In a group of four, we had to discuss different aspects of legislation in the media. Here is our talk.
Thursday, 23 September 2010
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
Task Four - Mock Interview
This is the mock interview that Jasmine and I took part in. I filmed and edited the video.
Monday, 12 April 2010
Task Four - Educational Routes into the Media
To get a high status job in the media industry, it is a good idea to have as much education on the industry as possible, meaning you also have higher qualifications. This is turn proves to employers that you have closely studied the subject and are interested in it, and know what you are talking about.
Apprenticeships
Post 16 education offers a chance to participate in an apprenticeship scheme, where you will be training on the job, whilst getting paid. You can get an apprenticeship in most sectors of the media industry, such as TV and film, marketing, journalism etc. This is a good way to start in the industry, as when you have finished the apprenticeship you have practical experience of the business and your employer may want to permanently employ you.
Education
Going on to higher education is a very popular way to continue. Under/graduate media courses are run in most universities across the country, and the length of time varies as to which course you take. A full-time course would usually be 3 years. A part-time course would be 6 years. These courses are usually made up of practical units, and are often assessed through coursework. If you take a part time course, this gives you a chance to work when you are not studying. You could gain experience from applying to different work placements, which would help get you a better job later on. There are different level courses that you could take – Foundation (level 2) or Higher (level 3). Your entry to either course will depend on your results from previous assessments, such as GCSE’s. These are usually BTEC courses. Going onto a higher course may give you the chance to partake in many different areas of the industry, such as a film and TV course will have you complete units on documentaries, reality shows, film production etc, so this is a good way to help you decide and ensure you are following the right path. Colleges and universities also often have ties to certain media companies, such as the BBC. These will often give you an opportunity to carry out work experience or make a project for the company. You may also get a chance to use their equipment. Participating in any of these educational courses are highly likely to develop you career, as you would have better qualifications than someone who hadn’t taken the course. The qualifications will show an employer that you have worked hard to gain the achievement.
Skills Analysis
Education not only teaches information critical to the industry, but it also teaches skills that are needed to survive in the general working world. For example, personal skills such as communication are learnt by socialising in the classroom and listening to others. This is part of the hidden curriculum taught in education and working in the media industry, and being able to work in a team is something very important to the job, which is also used a lot in practical projects in the classroom. You will also learn skills on the computer, which, in the media industry, is very important. Computers are part of new age media, and they will be around for a very long time, so it is important that an employee is educated on how to use one efficiently. Most universities use software called Final Cut Pro, which is an editing software on an Apple Mac. This is one example which employers want employees to have experience with, and if you have already learnt this in the classroom then they are more likely to employ you. All practical media courses will provide you with a chance to use camera and lighting equipment, which is another factor which is important to employers. People with experience of equipment are more likely to get the job over others who do not have experience. This is where educational courses are going to give you more skills than some other routes can offer you.
Sources of Information
Unions are in place to support and fight for employees rights. If an employee feels they are being mistreated in any way then they can go to their union and they will give support and advice on what to do. They are also there to give information, should you need it. They can inform you about your rights as an employee and contract issues, for example. Sector skills councils are run by employers, and they are there to improve skills of workforces and to improve the productivity. These organisations will benefit the employees as they are there to improve skills and to make working life more comfortable for everyone. A careers advisor will give you advice on certain career paths and advise you on the best way to go about your aims. You can get a lot of information in a career in the industry from an advisor, as they know what they are talking about and they can give you information on different people in the industry to contact. This is helpful in developing a career, as you will gain more information and positives and negatives on all areas of the job. You can go into the job knowing what you are responsible for and what you are entitled to.
Apprenticeships
Post 16 education offers a chance to participate in an apprenticeship scheme, where you will be training on the job, whilst getting paid. You can get an apprenticeship in most sectors of the media industry, such as TV and film, marketing, journalism etc. This is a good way to start in the industry, as when you have finished the apprenticeship you have practical experience of the business and your employer may want to permanently employ you.
