Research on how to get a job in the Media
Professional
working practices at the BBC
In the media-working place; professional
standards have to be worked towards. They are known as codes of practice and
everyone should follow them. Codes of practice ensure a trusted partnership
between large companies in the television business and producers in independent
companies, and make sure that all is fair between the two companies.
The media industry covers 7 different areas.
Such media jobs as camera, which is on the technical side; director, which is
creative; vision editor, which is editorial; producer, which is a managerial
role; telesales, which is in the sales and marketing department; a secretary,
which is in the administration section and finally the accountants which are
responsible for the financial area in the industry. We can also discover more
jobs in the media world by searching the job name in show credits.
Various companies and co-operations have different versions
of the codes of practice.
Such as; journalists:
‘A journalist is said
to have a duty to maintain the highest professional and ethical standards’
says the National Union of journalist’s code of conduct.
For example, selections of codes of practice are:
-“Avoid plagiarism;
The NUJ believes a journalist has the right to refuse an assignment or be
identified as the author of editorial that would break the letter or spirit of
code. The NUJ will fully support any journalist disciplined for asserting
her/his right to act according to the code.” This initially means that a
journalist should avoid plagiarism in order to not copy at all.
-“Produce no material
likely to lead to hatred or discrimination on the grounds of a person’s age,
gender, race, colour, creed, legal status, disability; marital status or sexual
orientation.” This means do not produce anything that is possibly going to
hurt someone’s feelings or offend them to and extreme extent.
-“Does nothing to intrude
into anybody’s private life, grief or distress unless justified by overriding
consideration of the public interest.” This states you should not impose on
other individual’s personal life and problems. You have to consider people’s
privacy and their feelings.
-“A journalist shall normally
seek the consent of an appropriate adult when interviewing or photographing a
child for a story about her/his welfare.” This initially means that consent
of a parent or care should be sought before a child can be used in an interview
or documentary that shall be based around their welfare. For example, if a
young baby is being featured in a documentary or photographed then a parent
needs to give consent since the baby cant speak or make decisions for its self
at such a young age.
There are a series of codes that have to be adhered to in
the BBC and the guidelines are as follows:
Trust
“Trust
is the foundation of the BBC: we are independent, impartial and honest.
We are committed to achieving the highest standards of due accuracy and
impartiality and strive to avoid knowingly and materially misleading our
audiences.” This
generally means that the company wishes to avoid giving the audiences the wrong
information, which is basically telling someone untrue facts.
Harm
and offence
“We
aim to reflect the world as it is, including all aspects of the human
experience and the realities of the natural world. But we balance our
right to broadcast innovative and challenging content with our responsibility
to protect the vulnerable from harm and avoid unjustifiable offence. We
will be sensitive to, and keep in touch with, generally accepted standards as
well as our audiences' expectations of our content, particularly in relation to
the protection of children.” This explains how the BBC do not want to cause
any offense or give off the wrong message on their show content, so that they
do not offend anyone at all. It also means that they need to make content all
right for children, to not give off the wrong message or give off the wrong
language to children, to avoid showing anything with swearing.
Children
“We
will always seek to safeguard the welfare of children and young people who
contribute to and feature in our content, wherever in the world we
operate. We will preserve their right to speak out and participate, while
ensuring their dignity and their physical and emotional welfare is protected
during the making and broadcast of our output. Content, which might be
unsuitable for children will be scheduled appropriately.” This portrays that the BBC channels and
shows for children will strictly show a good vibe and not include any rude
language; Also that if there are shows for older children, they will be shown
at a later time with a warning towards the parents. If a child is featured in a
show it means that they must be treated properly and with respect in order for
the child’s welfare to be proper.
ASA
In the ASA the
codes of practice quote that “The
advertising standards authority is the independent body set up by the
advertising industry to police the rules laid down in the advertising codes.”
The ASA have
a code of practice that is followed strictly in order to make sure that the TV
Advertisements do not offend any of the consumers or misguide them. ASA is needed to
protect vulnerable young viewers and also help the parents concerned with the
adverts that are featured on the television whilst their children are present.
“Understanding: We’ll be an
authority on advertising and active on issues that cause social concern.
