First Steps BBC News placements (Salford)

WHATS ON OFFER

Were offering seven fourweek work placements for people who are passionate about telling stories and want to build a future in journalism. Youll gain handson experience inside a BBC Newsroom learning from industry professionals and contributing to real editorial work. Its a paid placement and well also cover up to 200 of travel expenses while youre here!

Youll be placed into ONE of the following departments at MediaCity UK Salford;

Money & Work We cover the biggest money and work stories from rising energy bills to AI trends for programmes like BBC Breakfast Radio 4s Today Wake Up to Money on 5 Live and World Business Report. We also make three podcasts: Business Daily (in depth global stories) The Food Chain (the money and science behind what we eat) and The Big Boss Interview.

Radio 5 Live News We deliver rolling news sport and topical programming bringing major stories to listeners as they break. Our audience is central to everything we do and we engage with them minute by minute while making sure we reach communities underserved by other BBC teams.

Long Form Audio We create 10 minute plus programmes for podcasts radio and digital platforms including Witness History File on 4 Gangster Fame Under Fire and The Mangione Trial. We produce content for BBC Sounds BBC World Service BBC Radio 4 and Radio 5 Live and were leading the way in visualised podcasts for YouTube.

Social We aim to make BBC News the most trusted and most watched news brand on social platforms. Youll learn how stories are shaped for TikTok Instagram YouTube and the BBC News website and app. Expect hands on experience editing videos crafting social first storytelling and using audience data to guide content decisions.

BBC North West We bring local stories to life reflecting real voices and communities across Merseyside Cheshire Manchester Lancashire Cumbria and the Isle of Man. From breaking news and investigations to politics and sport our journalism reaches millions across TV radio digital and social. We have two placements available: one covering North West Tonight Politics North West and online and one covering Radio Manchester.

BBC Breakfast - We are the UKs biggest morning TV show giving viewers all they need to know from the latest news headlines and weather forecast to agenda setting interviews and features. Our audience is at the heart of our output as we look for stories and ideas that will reach viewers across the UK. We broadcast at a time of day when people are often at their busiest getting ready for the day ahead so we want content that can catch their attention and make a difference to their lives.

*Note our shortlisting panels will decide which department best aligns with your skills experience and interests as outlined in your application.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING

During your placement youll take part in meetings brainstorm ideas and help to find the people behind the stories. You will be trained and given experience in spotting news lines writing programme and podcast scripts editing audio and video and creating social media content where possible. You will have a mentor a senior member of the team who will spend time with you every week to discuss how your placement is going as well as your future plans. They will also talk you through the BBC job application system and give you advice on writing or updating your CV.

Youll need to be available for shifts which could include early starts or late finishes (we do our best to take into consideration personal circumstances when designing your schedule).

ARE YOU

• Passionate about news and sport and the issues facing our changing world
• Regularly following news online or via TV radio or news podcasts
• Maybe youre already on a media studies course or youre working in community or student radio.
• You might be creating your own news/sport-based content.
• A natural team player able to build great relationships with other people and to communicate well.

Placements are to gain exposure/experience in production. If you want to be a presenter this is not the placement for you.

We want our output to reflect and understand the audiences we serve and the experience of people from underrepresented groups. We are therefore actively seeking individuals with skills or experience that can help contribute towards ensuring we maximise the diversity of our coverage and content.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in the BBC News workforce in Salford. This includes people from Black Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

AM I THE RIGHT CANDIDATE

• You need to be passionate about the news and telling stories.
• Youll be creative and full of ideas for news stories or story treatments for our target audience around the UK.
• You will be able to work to tight deadlines.
• You will have great communication skills.

WHO CAN APPLY

• You must be 18 years or over and available to work in Salford for 4 weeks between June and July 2026.
• You must hold documentation that gives you the legal right to work in the UK between June and July 2026.
• The scheme isnt open to those who have been on a BBC placement before or those currently working on/previously worked on a BBC contract/Freelance basis.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

Please upload your CV and complete the short questionnaire using the Apply Now button.

The closing date is midnight on Sunday 1st February. (assessments/interviews will take place mid-March)