Working hours and conditions Typically includes regular unsocial hours Office based approximately two thirds of the time and the rest of the time out making contacts or on location. There is a need to communicate by a variety of means such as the Internet for information. Jobs are restricted locations Majority of work is in London and other major cities with broadcasting bases. Lifestyle implications A high level of commitment is required. Days and hours worked are largely dictated by production demands.
Work is pressured to meet tight deadlines, possibly away from home.
There is a lack of security due to most researchers now being employed on short contracts. More than half of all researchers are women. Although open to all subjects, specialist knowledge may be required for specific subject areas or documentaries. For general areas a wide ranging knowledge is useful plus evidence of lateral thinking. For specialist areas appropriate subject knowledge may be required.