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Media Researcher

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Media Researcher

Media Researcher Career Details

Researchers find the information, people and places for television, radio and film productions, and increasingly for website content, ensuring accuracy of information at all times.

They liaise with producers and directors to generate ideas, draft pitches and establish production requirements, and may also be involved in writing scripts or briefing scriptwriters. Depending on the programme brief, they search library, film and video records to source music, photographs and archive film footage, and arrange permission to use the material. They also find and interview contributors and may scout for suitable locations for programmes. Researchers must keep detailed records to ensure the accuracy of their work.

They may work on a range of programme types or specialise in a particular area, although there are limited opportunities to work in drama and the majority of researchers work on factual programmes. Some specialise in finding studio audiences for entertainment shows, or in picture or archive research.

Researchers are increasingly expected to be able to operate digital video (DV) cameras. Many programmes and films have their own websites and researchers may be involved in contributing content to these sites.

Working Environment

Working hours tend to be very 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/studio based, using the telephone and the internet. Researchers should also be prepared to travel throughout the country or even overseas on research trips. Some documentary researchers can work undercover for weeks or months at a time, often in difficult situations.

Media Researcher Related Skills

As a researcher, you should:
  • have excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • be able to generate new ideas and have an instinct for spotting a good story
  • be thorough and organised in your approach to work
  • be able to keep detailed records of research progress
  • have a good knowledge of current affairs and the media
  • be flexible and able to adapt to a variety of projects
  • be able to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
  • be able to work alone or as part of a team
  • have an awareness of health and safety issues
  • be able to work within budgetary constraints
  • be familiar with available resources and be able to locate new sources of information
  • have an awareness of legal issues affecting the media including copyright and compliance.

Media Researcher Career 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), and film companies.

This is a very competitive profession. Most researchers are freelance and work on short-term contracts, although some companies will offer renewable contracts. The main opportunities exist within the factual programming sector, with only limited scope elsewhere eg drama. Some researchers specialise in certain areas such as putting together studio audiences for entertainment shows, or working in picture/archive research.

On a larger production, there may be opportunities for an experienced researcher to supervise a research team. Many researchers move into assistant production roles, eventually becoming a producer. On this route, it is common to spend some time shadowing a more experienced producer and learning on the job.

Further Career Information

If you would like to know more about a career as an Media Researcher related facts, statistics, articles and websites.

Career Steps

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Career Courses

Not quite qualified to be a Media Researcher? Take a look at Undergraduate Media Researcher courses, our course browses or use our search form and find courses which will help you on your chosen career path.