We’ll be open to calls for regulatory change, acting purposefully and in
a timely fashion, while being fair and balanced in our assessment of the
evidence and arguments” This means that if a consumer is offended by any advert whatsoever,
they can call in to the ASA and ask for a change to be made, and then the ASA
decides whether the advert must be removed or shown after the watershed.
“Support: We’ll provide support to advertisers to help them create responsible
ads. We’ll increase, improve and better target our advice and training so every
business has access to the information and support it needs.” What this means is
that the ASA will sort out help for advertisers in order for them to make their
adverts responsible and suitable. So they will provide training, research and
advice.
“Awareness: We’ll increase awareness of the ASA and CAP. We will
make sure that the public, civil society and the industry know who we are and
what we can do, so they can engage with us when they need to, and have
confidence in our work.” It explains that the ASA and CAP will be sure to let the public and
other advertising work places know that their services are available.
In addition to the professional working practices you need to adhere to
the following codes. Such as;
·
Be Ethical and understanding of others peoples backgrounds, religions
and opinions
·
Always act Formal
·
When discussing, there must be no swearing, appropriate language must be
used
·
Act in a mature manner at all times
·
Good concentration in order to be focused and concentrate because of the
deadlines to work.
·
Be polite in order to gain the respect of your peers.
·
You should always take pride in your appearance and maintain good
hygiene. This is important because it is good to look professional and to be
taken seriously. Hygiene must be taken into consideration in order to look and
be approachable by others.
·
You need to be positive, hard working and be excellent with time
keeping. This is important, as you need to be responsible and reliable.
·
It helps to be open-minded in order to be considerate to other people’s
opinions and suggestions.
·
It is good to be a good team player because you will need to work in a
group to listen to others ideas and opinions.
Contracts, Conditions and Pay.
There are various types of contracts; here are five examples.
·
Full time permanent contract: If you worked on a full time contract, you
will be entitled to many benefits, you will be entitled to the following
benefits, such as: Holiday pay, sick pay, and in some organizations, a bonus.
To be on this contract you will be on a stable income, so you wont need to
worry about tax and national insurance
·
Part time permanent: This is similar to a full time permanent, however
you will work fewer hours into an agreed work pattern. Though the working
benefits will not change. This would be an advantage for people with children.
·
Fixed Term: A fixed term worker is only hired for a select amount of
time that the manager chooses. Such as a three month contract. Make up designers
are usually on fixed term contracts because their skills are specifically going
to be used for the certain amount of time that they are hired for.
·
Stringer: A stringer is basically a person that can be available at very
short notice, to be used for covering news and articles that are happening at
the time. They are basically like an emergency back up in a way and are paid on
the terms of how long the article is or how long the coverage they got was.
·
Freelance: A free lancer is basically a multitask worker that can work
on specific pieces of work for a certain amount of time and can be working on
multiple pieces.
Skills and Qualifications
For certain sectors in the media industry there are specific skills and
qualifications that others must have or, can adhere to in order to be
considered for that sector of work.
- For a technical job, such
as camera operator, you would need
to have good colour vision and excellent Hand-to-eye co-ordination. They must
have a strong understanding to technology and have in depth knowledge on how
cameras work and how to make sure that the camera is functional and suitable.
Communication skills are also needed in order to a form of appreciation.
Teamwork and being able to take direction is also necessary. They must also
need to carry out instructions and have great accuracy and attention to detail
for the work. They should be able to compose camera shots that and precise and
they must also be able to move a camera at speed in order to shoot pieces that
are moving. IT skills are needed. Physical stamina is also needed greatly for
working long hours and moving equipment. For qualifications, the person wishing
to work as an operator will need there GCSE English and Math qualifications, or
the substitute of functional skills Math and English. A merit of distinction in
a Level 2 or 3 media production is also needed in order to have a wider expanse
of primary work skills. A BA (Hons) Degree in television production of creative
media production is required.
- For a Creative job, such as Animator,
you would need to have animation and acting skills that will combine with
skills in graphic design. A good level of Computer literacy and knowledge of
drawing and structure is needed. Self-motivation is key. To be able to take
direction and constructive criticism is also desired, working independently and
as a team is also required. For qualifications, you would need a Level 3
animation qualification or a Masters in animation. GCSE English and Math or a
functional skill in English or Math will also be required.
