BBC NEWS
Political Programme Department
Political Producers Talent Pool
Base: Millbank
Contract: Freelance/Casual contract basis
For more information contact Will Boden–Deputy Editor, Live Political Programmes at:
Background Information
The BBC’s Live Political Programmes uses freelance researchers and producers at peak times in the political year, particularly during the party conference season, the Budget and elections. To that end we are building a pool of freelance producers and researchers we can contact at these times.
Live Political Programmes delivers television programmes to BBC 1, BBC 2, the News Channel and Radio 4, including the Sunday Politics (BBC 1 11 am, Sundays), Daily Politics (BBC 2 noon, weekdays), Daily Politics Conference Specials, The Budget programme and other TV specials and Radio 4’s Westminster Hour (10pm, Sundays). Staff are expected to work across all the output of the department.
Main Responsibilities
- Working within Live Political Programmes as directed.
- To plan, produce and edit short films.
- To brief presenters on topics and guests.
- To research and suggest suitable guests for live and pre-recorded interviews.
- To research and suggest suitable topics for programme items.
- To book guests and facilities for interviews for live and pre-recorded programme items.
- To plan, research and brief presenters and editors on the structure, direction and questions for interviews.
- To keep and update contacts.
- To greet, brief and de-brief guests on Live Political Programmes.
- To work effectively as part of a programme teams.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Knowledge, experience, skills and abilities
The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate the following:
- A thorough knowledge of British Politics.
- The ability to research complicated policy and political issues.
- Excellent contacts with the political parties, ideally with inside knowledge of the working of at least one political party.
- A clear understanding of the output of Live Political Programmes
- Clear and accurate writing skills.
Competencies
Editorial Judgement
Make the right editorial and policy decisions based upon a clear understanding of the BBC’s distinctive news strategy, the requirements of news and current affairs, the Political ProgrammesDepartment and the audience targets and requirements.
Managing relationships
Able to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people. Team working.
Planning and organising
Is able to think ahead in order to establish an effective and appropriate course of action for self and others. Prioritises and plans activities taking into account all the relevant issues and factors such as deadlines, staffing and resources requirements.
Problem solving
Able to simplify complex problems, processes or projects into component parts, explore and evaluate them systematically.
Motivation / Drive
Good motivation and awareness of the role from information given to candidates.
Flexibility
Adapts and works effectively with a variety of situations, individuals or groups. Is able to understand and appreciate different and opposing perspectives on an issue, to adapt an approach as the requirements of a situation change, and to change or easily accept changes in one’s own organisation or job requirements.
Creative thinking
Is able to transform creative ideas/impulses into practical reality. Can look at existing situations and problems in novel ways and come up with creative solutions.
Understanding Diversity
Understands and appreciates the uniqueness of self and others. Demonstrates, and is committed to improving, understanding of why people react in particular ways. Understanding diversity in its widest sense. Demonstrates a commitment to improving diversity in the BBC. Takes a balanced approach to discussing and taking action on diversity issues. Articulates how individual differences can benefit the BBC.
At the BBC we respect each other and celebrate our differences so that everyone gives their best. The BBC positively encourages applications from all parts of the community and is committed to promoting equality of opportunity.
It is important to BBC News that all employees come from and reflect the different communities across the UK
We value their understanding, experience and knowledge which enables us to communicate with our audiences.