Journalism Researcher Political Research

BBC; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading broadcasting organisation is seeking a motivated journalist to join its political research unit. The role involves creating engaging content, booking guests, and summarising political arguments. Ideal candidates should have knowledge of UK politics and strong communication skills, with desire to work in a dynamic environment. The position is based in London with a salary range of £24,800 - £30,000, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Good knowledge and understanding of politics and the UK's parliaments.
• Ability to cope with conflicting demands in pressurised situations.
• Track record of successful collaborative working.

Responsibilities

• Writing interview briefs and briefing presenters.
• Booking guests.
• Planning content for future programmes.
• Producing VT clips and short packages.
• Researching and writing on-screen captions for BBC Parliament.

Skills

Knowledge of UK politics

Strong communication skills

Ability to summarise complex arguments

Creative thinking

Job description

JOB DETAILS

JOB BAND: B

CONTRACT TYPE: Fixed Term, Full-time

DEPARTMENT: BBC News

LOCATION: London Millbank, Westminster

PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: £24,800 - £30,000 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience. The expected salary range for this role reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights.

We're happy to discuss flexible working. If you'd like to, please indicate your preference in the application - though there's no obligation to do so now. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.

JRN25

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

We are looking for a highly-motivated journalist to join our political research unit for three months, starting in January 2026. We are also looking for freelance broadcast journalists to join our political programmes talent pool. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to work across a range of high-profile BBC political programmes including Politics Live, Westminster Hour, Political Thinking and Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg; they may also be offered work on the BBC Parliament channel and other political output.

WHY JOIN THE TEAM

We're looking for people with a wide range of life experiences to help us not only cover what is happening in Westminster, but also how politics affects the lives of people and communities across the UK. We're interested in hearing from freelancers with broadcast journalism experience and from people who have recent experience of working in politics who are keen to pursue a career in TV and radio.

You're interested in UK politics and how what happens in Westminster, Holyrood, the Senedd and the Northern Ireland Assembly matters to people's lives everywhere. You have fresh ideas about how we should cover these issues, so that we are engaging people in political stories. You may have some experience in journalism or politics already but, depending on your skills and experience, it may not be essential. You are enthusiastic about working in a busy newsroom at the heart of BBC News. If that sounds like you, then we would love you to apply!

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT

• Writing interview briefs and briefing presenters
• Booking guests
• Planning content for future programmes
• Producing VT clips and short packages
• Commissioning graphics
• Researching and writing on-screen captions for BBC Parliament and work on live coverage for the channel

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• A good knowledge and understanding of politics and the UK's parliaments and assemblies
• Ability to summarise complex policy and political arguments, ensuring a wide range of viewpoints are considered
• Strong communication skills and a track record of successful collaborative working
• Ability to cope with conflicting demands in pressurised situations
• Evidence of ability to think creatively and generate ideas

You may have some experience in journalism or politics already but, depending on your skills and experience, it may not be essential.

If you can bring some of these skills and experiences, along with transferable strengths, we'd love to hear from you and encourage you to apply.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.

Please note: If you were to be offered this role, the BBC will conduct Employment screening checks which include Reference checks; Eligibility to work checks; and if applicable to the role, Safeguarding and Adverse media/Social media checks. Any offer made is conditional on these checks being satisfactory.

For any general queries, please contact: [e-mail]

REDELOYMENT

The BBC is committed to redeploying employees seeking suitable alternative employment within the BBC and they will be given priority consideration ahead of other applicants. Priority consideration means for those employees seeking redeployment their application will be considered alongside anyone else at risk of redundancy, prior to any individuals being considered who are not at risk.