Broadcast Assistant (BBC News Channel)

Job description

The UK 24/7 team oversees the BBC News Channel, the most-watched 24 hour news channel in the UK, as well as our live UK online output and digital video production. The team is at the forefront of BBC journalism, combining breaking and developing news with accessible analysis of events, and holding a clear remit to report from all the nations and regions of the UK.

Broadcast assistants are expected to play a full part in the production of daily news output on the BBC News Channel, and to have the potential to work more widely within UK 24/7 across our output.

Their primary task is to suggest and secure for the News Channel a diverse and interesting range of guests and contributors, plus contribute to the flow of original story ideas, research and develop stories, commission graphics, gather material for sequences and packages, write cues, oversee edits and support the Broadcast Journalists, Senior Broadcast Journalists and Editors in the production of 24 hour news.

The jobs involve shift work through seven days a week. You will be using advanced broadcast and multimedia technology and you will need to have a sound knowledge of domestic and international affairs and be a very strong team player.

More details from Jasmine Williams, Assistant Editor, UK 24/7 ************@*******.**

Role Responsibility

· To attend programme meetings as required, and offer original programme ideas, interviewees and stories for our TV programming and digital output. To work well within a team framework, sharing ideas and helping and liaising well with all members of the team.
· Under the direction of the SBJ or BJ to research stories, write and prepare material, checking factual details; undertaking background research and obtaining further information from all sources. Writing clear and engaging guest briefs for presenters or reporters.
· Under the direction of the SBJ or BJ to prepare programme material for broadcast, often under time pressure and to include a wide range of live guests, items and packages, to the required specification maintaining professional journalistic standards of accuracy, impartiality and fair dealing while adhering to the BBC's Producer and Factual programme guidelines.
· To use direct input via our ENPS computer system and conform to BBC News practices for handling and checking scripts. To prepare material for transmission using Jupiter and other media tools.
· Under the direction of the SBJ or BJ to work on a breaking and developing story, with the ability to work fast, accurately and under pressure. Following through the coverage, amending and updating the material as required.
· To work with operations staff ensuring that final scripts contain all necessary instructions, cues, and information, and that the timing conforms to the programme planning requirements.
· Assisting with the production of video reports making use of the appropriate production techniques and equipment and to undertake pre- or post- production and studio work according to individual skills and times available.
· Assisting with field production on a wide range of news stories and issues and undertaking operational duties as appropriate.
· To observe and carry out any requirement outlined in the BBC News safety policy and assisting with conducting risk assessments when appropriate.
· To work on other BBC news programmes and digital output as required.

The Ideal Candidate

· Demonstrable commitment to BBC News and a good knowledge of domestic and international news. Knowledge of the law and ethics as they apply to journalism.
· Good writing skills are essential, as is the potential to originate and develop programme stories and to suggest and fix a good range of top guests.
· Ability to work fast, accurately and under pressure.
· Ability to work effectively and harmoniously within a team often under high pressure, and to persuade occasionally reluctant potential interviewees to appear on air.
· Knowledge of production techniques and facilities in video and/or audio and the ability to develop multi-media production skills.
· Knowledge of information sources.
· An awareness of BBC News's policy on Health and Safety.

Please ensure you have prior approval to go on attachment before applying to this role. We also ask that you be available to start your position by no later than mid-November if successful.

Package Description

Various fixed term and permanent contracts. Please state in your application which you would like to be considered for.

Job share applications are welcome for this role.  Please include detail of the proposed arrangement in your application.

This role is also available part-time.  Please include details of your availability in your application.

Please ensure you have prior approval to go on attachment before applying to this role. We also ask that you be available to start your position by no later than mid-November if successful.

About the Company

We don’t focus simply on what we do – we also care how we do it. Our values and the way we behave are very important to us. Please make sure you’ve read about our values and behaviours in the document attached below. You’ll be asked questions relating to them as part of your application for this role.