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New Continuity Announcers

(January 2004)

This site closed in March 2021 and is now a read-only archive
DA
Dan Founding member

The following jobs were advertised in January. Several TV Forum members applied.

Trainee Continuity Announcers
BBC Broadcast Ltd
Location: London
Salary: £22,000 including allowances
Nine month contract

Applications to be received by 12 February 2004
Ref 72564

Summary information

BBC Broadcast Ltd...

...a wholly owned commercial subsidiary of the BBC, is responsible for bringing channels to life through a range of broadcasting services. These include all terrestrial BBC channels as well as the CBBC channels, BBC World, BBC Prime and the UKTV family of channels.

You'll write concise, imaginative scripts...

...with wit and flair. Under direction from network directors you'll script and deliver live and pre-recorded, out-of-vision links across a range of BBC One and BBC Two output to an audience of millions. You'll be responsible for carrying through the marketing objectives and media plan of channels, introducing anything from Horizon to EastEnders.

As well as at least one year's live broadcasting experience...

...you'll have excellent editorial judgement, good technical aptitude and a natural, lively sounding voice. Attentive to detail, you'll be a team player with a genuine enthusiasm for a range of BBC output. This position is entirely shift-based.

You can apply for this vacancy right now. Or if you'd like more information, read on.

More information

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Trainee Continuity Announcers
Department: BBC Broadcast Ltd
Reports To: Senior Director/Playout Editor
Grade: TRAD

Ref: 72564
Please note that this role will involve shift-working.
We currently have 2 positions available which will be offered as 9 month fixed term contracts.
It is anticipated that one trainee will start in March and one will start in June.
The salary for this position is £19,878 per annum plus an allowance of £2,147 for working unpredictable hours.

To apply for this position you will need to complete an application form AND submit an audition on either CD or audio cassette. We need both in order for your application to be considered.

APPLICATION FORM

We are looking for candidates who match our selection criteria most fully. It is therefore advisable to relate your application to the skills, experience and knowledge referred to both in the advert, core skills list and job description, not forgetting to tell us what interests you about working in BBC Broadcast. You should include all this information in the Skills, Abilities and Experience section on your form. Please do not enclose CVs or any additional material other than the audition tape / CD detailed below.

AUDITION

Your audition should be submitted on either CD or Audio Cassette.

Please note that we will only listen to auditions from applicants who have at least one years' live broadcasting experience (as detailed in the job description below).

Please ensure that your audition tape or CD is clearly marked with your name, address and job reference number 72564.

We would like you to record the following announcements in the appropriate style of BBC ONE and BBC TWO

1. Record introduction announcements to Eastenders at 7.30pm and Auf Weidershehen, Pet at 9.00pm on BBC ONE - these must be no longer than ten seconds each.
And
2. Record introduction announcements to This World at 9.00pm and National Trust at 10.00pm on BBC TWO - these must be no longer than fifteen seconds each.
And
3. Write and record a menu describing the programmes coming up on either BBC ONE or BBC TWO between 7.00pm and 10.30pm- this must be no longer than forty-five seconds in length.
Please ensure that your tape / CD is a maximum of 120 seconds in length.
We will be assessing your submission against the following criteria:
1. tone, pace, pitch and projection of voice.
2. style of delivery in keeping with the channel style.
3. quality of script.
4. editorial awareness
We anticipate a high level of response to this vacancy so unfortunately we cannot return cassettes / CD's and cannot give feedback on individual tapes

INTERVIEWS

Shortlisted candidates will be invited in for an audition/assessment and interview. The intended interview dates are Wednesday 3rd March and Thursday 4th or Friday 5th March. If you are shortlisted to interview stage, we hope to be able to inform you by no later than Friday 27th February. Please bear with us as it does take some time to screen application forms and Tapes / CD's. You will be informed of the outcome of your application either way.

Both the interview and the audition will be held on the same day. Prior to you being booked into this process we can provide you with a contact name and number in order to spend some time in the department, if you so wish.

At the interview you will be expected to demonstrate the skills, experience and knowledge needed to fulfil the requirements of the traineeship. In particular, you will be asked to comment on the 'Presentation' components of television and the different channel styles. You will also be assessed on your awareness of current affairs.

The audition is a job related assessment, i.e. you will be asked to carry out tasks that would normally form part of your everyday role. You will be assessed on the following criteria:

1. Script writing ability
2. Awareness of detail
3. Decision making
4. Performance under pressure
5. Communication of style and mood
6. Voice quality
7. Editorial awareness

JOB PURPOSE

Under direction from Network Directors, responsible for the live and pre-recorded, out-of-vision vocal links between programmes on BBC ONE and BBC TWO and pre-recorded links on other channels as required. This includes pointing, informing, stimulating interest, having to make editorial decisions and occasionally apologising and ad-libbing.

