Tina Taventheran
Heathfield Pinner 1987 - 1998

Media Research

Having graduated this year I have now got a job as a researcher for a television journal called ‘Programme News’. I have always had a strong interest in media (TV, radio etc) and I knew I wanted to get into the industry in any way I could. After applying for many jobs through agencies and simply sending off replies to ads in newspapers, I finally got this one through replying to an ad in the Media Guardian. I have to stress I was quite lucky, it is not that easy to get into this industry.

As a TV researcher my job consists of following up stories about new TV programmes that have been covered in the press. I will usually call up the production or broadcasting company and find out more details about the programme. We then run a story on it. This job demands superior writing skills, a confident telephone manner, persistence and a good eye for detail. Once you have mastered the job, there is always the possibility of moving on to senior researcher or editor positions, or moving on to more prestigious publications. A good knowledge of the industry and useful contacts are gained, so even moving onto other media jobs is a possibility.

The media industry is very broad, it can include journalism, presenting, production, and marketing. Therefore I will attempt to give anyone interested in getting into it some very general advice: make sure you can prove you are committed to and interested in the industry (have you worked for your school/uni paper? Do you help out at your local radio station? Do you regularly get involved in school productions?). To say this industry is competitive is an understatement; I must have applied for more than thirty jobs before I finally got something! Be determined and build up work experience. Call up companies that work in the field you are interested in and offer to work for free. Some work experience possibilities include being a runner, answering phones, receptionist etc. Read up about the industry in relevant newspapers (eg. Broadcast) and on websites (eg. MediaGuardian.co.uk). The more knowledge you have the more you can impress at interviews, and this is crucial given the amount of competition you will be facing.

All in all, the media industry is fascinating, and it beats a boring job that involves sitting at a desk all day! If you have the determination it will prove very rewarding, whatever job area you choose to get into.

For information on more useful websites, newspapers etc, I am happy for people to contact me via the Minerva Network Development Office. Unfortunately, I am not in a position to arrange work placements.