- For Editorial jobs, an example being Film editor, you would have to have skills in being creative under
pressure and to also be able to lead a team. Patience and detail is key to
working as an editor as well. The worker must also be familiar with using
computer-editing equipment. Imagination and an understanding of narrative are
also needed. Communication skills are also compulsory in order to work in this
industry. As for qualifications, there isn’t a requirement for a specific grade
however it is good to have your GCSE’s in Math and English or a functional
skill in either of the two, merit or distinction in a Level 2 or 3 creative
media production course is a possible requirement.
- For Managerial jobs, such
as Director; skills in communication
are key. They must also be able to work in a team and pay extreme attention to
detail. Skills in budgeting and financial are required. A director must be able
to lead a team and motivate both actors and crewmembers. Negotiation and
understanding must be shown whilst working with writers, actors, crewmembers
etc. For qualifications you don’t specifically need a qualification to get the
job although a degree of qualification in a media related course/subject would
heighten your chances.
- For Sales and Marketing jobs, such as Radio Sales Executive, you will need excellent communication
skills. You will also need to be able to think creatively and be able to
effectively work under pressure. Confidence and determination to secure deals
and overcome obstacles are required for a job such as this. For qualifications
you don’t specifically need a qualification as you can start at the bottom of
the radio job line. Although GCSE Math and English or a functional skills
substitute would help, and a degree or masters in a media and communication
course would also enhance chances.
-For a job in Administration, for instance; a Production runner, you would need to be
flexible and well organised; you must be able to think on your feet also. Being
tactful and political would also be suitable. Punctuality is important as well.
It is also helpful to be able to work calmly and effectively when pressure is
put on you. As for qualifications you wont need to have any specific grades or
qualifications although an honors or masters in media and communication and the
GCSE grades for Math and English would aid you into having an advanced chance
at getting the job.
-For a job in Financial, such as Assistant accountant, you will need to be able to work under
pressure and be able to cope with stressful situations, it is also great to be
able to work in a team. Excellent communication skills and you must be
experienced in accounting procedures and have strong IT skills. Qualifications
aren’t really specified for this job, though a full EU driving license and
knowledge from previous experience in a film course would give an enhanced
chance. GCSE Math and English would be strongly needed.
Transferable
skills
People in the world of media, have a lot of transferable skills that
range from Camera work skills, all the way to editing and technical skills. For
example during educational years you will probably pick up skills on camera set
up or learn how to work the software for editing and they will assist you in
your career. These skills are needed in the media business in order to make
some work that relates to the media itself. A lot of commitment must be given
to make these projects in a well-organised and profitable method. Being prompt
and dependable will help because working in the media will need you to be there
on time, at the right place. Self-presentation is important, as it will help to
make you a potential worker. To pitch your work and discuss the finished
projects you will have to give a presentation in order to express yourself
verbally and be assertive in order to triumph and succeed in getting the
client. ‘Selling’ yourself at an interview or teamwork presentation you will
require the self-performance skills and these skills will be valuable for
future careers in the media sector.
Methods of recruitment
There are a variety of techniques in ways to recruit staff in the media
industry. Firstly you can look for jobs in the national press, The Guardian,
The Metro and The Telegraph and many more like this. Recruitment adverts are
published on certain days and they will provide you with contact information, a
description on what the job entails. Local papers like the Manchester Evening
News, they advertise local jobs for people in the greater Manchester area. Media
publications are also featured and they do show sections for jobs. A
publication called ‘Media week’ informs media specialists about events in media
and gives the professionals updated. There are also selections of recruitment
agencies that do tend to recruit for professional, specialist areas. For
example, there are agencies that specialize in recruiting creative roles and
administrative roles for publishing industries. A CV/showreel/portfolio is
always needed.
In conclusion a job in the media would be a generally easy job to
acquire but it would take a lot of effort to go from the bottom of the media
work chain to the top, there is also a lot of competition which will halve the
chances of getting a job within the media sector because of how many people
want them.