REPORTING LINES AND KEY RELATIONSHIPS

This role reports to Playout editor/Senior Directors and works closely with Playout Directors.

CONTEXT

BBC Broadcast is a wholly owned commercial subsidiary of the BBC. It has a powerful combination of creative, technical, editorial and professional skills to provide a seamless service to broadcasters and other clients requiring part, or the complete range, of channel creation and management services.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

SCRIPT WRITING

1. To research, prepare and write scripts, which reflect the Marketing and Media Planning briefs, the channel style, programming, timing and editorial requirements.

2. To adjust scripts at short notice, for example, when there are over or under-runs

3. To ensure accuracy of details in scripts by using reference documents such as Press and Programme Information and listings information

4. To be aware of programme content by means of viewing, researching and general knowledge

SCRIPT DELIVERY

1. To deliver scripts on air in the most appropriate manner with flair, wit and style

2. To use the correct pronunciation at all times

3. To deal with emergencies and to be prepared to react to live situations

3. At all times to be prepared for a break in transmission by having suitable music and written material standing by.

4. To sound calm, even in the most pressurised situations, including breakdowns, announcing major news reports and coping with last minute changes.

5. To have knowledge of BBC Broadcast's Obituary and Evacuation Procedures

USING TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT

1. To be operationally responsible for certain visuals and music from the continuity studio

2. To be responsible for the recording of Learning Zone scripts onto minidisk or audio server as well as other material when requested.

FINANCIAL AUTHORISATION LIMITS

1. Invoices/Orders

2. T&D (Home)/Overtime/EDP

3. T&D (Foreign)/ Travel Requirements

4. Artists/Contracts

BUSINESS CULTURE

1. To be aware off and operate within the relevant BBC policies e.g. the commercial policy guidelines and Fair Trading.

2. To be responsible for your own health and safety and have awareness for others.

3. To constantly strive toward continuous improvement in your performance on a team and individual basis. To ensure that best practice forms an integral part of operational practice.

4. To be aware of Diversity issues and to ensure they are integrated into every aspect of the business.

5. To be an ambassador for positively dealing with change within BBC Broadcast by demonstrating an understanding and dealing with and accepting change as a way of life. To ensure that change is seen as a "business as usual activity".

6. In line with Client Relationship Strategy to help ensure that working practices are organised in such a way that supports the business needs of the client, mindful of best practice.

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

1. At least one year of live broadcasting experience such as in local or national radio, television reporting / presenting or as a voice-over artist

2. Experience of working in a technical environment with the ability to learn new techniques and procedures quickly and easily.

3. Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy

4. Ability to write and deliver scripts on air, communicating style and mood in the appropriate voice with flair, wit and style.

5. Ability to adapt voice tone, pace, pitch and projection in order to deliver announcements in keeping with the channel style.

6. Ability to make decisions and think quickly when faced with conflicting priorities.

7. A high level of editorial awareness and judgement

8. Genuine interest in and knowledge of BBC output.

9. Understanding of the role and function of BBC BROADCAST LTD in the Context of the Wider BBC

DELIVERING RESULTS

Planning: Effectively prioritises own work load whilst being flexible enough to incorporate last minute changes working within the required planning schedule. Anticipates problems and prepares in advance. Pays appropriate attention to detail of final con-sheets, completing scripts with accuracy and precision.

Decision Making: Reacts quickly to problems and makes appropriate decisions on own initiative. Refers editorial decisions to a senior level, when necessary.

WORKING WITH OTHERS

Fostering Relationships: Establishes effective working relationships with a wide range of people. Is tactful and diplomatic. Listens to colleagues' views and opinions and compromises, when necessary. Shares information and experiences. Evaluates scripts with colleagues. Is sensitive to others' needs. Behaves professionally, even throughout difficult situations.

THINKING

Editorial Judgement: Applies corporate and channel branding policies and BBC editorial and all other relevant guidelines sensitively and appropriately. Contributes to the editorial process by offering views on programme content.

PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS

Resilience: Maintains high quality of scripting and on-air performance despite working unsociable hours. Works effectively within a pressured 'live' environment. Able to work on own and maintain enthusiasm and commitment. Reacts well to constructive criticism.

Assertiveness: Puts forward own viewpoint and influences others. Knows when to stop, back off or adopt a different approach.

PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL KNOW HOW

Writing Skills: Writes scripts, which stimulate interest in BBC programmes. Effectively reflects the different programmes within the relevant style of the appropriate channel. Has excellent grasp of the English language and is able to write creatively.

Oral Communication: Communicates clearly, confidently and articulately. Clarifies Editors' and Producers' intentions and communicates the style/mood to viewers informing them at all times of changes in either programme detail or schedule.

