The BBC and ITN can seem like impenetrable spaceships filled with mythical beings when you are on the outside, but do not despair. This handy guide will tell you where the cracks are so you can firmly wedge your foot in the door. Whether you want to add different shifts to your freelance life, make the move from print or radio, or just to start climbing the greasy pole, this guide is for you.
Phase one: make up your mind
If you want to work at ITN which makes the news for ITV, Channel 4 or Channel 5 then the entry-level role is as a freelance assistant news editor (ANE). Do not be deceived by the fancy title, you are at the bottom of the pyramid and some newsrooms will remind you of that more than others. The pay is not bad, somewhere between £16-20 an hour, but the shifts are long at a minimum of ten hours. There are different ANE roles which include planning, logistics and pictures - depending on the channel.
Planning ANE works with the planning team consisting of deputy news editors and the planning editor. They set up interviews, find case studies, get filming locations, research stories, and write job sheets either for the next day’s programme (next day planning ANE) or later in the week (further ahead planning ANE). Very few people want to work on planning so if you say that is what you want to do, they will chew your arm off. It is also an easy fit if you have worked in print.
Logistics ANE works on that day’s programmes and sits next to the news editor who tells them what to do for the entire shift. They will find case studies, filming locations, set up interviews, deploy reporters and camera operators. It is not massively different to planning but more pressure because it is needed immediately. It is a long day and can be stressful but do not let that put you off. Shifts are broken down into day, late, overnights and weekends depending on the channel. Top tip: if you are asked to do something, do it immediately. The main reason people do not get asked back is because they lack a sense of urgency.
Pictures ANE finds stills or social media footage, keeping across all the international feeds (like Reuters/AP) and downloads any videos producers need for a reporter’s piece. They need to be up on their copyright law.
If you are more inclined to the BBC, prepare yourself because it is a big beast with more acronyms than you can shake a stick at. Entry-level jobs are somewhat unfortunately known as BJs (broadcast journalists) with senior broadcast journalists (SBJs) a rank above. If you have got experience and/or a journalism qualification, go for the BJ roles. There are also broadcast assistants which are more admin-based but can get you through the door, just do not get trapped. There are also plenty of traineeships and apprenticeships which are unavoidably competitive but it is still worth applying. Do not expect to get through on your first try and keep going. Also, ask for feedback so you can make your next application even better.
Think about gaining experience outside London, especially in the current climate. The BBC has newsrooms in every region in the country (same goes for ITV) so if you have links in a certain region, try to get your foot in there. BBC local radio is a great place to learn the job. Contact regional newsrooms, ask for shadowing or work experience or try for freelance shifts.
Phase two: find a big cheese
Have a look on LinkedIn and Twitter and find the contact details for people who work at the channel you are targeting. If you want to do ITN planning ANE shifts get in touch with the head of planning, for the other two, it is normally news editors. Failing this, find someone you like who works there and DM them asking who the right person to speak to is regarding ANE shifts and get an email address. Do not think you are going to send one DM and find the right person. Also, if you cannot find contact details for the scores of people who work in these newsrooms, you are in the wrong industry.
The BBC is huge so decide where you want to work and target it by connecting with journalists and the editors in charge. Find a friendly BJ or SBJ to help you navigate as you will need help. To push forward, keep a list of achievements and ask for meetings with the people in charge. At the BBC these people are usually known as strand editors or editors. Find a mentor (same advice for ITN) as there is an official scheme, but you can also ask someone in an unofficial capacity which is more achievable when you are new and shiny. One of the benefits of being at the BBC is that they have loads of courses that you can ask to go on if you are eligible as a freelancer or even after you get a job. Make sure you make the most of these people - they would cost a fortune if you were paying for them yourself.
Phase three: develop toxic positivity
You will not send one email and be invited in to run the show. Well, you might, in the same way someone always seems to win the lottery. This is when we get into the bitter end game of getting your foot in the door. So... you have found the right person? Email them. They do not reply. Forward that email to them again a week later politely saying that this is just a gentle reminder about the email below. I know one (now staff) ANE who sent nine emails (she emailed every two weeks) before she got shifts. The trick is to be non-annoying and always remain professional otherwise your persistence (very good journalistic trait) will come across as creepy (very bad journalistic trait).
Once you have wiggled your way in to either organisation, be nice, friendly, and sociable so you can learn who does what. Find out which roles freelancers are employed to do. You will also then learn which staff jobs you are qualified to apply for and can start plotting your next move. Once you have been freelancing for six months at the BBC, you are often eligible to apply for internal roles which is something to think about too.
Amanda Nunn is a broadcast journalist and editor of Off The Record, a weekly journalism newsletter that brings industry news, events and other bits and bobs so you continually look (at least) like you are well informed. You can sign up here
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