Education
Going on to higher education is a very popular way to continue. Under/graduate media courses are run in most universities across the country, and the length of time varies as to which course you take. A full-time course would usually be 3 years. A part-time course would be 6 years. These courses are usually made up of practical units, and are often assessed through coursework. If you take a part time course, this gives you a chance to work when you are not studying. You could gain experience from applying to different work placements, which would help get you a better job later on. There are different level courses that you could take – Foundation (level 2) or Higher (level 3). Your entry to either course will depend on your results from previous assessments, such as GCSE’s. These are usually BTEC courses. Going onto a higher course may give you the chance to partake in many different areas of the industry, such as a film and TV course will have you complete units on documentaries, reality shows, film production etc, so this is a good way to help you decide and ensure you are following the right path. Colleges and universities also often have ties to certain media companies, such as the BBC. These will often give you an opportunity to carry out work experience or make a project for the company. You may also get a chance to use their equipment. Participating in any of these educational courses are highly likely to develop you career, as you would have better qualifications than someone who hadn’t taken the course. The qualifications will show an employer that you have worked hard to gain the achievement.
Skills Analysis
Education not only teaches information critical to the industry, but it also teaches skills that are needed to survive in the general working world. For example, personal skills such as communication are learnt by socialising in the classroom and listening to others. This is part of the hidden curriculum taught in education and working in the media industry, and being able to work in a team is something very important to the job, which is also used a lot in practical projects in the classroom. You will also learn skills on the computer, which, in the media industry, is very important. Computers are part of new age media, and they will be around for a very long time, so it is important that an employee is educated on how to use one efficiently. Most universities use software called Final Cut Pro, which is an editing software on an Apple Mac. This is one example which employers want employees to have experience with, and if you have already learnt this in the classroom then they are more likely to employ you. All practical media courses will provide you with a chance to use camera and lighting equipment, which is another factor which is important to employers. People with experience of equipment are more likely to get the job over others who do not have experience. This is where educational courses are going to give you more skills than some other routes can offer you.
Sources of Information
Unions are in place to support and fight for employees rights. If an employee feels they are being mistreated in any way then they can go to their union and they will give support and advice on what to do. They are also there to give information, should you need it. They can inform you about your rights as an employee and contract issues, for example. Sector skills councils are run by employers, and they are there to improve skills of workforces and to improve the productivity. These organisations will benefit the employees as they are there to improve skills and to make working life more comfortable for everyone. A careers advisor will give you advice on certain career paths and advise you on the best way to go about your aims. You can get a lot of information in a career in the industry from an advisor, as they know what they are talking about and they can give you information on different people in the industry to contact. This is helpful in developing a career, as you will gain more information and positives and negatives on all areas of the job. You can go into the job knowing what you are responsible for and what you are entitled to.
Task Four - Ongoing Work Applications
To date, I have applied for work experience at:
- BBC Solent
And I currently work:
- At hospital radio
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
Task Four - My CV
Task Four – Preparing a CV
This is an up to date CV that I have written. I will be adding more to it when I have gained more experience/qualifications.
Personal Details
Amy Browning
10 Hilltop Way,
Salisbury,
Wilts,
Sp1 3QY
Phone number: 01722 330473
Date of Birth: 21st February 1993
Email Address: amy2468@tiscali.co.uk
Nationality: British
Driving License: Clean
Highly motivated, committed, organised and willing to take on challenging tasks. Qualifications in media production and keen to try different approaches that will achieve improved quality of work for the company.
Key Skills and Achievements
• IT Key Skills Level 3
• Radio production and experience on radio desk
• Written a number of articles for college magazine “anthem”
• Certificate in First Aid
• Student receptionist for a day - carrying out responsibilities that the employed receptionist would do
• Teaching Assistant for a day – Assisting in classrooms teaching media studies
• Good communication skills – I am a good listener and I will discuss how and when projects need to be carried out
• Motivation – I am self motivated, but I also find it easy to motivate others.
