Multimedia Broadcast Journalist

Job description

The Languages TV Production Unit supports World Service Language Services in the production of TV news programmes. The TVU is a central unit which delivers on the day news content and makes the best of the BBC’s global news material available in English for Languages. The existing TV programmes are African English (Focus on Africa), Swahili, Afrique (French for Africa), Hausa, Russian, Ukrainian, Kyrgyz, Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Pashto, Bengali and Burmese.

The TVU creates TV packages, news sequences, sports content and adapts existing BBC material using cleared source material. The team assist the language TV teams in the reversioning, editing, compiling and broadcasting of TV news. As well as providing video, the TVU also produces Graphics content and supports a centralised Graphics service for Language TV teams, offers advice on rights clearance, live streaming and provides content to Language Services digital platforms. The finished product has to meet the highest standards for broadcast by partner channels and online streaming. A proven track record in TV News is essential as is experience in upholding the BBC’s editorial, production and brand values.

The TVU is a seven day a week operation with a mixture of early and late shifts. Flexibility to work other shift patterns is a requirement as per operational needs. You will need a detailed understanding of WS Languages and the key stakeholders and be familiar with the BBC’s strategy for TV and Digital as well as the Future of News.

Role Responsibility

· Research, write, transcribe, edit and adapt stories or programme material for Language Service TV audiences.
· Write, cut and produce bulletins content for live broadcast using relevant TV News content production software i.e. ENPS, MozArt, Jupiter/SQ Edit, VizRT, Big Ted etc.
· Offer ideas for sequences, packages and programme content. Suggest new angles on existing stories and to put forward stories not yet covered.
· Be responsible for a moving story, amending and updating material as required.
· Create original material for all multimedia News and non-News output on linear TV and digital/mobile/social platforms.
· Work with Graphic Designers to produce creative and original graphics sequences that can be shared and picked up by other BBC departments.
· To work closely with Language TV teams, Planning, Newsgathering, reporters and producers to ensure high impact pieces are commissioned and make it onto other outlets.
· Build and maintain links with other areas of the BBC including 24/7 Global and UK, ATV, PTV and other areas of News to enable the efficient production of content.
· Advise Languages TV and digital teams on picture rights and cleared content.
· Take responsibility for thinking through and around editorial problems, developing realistic alternative strategies and approaches.
· Maintain professional journalistic standards of accuracy, impartiality and fair dealing and adhering to the BBC’s Editorial guidelines.
· Be responsible for studio production of live and pre-recorded programmes. Respond to breaking stories whilst on air and resolve technical difficulties.
· Use a range of audio & digital equipment and information technology to research, write, assemble, edit and deliver programmes in the appropriate medium, to the highest professional standard
· Ensure that BBC Editorial guidelines and all relevant legal, contractual and copyright requirements are met, referring upwards in cases of difficulty or doubt.
· Understand World Service Languages TV and digital strategy and suggest ideas appropriate to its distinctive style and content.
· All journalists may be required to work with or move to other programme teams on a multi-media basis and on occasion to provide advice, file pieces or be a live contributor to other BBC outlets.
· Work the hours required for the business needs.
· Be responsible for efficient use of allocated resources.

The Ideal Candidate

You will have a proven track record of producing stories, sequences and programmes for TV, and proven editorial judgement.  You will have substantial recent and relevant full-time experience as a journalist, both in originating material and editing the work of others.  You will have the ability to write scripts and adapt with accuracy, clarity and style appropriate to differing audiences and forms of media. You will have an excellent broadcasting voice and strong reporting skills with the ability to perform with flair. You will have complete comprehension of written and spoken English and the ability to communicate effectively.  You will have a passion for International and UK news and a thorough current knowledge and understanding of news and current affairs as well as history, social issues, business arts/culture and sports.  You will have a demonstrable interest in working in a multimedia environment and in encouraging audience involvement.  You will have a demonstrable interest in digital media and how to exploit it for the BBC’s purposes.  You will have knowledge of the latest developments in global digital news broadcasting.  You will have strong communication skills.  You will have good keyboard/computer skills and the ability to acquire technical skills and to operate technical equipment.  You will have a thorough knowledge of the aims, objectives and standards of BBC News and the World Service Group.  You will have an understanding of the BBC’s distinctive news agenda and a wider interest in the strategy of the BBC as a whole.

Package Description

Continuing and FTC/Attachment

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.

Based in London, NBH

Candidates must have right to work in the UK to order to apply

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.