Researchers in the media find the information, people and places for television, radio and film productions and web content, making sure that information is always correct.

Their actual duties depend on the type of production they are working on, but typical tasks can include:

• discussing programme ideas and research needs with producers and directors
• creating programme ideas and proposals
• finding and researching facts, figures and information using sources such as the internet, libraries, museums and government departments
• searching media libraries and archives to source music, photographs and film footage
• updating and writing sections of script or news report, or briefing scriptwriters
• checking copyright and arranging permission to use archive material
• finding and interviewing contributors
• scouting for suitable locations for programmes
• keeping detailed records, to make sure that their work is always accurate.

Researchers may work on a range of programme types, or specialise in a particular area such as factual programmes, news or finding studio audiences and guests for entertainment shows. There are fewer opportunities to work in drama. Some researchers specialise in picture or archive research.

Many TV programmes and films have their own websites, and researchers may write and research content for these sites.

Researchers in factual programmes are increasingly expected to be able to operate digital video (DV) cameras and be involved in filming and editing.

Hours and Environment

Working hours can vary depending on the needs of the production, but hours are often long and irregular including evenings and weekends. Depending on the project, researchers could be working up to seven days a week for long periods.

Some of the work is office or studio based, using the telephone and the internet. Researchers should also be prepared to travel anywhere in the UK or even overseas for research trips. Some documentary researchers can work undercover for weeks or months at a time, often in difficult situations.

Skills and Interests

To be a researcher, you should:

• have excellent written and spoken communication skills
• have excellent research skills and be creative in finding new sources of information 
• be able to come up with ideas and have an instinct for spotting a good story
• be highly organised and pay attention to detail
• have a good knowledge of current affairs and the media
• be flexible, adaptable and able to work on more than one project at a time
• be able to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
• work well alone and as part of a team
• be motivated and self-reliant.

A driving licence is essential for most jobs.

Entry

There are no set entry requirements, but most researchers have a degree or postgraduate qualification. Degrees in journalism, English, history, media studies or media production are useful, but your degree could be in any subject. For some jobs you may need qualifications and specialist knowledge in other subjects such as music or science and technology.

To enter a degree course you will usually need at least five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) plus two A levels/three Highers or equivalent qualifications. An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

Whatever your background, the key to entering the broadcast industry is to gain practical experience and develop a network of contacts in the industry.

Researchers often begin in entry-level media jobs such as runner or production assistant. Employers will expect you to prove your research skills and show your commitment to working in the media by building practical work experience through things like:

• student film or TV productions
• student newspapers and magazines
• work experience on local newspapers
• hospital or community radio
• unpaid work experience in professional TV or radio
• working in film archives or picture libraries.

Many researchers also move into the industry with a background in journalism (see Journalist profile for more information).

Training

You will usually learn on the job and gain more experience with each production.

Film and Television Freelance Training (FT2) runs the Independent Companies Researcher Training Scheme, an 18-month apprenticeship-style scheme for new entrants to become factual researchers. Training is through placements with production companies, plus a series of short courses.

Competition for places on the scheme is fierce and the selection process is tough. You must be aged 18 or over, be prepared to live in London during training, and must be able to prove that you have relevant skills, talent, commitment and knowledge. See FT2’s website for more details.

Skillset and the British Film Institute jointly provide a database of media courses, including relevant courses for researchers - see either website for more details.

See Skillset’s website or contact Skillset Careers for information about any regional training schemes for new entrants and experienced researchers. Skillset can also advise freelances about how to fund their training.

The Producers' Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT) offers a range of short courses and training seminars to its members, including some subjects relevant to researchers.

The Research Centre for Television and Interactivity delivers a range of training and development programmes for researchers, and also has some opportunities for work placements with independent production companies.

Opportunities

Researchers are employed by:

• television companies
• satellite and cable broadcasting companies
• independent production companies
• radio - national public networks, and national and local independent stations
• film companies.

This is a very competitive profession. Most researchers are freelance and work on short-term contracts, although some broadcasters and production companies will offer renewable contracts for some projects. Most jobs are in the factual programming sector, with limited opportunities in other sectors such as drama.

On a larger production, there may be opportunities for an experienced researcher to supervise a research team. Researchers can also move into assistant producer and producer roles after developing more experience and contacts.

Annual Income

Freelance rates within the media vary widely and may be calculated on a daily or weekly basis. Fees can be negotiated individually or from guidelines provided by the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU).

Rates will vary depending on experience, the type of production and the budget available.

Further information

4th Floor
227 West George Street
Glasgow
G2 2ND
Tel: 0141 568 7113 Tel: 08080 300 900 for England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Tel: 0808 100 8094 for Scotland Prospect House
80-110 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1HB 249 West George Street
Glasgow
G2 4QE
Tel: 0141 302 1700 The Eye
2nd Floor
1 Procter Street
Holborn
London
WC1V 6DW
Tel: 020 7067 4367 21 Stephen Street
London
W1T 1LN
Tel: 020 7255 1444 4th Floor
Warwick House
Warwick Street
London
W1R 5RA