your investigative prowess. This could be a great conversation starter during interviews and shows you mean business.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current affairs and trends in journalism. Being knowledgeable about recent investigations or documentaries can help you stand out in interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Channel 4.
We think you need these skills to ace Researcher – Dispatches investigations unit
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Research Skills:Make sure to highlight your experience in investigative journalism and any specific research techniques you’ve mastered. We want to see how you can bring your skills to the table and support our bold storytelling!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for the Dispatches Investigations Unit.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and ideas. Remember, we’re looking for rigorous and high-quality journalism!
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 serious about joining our team at Channel 4!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hachette UK
✨Know Your Investigative Techniques
Make sure you brush up on the latest investigative journalism techniques, especially AI and OSINT. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in your previous work or how you plan to apply them in this role.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Prepare examples of your past research projects that led to impactful stories. Highlight your ability to work autonomously and your editorial judgement, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Current Affairs Landscape
Familiarise yourself with Channel 4's current affairs output, especially Dispatches. Being able to discuss recent programmes and their impact will show your genuine interest and understanding of the department's work.
✨Build Connections
If you have contacts within journalism or current affairs, mention them during the interview. This demonstrates your networking skills and could be beneficial for collaboration in the future.
