Job Descriptions

Programme Researcher Job Description

What is the job description of a Programme Researcher? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Programme Researcher? What does a Programme Researcher do?

Job description of a Programme Researcher

A programme researcher provides support to the producer and production team. Researchers contribute ideas for programmes, source contacts and contributors and collect, verify and prepare information for film, television and radio productions. A researcher can work on a wide variety of programmes or within one subject area. The work involves organising, planning and researching everything that will happen during the programme – who will be interviewed; location; will the film crew fit; does the budget stretch?

The researcher has a responsibility for fact checking, writing briefs for presenters and ensuring that there is adherence to appropriate legislation relating to the production.

This Programme Researcher job description example includes the list of most important Programme Researcher duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Programme Researcher profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Programme Researcher Duties and Responsibilities

Programme Researcher job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Conveying findings accurately to others in report form and ‘briefs’;
  • Sourcing and researching facts, figures and information using the internet, film and tape archives, specialist collections, picture libraries, museums and government departments;
  • Meeting with producers, directors, designers, presenters and writers to discuss the research needs of a programme;
  • Providing administrative support such as typing, answering the phone and dealing with contracts;
  • Briefing scriptwriters and presenters on topics, updating scripts and editing news reports;
  • Sourcing copyright for literary and music sources and gaining clearance for any materials used;
  • Finding interviewees to conduct initial interviews with and getting vox pop responses to current events from members of the public;
  • Directing a small shoot and carrying out straightforward editing.
  • Generating and developing new programme ideas;
  • Assessing contributors’ suitability for the programme, researching and booking appropriate people and locations;
  • Booking resources and facilities;
  • Recruiting freelance staff and negotiating fees;
  • Negotiating broadcasting rights and producing information and fact sheets for websites;
  • Providing research to production staff in a clear, concise format and tracking down film, archive and video tapes;

Programme Researcher Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Programme Researcher job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • A graduate degree in broadcasting and media, journalism, mass communication or other relevant field.
  • Ability to generate new ideas and accommodate the ideas of others
  • Resourcefulness and motivation
  • Excellent written communication, interpersonal and organisational skills
  • Visual thinking and the ability to be adaptable yet methodical
  • Capability to work well in a team and under pressure
  • Strong IT and research skills
  • An instinct for a good story
  • Confidence and patience
  • Knowledge of legal and ethical principles in relation to the media and copyright, as well as health and safety procedures.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Programme Researcher starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Programme Researcher job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Programme Researcher may also reference it in preparation for the interview.