Field Producers at BBC World Service

Field Producers Job Responsibilities

• To suggest and research stories or story elements for BBC Africa Service and other BBC services if requested by the editors/line managers; to find contributors and interviewees as well as other sources of material and/or actuality, as appropriate and to the required specification, whilst maintaining professional journalistic standards of accuracy, impartiality and fair dealing and adhering to the BBC’s Editorial guidelines.
• To offer ideas for items in a range of platforms; to suggest and develop special projects in Africa and to actively contribute to the editorial planning process.
• To go on duty trips to gather information for output with a correspondent and/or a shoot/edit, or individually, as required.
• To work with correspondents from across the BBC, on duty trips and on base, ensuring that they are appropriately supported, both editorially and logistically.
• The ability to report from the field if needed.
• To suggest new broadcasting formats and techniques for BBC output from Africa.

Requirements for the Field Producers Job

• Fluent in English, both in written and spoken form, ability to communicate effectively on a high level.
• A full command and up to date knowledge of stories and issues relating to your specific region.
• Experience of work in a similar position in a news environment.
• Wide and up-to-date familiarity with the target area and an in-depth understanding of African history, politics, social issues and culture as well as the changing needs of African audiences. Extensive knowledge of the media situation in the target area and the way it is developing.
• To have basic skills of shooting photo and video, and of gathering journalistic material through other technical means.
• A thorough understanding of the latest developments in digital storytelling.
• Thorough knowledge of current affairs and the broadcast environment in the target area, including familiarity with official structures and procedures pertinent to that environment.
• A sound understanding of the needs, platforms and styles of the BBC.
• Ability to work unsupervised, managing changing priorities in a fast-moving environment, responding promptly and reliably to the requests of your colleagues.