Journalist (Prospects) at BBC World Service

Job introduction

The BBC World Service is undergoing a significant strategic review. It is becoming a digital first operation and in WS Languages is being managed by two News Controllers – Output and Content. This new structure seeks to refine the editorial purpose and USP of each of the 42 Language service in target markets, ensure that the BBC is known for distinctive and original content and that well-produced stories from all over the world are shared as widely as possible across the BBC.

As a mission critical team of World Service Languages, the World Service Digital Content production hubs sit at the heart of content working to provide fresh, innovative and engaging stories that can be reversioned across 42 languages and multiple platforms. The planning team is a key team that helps to coordinate and ease workflow. We are in charge of communicating plans and promoting content to our language services colleagues and English output.

Main responsibilities

The role is responsible for gathering and producing sharable original video for our digital platforms.  In addition: 

• Work on key documents that will be shared amongst BBC staff communicating content and news agenda
• Use a range of video, audio and digital equipment and information technology to research, write, assemble, edit and deliver outputs in the appropriate medium, to the highest professional standards.
• May be required to present the content on radio, TV or online, this might be live or recorded and may include the production of programmes.
• Exercise editorial judgment in developing story ideas and producing accurate and impartial journalism.
• Undertake pre- and post-production and studio work, live and pre-recorded.
• Liaise closely with other team members and with other departments in the BBC, to ensure that output material is shared, duplication is avoided, and best practice is upheld.
• Take a lead within a team setting or on delivering a specific piece of journalism/project as appropriate.
• Tailor different news treatments for different audiences ensuring that the output reflects the audiences we serve.
• Prioritise and plan activities taking into account all the relevant issues and factors such as deadlines, staffing and resources available.
• Produce engaging packages through a range of production skills.

Are you the right candidate?

As Journalist, you will have demonstrable experience in originating, editing and curating engaging social and digital content, also:

• Good knowledge of African current affairs and audience needs
• Experience in planning for big events, commissioning, developing and remote producing TV, radio and digital content to the highest quality
• Extensive experience in producing and creating digital content
• Able to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people for gathering in African countries
• Experience in producing content for underserved and younger audiences
• Experienced in the use of digital analytics to maximise the impact of our videos and drive change when needed
• Demonstrable knowledge of digital platforms - the BBC’s and others - and the different ways audiences are consuming news
• Sound understanding of the BBC’s editorial guidelines, along with a commitment to the editorial aims of BBC News
• It would be favourable that you also have an ability to edit using FCPX or equivalent video and audio editing software