Professional Experience
• September 2006 – Present: The Edwardian Lodge, Salisbury
-Waitressing
-Chambermaid
• February 2010 – Present: Hospital Radio, Odstock Hospital, Salisbury
-Producing radio show
-Controlling radio desk
-Playing music
-On air speaking
• April 2008 – May 2008 (two weeks): Traveller’s World work experience, Salisbury
-Accounting
-Assisting computer bookings
-General office assistant
Qualifications/Education
School/College Years
Harnham Infants, Salisbury 1997-2000
St Marks Junior, Salisbury 2000-2004
St Edmunds Girls, Salisbury 2004-2009
Totton College, Totton 2009-2011
Personal Details
Amy Browning
10 Hilltop Way,
Salisbury,
Wilts,
Sp1 3QY
Phone number: 01722 330473
Date of Birth: 21st February 1993
Email Address: amy2468@tiscali.co.uk
Nationality: British
Driving License: Clean
Highly motivated, committed, organised and willing to take on challenging tasks. Qualifications in media production and keen to try different approaches that will achieve improved quality of work for the company.
Key Skills and Achievements
• IT Key Skills Level 3
• Radio production and experience on radio desk
• Written a number of articles for college magazine “anthem”
• Certificate in First Aid
• Student receptionist for a day - carrying out responsibilities that the employed receptionist would do
• Teaching Assistant for a day – Assisting in classrooms teaching media studies
• Good communication skills – I am a good listener and I will discuss how and when projects need to be carried out
• Motivation – I am self motivated, but I also find it easy to motivate others.
Professional Experience
• September 2006 – Present: The Edwardian Lodge, Salisbury
-Waitressing
-Chambermaid
• February 2010 – Present: Hospital Radio, Odstock Hospital, Salisbury
-Producing radio show
-Controlling radio desk
-Playing music
-On air speaking
• April 2008 – May 2008 (two weeks): Traveller’s World work experience, Salisbury
-Accounting
-Assisting computer bookings
-General office assistant
Qualifications/Education
School/College Years
Harnham Infants, Salisbury 1997-2000
St Marks Junior, Salisbury 2000-2004
St Edmunds Girls, Salisbury 2004-2009
Totton College, Totton 2009-2011
GCSE Results
• Media Studies – A*
• Religious Studies – A*
• Physical Education – Distinction
• English Literature – A
• English Language – A
• Textiles – A
• Science Applied – A
• Science – B
• Mathematics – B
• Spanish – C
Personal Interests
• I have a large interest in the television industry, and I have been to many tapings of live shows which has broadened my knowledge of how a television crew operates, and the complications that arise. I am very keen to learn more about all aspects of the media industry.
• I have been a part of many team sports in the past, such as netball and football, which have led to competitions and leagues for me to compete in.
• As a hobby, I experiment with making and editing videos using Sony Vegas, and I also volunteer at a radio station weekly which I enjoy.
• I try to go to the cinema once a week with my friends as a socialising activity, but I also go because I love films and I am always interested in new releases.
• I love to travel, and I would love a career that would allow me to work and live abroad, as it is something that is very important to me.
• I also enjoy shopping and eating out with friends; I usually do this at the weekends to relax.
• I am currently studying journalism, which is another aspect of the media that I may want to pursue. I am interested in how the manipulation and mediation of news
• I love to listen to new music, so I often search YouTube for new and upcoming bands that I like.
• I am very interested in the Internet; it is something that I use daily. I read a lot of news on different websites, and I like to micro blog and use Internet forums.
• Media Studies – A*
• Religious Studies – A*
• Physical Education – Distinction
• English Literature – A
• English Language – A
• Textiles – A
• Science Applied – A
• Science – B
• Mathematics – B
• Spanish – C
Personal Interests
• I have a large interest in the television industry, and I have been to many tapings of live shows which has broadened my knowledge of how a television crew operates, and the complications that arise. I am very keen to learn more about all aspects of the media industry.
• I have been a part of many team sports in the past, such as netball and football, which have led to competitions and leagues for me to compete in.
• As a hobby, I experiment with making and editing videos using Sony Vegas, and I also volunteer at a radio station weekly which I enjoy.
• I try to go to the cinema once a week with my friends as a socialising activity, but I also go because I love films and I am always interested in new releases.
• I love to travel, and I would love a career that would allow me to work and live abroad, as it is something that is very important to me.