Programme Awareness: Has a broad knowledge of BBC programmes. Keeps abreast of popular culture and current affairs. Is aware of the marketing objectives associated with programmes and strands, and the aims of promotional campaigns. Views and researches programmes to understand the thinking behind them. Collates and evaluates information to identify key factors

Technical Familiarity: Works effectively within a technical environment, operating broadcast equipment with dexterity and co-ordination. Keeps abreast of new techniques and procedures.

AN INTRODUCTION TO BBC Broadcast Limited

BBC Broadcast is editorially and creatively responsible for the transmission of public service and commercial television channels and the supervision of these channels when major news stories affect the output. These include BBC ONE, BBC TWO, BBC THREE, BBC FOUR, BBC World, BBC Prime and UKTV Channels. BBC Broadcast Limited is also responsible for the media planning and promotion of programmes on screen. Programme announcements, public service information and on-screen mentions of BBC Worldwide publications are produced and co-ordinated by the company. It is also responsible for the equivalent functions in On Line and for the Subtitling of BBC programmes. Currently, the department numbers about 950 staff and further expansion is expected. The Department is a source of expert technical advice to all of the BBC and is at the forefront of developments in Interactive and Online Operational Services.

PLAYOUT AND MEDIA SERVICES

This includes Playout Operations, the Electronic Programme Guide ( EPG) team, Planning and Compliance, the Playout Development Unit, Media Planning and Interactive Operations.
Playout Operations staff are responsible for ensuring the satisfactory transmission of schedules on public service and commercial channels. They respond to the priorities of Channel Controllers ensuring that the schedule runs to time and that viewers are informed about programme content and schedule changes. On commercial channels, junctions can involve liaison with commercial partners who may place advertisements in breaks between programmes.

EPGs are the on-screen source of schedule and programme information for multi channel digital services, some of which will eventually carry between 40 and 400 channels. The team is responsible for the collation, management and distribution of EPG data for all Public Service Channels, including regional variations.

The Playout Planning area of BBC Broadcast is responsible for compiling and delivering detailed transmission schedules for BBCTV, UKTV and International TV services. Playout Planners work in liaison and co-ordination with the respective Channel Mgt teams, Programme Production departments, and other BBC Broadcast areas such as Access and Creative and Media Services. It is Playout Planning who ensure that all crucial details about every published programme are available to the Operational Team in time for transmission.

Created in 1997 prior to the launch of Digital Television in the UK, the Playout Development Unit was primarily responsible for the ensuring the smooth launch of any new BBC public service or commercial channels. Now that Digital Television is well established in the UK, the unit is heavily involved in any operational or system changes in the playout processes. The team works closely with the BBC Broadcast Technical Development Unit and is involved in the design and fit out of new transmission facilities/systems. After this initial phase they are involved with the testing of any new installation, staff training and whatever else is required to see the project through to completion.

The Media Planning team works to ensure that everything transmitted aids in the development of the channel brands. Fundamental to the team's work are the yearly Marketing Plans, which set out the yearly objectives for each channel and highlight the key characteristics with which we want each channel to be associated. Media Planners schedule the promotions, ensuring that the optimal reach and frequency is achieved amongst the desired target audience. The Media Planning team is also responsible for the commissioning and managing of research, which measures the effectiveness of the campaigns.

Interactive Operations is responsible for the integrity of the BBC websites and provides technical support for BBCi.

The BBC's Online service was officially launched in December 1997 and has already become the most popular content site in Europe. The Operations Team manages the integrity of the BBC web site, assists the providers of content in the development and loading of new material and functionality, reacts to editorial issues as they arise; and assesses new software and programs that might impact on the integrity of the service and maintains Online's security and availability.
CREATIVE SERVICES (incorporating Design)
Creative Services' staff are responsible for the creative production and editorial content of all promotional output on public service and commercial channels. This not only includes the promotional trails for all programmes but also trails promoting Network Radio, trails for Worldwide Publishing and Corporate trails. Creative Services staff also produce the tapes shown to the press at the Channel Controllers' seasonal launches as well as the launch tapes for some output departments. On commercial channels, the creative services teams produce all on-air promotion, filler material required for unsold commercial airtime, all off-air marketing tapes and any material required for audience research.
Design has three core areas of business. The broadcast design teams (of which there are three) work on a wide range of design solutions from programme brands (title sequences) to content graphics, from channel brands to brand experiences, with clients that include BBC programme makers, BBC marketing, and a host of non-BBC clients such as Lexus, HSBC , advertising agencies etc. The interactive design team tend to work with the broadcast design team to ensure we deliver consistent brand messages across multiple platforms (including web, DiTV etc). The design systems team work closely with all the design teams to develop and deliver Real time information graphics and "Live" systems for TV

ACCESS SERVICES

Access Services comprises subtitling, audio description and signing. For many years now, the BBC has been committed to providing access to its programmes to as many viewers as possible and is increasing the number of programmes carrying these services. Access Services is at the forefront of its field, employing the latest techniques such as remote stenographers and speech recognition software as well as more established methods. The Broadcasting Act 1996 makes specific provision for subtitling, audio description and signing.

