At a Glance
- Tasks: Produce and present the Early Breakfast Show, engaging with guests and listeners.
- Company: Join Times Radio, a trusted voice in news and debate.
- Benefits: Gain valuable broadcasting experience and grow your career in media.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant team and help shape the future of radio.
- Why this job: Start your day by informing and entertaining thousands of listeners.
- Qualifications: Experience as a broadcaster and strong journalism skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Times Radio is The Voice of The Times, and since our launch in June 2020 have built up a strong reputation for well-informed, thoughtful and intelligent live news and debate, covering the key stories of the day. We have combined the famous journalistic expertise of The Times and The Sunday Times with the radio experience of News Broadcasting to create a station that has more than 540,000 listeners.
Your role: Times Radio is looking for a talented and motivated presenter and journalist to take over the Early Breakfast Show, which is on air from 5–6 am Monday to Friday. It’s a much beloved programme, listened to by early risers across the nation. It offers a fresh and vibrant start to the day alongside a full briefing of all that matters in news, politics, business and sport. The programme is warm and friendly, smart and reliable. It is a trusted voice that can put a smile on your face in the early morning, but also confidently inform you of the crucial stories of the day.
Day to day you will:
- Produce and present the programme, booking your own guests and building up a regular stable of commentators;
- Make sure you can summarise and interrogate all the major stories of the day, some of which may be breaking while you are on air;
- Interview guests with intelligence, acting as a trusted representative of your listeners so they can develop a clear understanding of any subject;
- Maintain and grow the community of dedicated Early Breakfast listeners;
- Support Times Radio’s move to full visualisation by ensuring guests are in vision and you work with the studio cameras;
- Represent the values of the station as the first voice many will hear each day: be warm, wise and welcoming each morning.
What we’re looking for from you:
- Experience as a solo broadcaster;
- Strong journalism skills and rock-solid judgement;
- Self-reliance and the ability to book guests and develop ideas with limited supervision;
- Warmth, wit and commitment to growing the programme and interacting with the audience;
- Understanding of relevant compliance and legal issues;
- Hunger for success and growth and building the brand of the programme and Times Radio as The Voice of The Times.
Please apply for this position via our careers site and send a 5-minute show reel or recording that advertises your suitability for the role to careers@news.co.uk with the subject line EARLY BREAKFAST SHOW PRESENTER APPLICATION.
Presenter - Early Breakfast Show (Casual) employer: Times Radio
At Times Radio, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that values creativity and journalistic integrity. As a presenter for the Early Breakfast Show, you will not only engage with a dedicated audience but also have access to professional development opportunities that enhance your skills in broadcasting and journalism. Located in the heart of London, our team enjoys a vibrant culture that encourages collaboration and innovation, making it an exciting place to grow your career while delivering trusted news to our listeners.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Presenter - Early Breakfast Show (Casual)
✨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.
✨Showcase Your Work Online
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.
✨Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
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 Times Radio!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like Times Radio, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Presenter - Early Breakfast Show (Casual)
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 Times Radio:When applying for the Presenter - Early Breakfast Show (Casual) role at Times Radio, 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 Times Radio 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 Times Radio
✨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 Times Radio. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
