Blast Northern Ireland
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Assistant Producer (news)
Plans and films stories with the reporter, then writes the script and edits the report for the programme.
Broadcast Assistant (news)
Supports the news team by doing jobs like interviewing people, editing sound and video, arranging competitions and writing stories and reviews.
Correspondent
A journalist who is an expert in a particular subject who reports on that kind of news for example, arts correspondent, Middle East correspondent or Washington correspondent.
Director
Is responsible for how the programme looks and sounds. Tells the technical team what to do in the gallery when the programme is on air.
Editor
Has the final say on which stories should be covered and has editorial control over the content.
Floor Manager
Works in a studio during recording or transmission, or at an outside broadcast (OB) location, and passes on the instructions from the director and production assistant to the people on the set.
Freelancer
Someone that works for themselves, usually on a contract-to-contract basis. Many jobs in the media industry can be done on a freelancer basis, such as graphic design, photography and camera work.
Graphic Designer
Uses art and design skills to produce all the graphics that you might see in news reports, on websites and on screen during television programmes.
"Indies” or Independent Production Companies
These individuals or companies produce programmes for various television and radio channels. They can either produce a programme which they then sell to the broadcaster or they may be commissioned by a broadcaster to make a specific programme.
Journalist
Someone who writes, researches and reports news, or works on the production of a publication. They often specialise in different areas including sports, music or politics.
Lighting Technicians
Responsible for lighting interior and outside scenes and for the lighting effects in film and TV work. They set up and operate lighting equipment during television broadcasts.
Model Maker
Very important job in stop motion animation as they determine the ‘look’ of the animation. Model makers can use all sorts of media to make models from clay or plasticine – such as Wallace and Gromit to all sorts of recycled materials – for example the Wombles or Bagpuss.
Newspaper editor
Newspaper editors have overall responsibility for the quality and accuracy of their publication. They decide which stories will be covered, editing other journalists’ work, designing layout and meeting readership targets.
OB Camera Operator
Similar duties to a studio camera operator but will have to work in many different locations and events such as sports matches or concerts. Each OB camera Operator will have different shot requirements, for instance at a football game on camera will film a wide shot while another will focus on close up shots of the action.
Photographer
Takes the photographs which appear in a newspaper or on a website. They can be sent to photograph all sorts of stories from important political moments, crime scenes or even the opening of events such as film premieres or art exhibitions.
Presenter
Reads the bulletins and is the face and voice of the programme including factual and entertainment programmes (such as our Lights, Camera, Action! presenters).
Question Setter
This job may include setting questions for quiz shows or panel games such as ‘The Blame Game’ or ‘The Weakest Link’. They need to research a wide variety of subjects before setting questions to make sure there is no doubt there could be in error in the question or answer!
Researcher
Media researchers collect, verify and prepare information for productions. They may find out background information about an interviewee, look into details for medical or police dramas as well as finding suitable film locations and audiences for live shows.
Runner
A TV/film runner is a general assistant who does any small job, to assist editors, producers and other members of the production team. Such as distributing scripts to different departments, moving equipment, delivering messages, answering the telephone, or making tea. Many people in the media have begun their media careers as runners.
Sound Technician
This job involves assembling and operating sound equipment to produce sound for all types of programmes. Sound equipment is made up of consoles with faders, switches etc as well as specialist computers and of course headphones!
VT Operator
VT (video tape) operators work in both production and post-production on a variety of TV programmes, including live and outside broadcasts, news bulletins and light entertainment. The work includes setting up and operating recording equipment, preparing material for transmission, dubbing programmes and operating slow-motion recording equipment.
Writer
Writers can be involved in writing both factual and entertainment programmes. Both genres involve a lot of research. For instance in a factual documentary it is vital to have all the facts correct and if writing a detective drama it is essential to know how things work so your drama is realistic. Click here for an interview with professional writer Terry Cafolla.
Work Experience
If you are looking to get involved in the media industry work experience is essential. There are opportunities all over the UK. All placements are unpaid and last from a few days up to a few weeks. Visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/jobs/workexperience/ for more information.