For further information about BBC Broadcast Limited you can visit our website at http://www.bbcbroadcast.com

Please note that as well as completing the online application form you must submit an audition tape or CD (details above). Once you have submitted your application form you should mark your audition piece clearly with your name, address and the job reference number: 72564 and send it to:

Ref. 72564/WW
BBC Recruitment
Media Centre, MC2 A3
Media Village,
201 Wood Lane
London
W12 7TQ

How to apply

For this job, the BBC will only consider applications from those who already have the right to live and work in the UK.

This is because in order for the BBC to apply successfully for a work permit, we need to show that there are no suitable candidates who are normally resident in the UK or who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EU States plus Norway and Iceland).

Under certain circumstances, the BBC may contribute to interview travel expenses from UK locations, provided the amounts are agreed with us prior to any travel booking being made

Please note our recommended method of applying is using our online application form. The information sent to you by post is the same as the information on this page.

Please note that as well as completing the online application form you must submit an audition tape or CD. Once you have submitted your application form you should mark your audition piece clearly with your name, address and the job reference number, and send it to:
Ref: 72564
BBC Recruitment
PO Box 48305
London W12 6YE
MA
marksi
I am assuming that "Jenny" will be applying for this job as it is clear from her posts that she knows more about TV presentation than the rest of us.
DA
Dan Founding member
Funnily enough I was going to say that, but I thought she'd be too busy cataloguing her collection of blank videotape boxes.
TV
tvarksouthwest
Blimey, they don't want much do they! And for a job which, as Dan has said before, is becoming more minimal.

Anyhow, what on earth is the commercial arm (BBC Broadcast) doing in charge of transmission? That might explain all the rubbish between programmes...
DA
Dan Founding member
Playout is the core of BBC Broadcast's business. All BBC Network television channels are played out by BBC Broadcast.

Which qualities that they're asking for do you think are excessive?
:-(
A former member
If that job was in Cardiff, I would definately apply, and if successful have no hesitations about dropping out of University.

To be honest, any job in broadcasting right now would appeal to me. Even if it's making coffee for tired executives (I make a damn good coffee!).

I don't have any problems with starting at the bottom, I'm just tired of looking at the prospect of 3 more years in University and probably no further ahead than I am now - I'll be nearly 24 when I get my degree, and by then I'll be meeting my old friends from school and see them driving around in nice cars, nice pad somewhere and I'll be pottering about in call centres answering the phone in that inimitable proutie style. Wink
DA
Dan Founding member
Wait for the job in Cardiff to come up, that's my advice. And talking of advice, anyone considering applying for this job is welcome to drop me a PM.
SD
Steve D
A Major Setup posted:
If that job was in Cardiff, I would definately apply, and if successful have no hesitations about dropping out of University....

I don't have any problems with starting at the bottom, I'm just tired of looking at the prospect of 3 more years in University and probably no further ahead than I am now - I'll be nearly 24 when I get my degree, and by then I'll be meeting my old friends from school and see them driving around in nice cars......


And if you become a continuity announcer you'll probably still be envious of people driving around in nice cars.... I know I am Laughing

With the benefit of about 17 more years life experience than you, my advice is stick with university. I left school at 16 with just my 6 'O' Levels and have done a variety of things ending up with keeping Dan and his colleagues company, and more than anything else I wish I'd heeded everyone's advice and gone on to further education and done something useful with my life. As my father still puts it "Well son, when are you going to get a proper job?"
NH
Nick Harvey Founding member
Steve D posted:
And if you become a continuity announcer you'll probably still be envious of people driving around in nice cars

A bit of a sideswipe there, eh, Dan?

I would pop round and hit him with a wet kipper, if I were you!
DA
Dan Founding member
Nick Harvey posted:
A bit of a sideswipe there, eh, Dan?


No, Steve really has got a crappy car Very Happy
SD
Steve D
Dan posted:
Nick Harvey posted:
A bit of a sideswipe there, eh, Dan?


No, Steve really has got a crappy car Very Happy


Yeh, and it's just cost me another 300 quid today!

If James has got any sense he won't get himself shacked up with someone who spends all his money. I'm afraid my car is legendary in Cardiff pres. circles. Even our Mr. Jones now drives a better car than me!
NH
Nick Harvey Founding member
Steve D posted:
Yeh, and it's just cost me another 300 quid today!

Well, if you need to borrow 50p, could I recommend a chap called Glen, up at the South Bank!

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