Research for how to get jobs in the media

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.