• I also enjoy shopping and eating out with friends; I usually do this at the weekends to relax.
• I am currently studying journalism, which is another aspect of the media that I may want to pursue. I am interested in how the manipulation and mediation of news
• I love to listen to new music, so I often search YouTube for new and upcoming bands that I like.
• I am very interested in the Internet; it is something that I use daily. I read a lot of news on different websites, and I like to micro blog and use Internet forums.
Task Four - CV Structure Research
Tips for CV Writing
• If a CV is more than 3 pages long then everything on the third page and beyond is unlikely to be read. Keep your CV to a maximum of 3 pages. No one wants to read your life story. Not all of it is relevant, and not everyone has the time.
• When CVs are scanned the reader cannot be bothered to read sentences. They want to pick out the keywords to see if the person has the experience and expertise required. This is one reason why it is useful to bolden the important parts so they stand out to the person scanning the words. They also take up less room than sentences. When CVs are scanned the reader cannot be bothered to read sentences. They want to pick out the keywords to see if the person has the experience and expertise required. This is one reason why it is useful to bolden the important parts so they stand out to the person scanning the words. They also take up less room than sentences.
• Without a summary of your skills the reader needs to read the whole CV and pick out the skills themselves.
• Each time you send your CV out it should be targeted directly to the position you are going for.
• If your CV does not have a profile that says precisely what you are then the reader is going to have to guess by reading your CV. Make sure have a profile on your CV, and ensure it is tailored to the position.
• If you have 10 years experience, don’t put your education on the first page. It is really not as important as the most recent experience you have. Clients want highly skilled contractors with recent and relevant experience - not graduates. If you have only been working for a couple of years, then you could consider adding education in the expertise and achievement section, but still put it all in the main section at the end. But don’t waste
• Having a good achievements section can put you above the rest who don’t. Achievements state the measurable benefits you provided to your clients that justified your pay cheque. They are things you did that saved time, saved money, made more money, won more business, and so on.
• Too much use of the word ‘I’ can appear self indulgent and does not appear as professional. Remove the use of it entirely. Use action words like designed, improved, completed, or initiated.
• Writing a CV well involves putting yourself in the shoes of the people who are going to read it. The front page needs to convince the reader in no uncertain terms that you are the best person for the role.
• CVs should be no more than two pages, on good (e.g. 90-100gsm) white paper, typed or word-processed, and preferably in a font no smaller than 12 point.
Format:
• Name
• Contact details
• Profile Statement - The statement should be no more than 2-3 lines in length and it should be filled with the kind of "attribute" words which will help the reader identify you as a potential candidate for the kind of role that you want to get. To take a couple of examples:
o A highly organized and experienced Payroll/Human Resources Administrator, with excellent communication and IT skills
o Self-motivated, committed software development team leader with over ten years experience developing large scale, robust systems to high quality standards using multiple platforms and languages
• Bulleted list of key achievements and skills - trying to keep each one to no more than a single line, and using "action" words which reinforce the positive role which you had.
• Actual Professional experience - List jobs in reverse order and try to ensure that your most recent and relevant roles fit onto the first page.
o Name the company you were working for (with dates)
o Have 2-3 lines summarising the main parameters of that job.
o If you had multiple roles in the same company, have an entry for each.
o For the most recent role you may also like to list 4-5 points summarising your role and achievements. Try to use action words.
o Ensure that you can account for any gaps in the dates. In interviews, this is always one of the first things checked. Prospective employers use this history to try and build a picture of how the candidate's career has developed.
• List qualifications- (Highest first and work-based qualifications before academic ones). Add any courses which are relevant to the job role you are seeking too, and if these led to formal qualifications or not. For example, if you have attended a presentation skills course, this could be relevant for a lot of IT roles.
• List professional memberships
• Remainder of your personal information e.g. Full clean driving license, date of birth. Opinions seem to vary on whether you should mention your existing salary or package.
Agencies will almost certainly ask this straight away if you do not volunteer this information. However, you can distinguish clearly between "package" (performance bonus, car, BUPA, pension, creche etc..) and basic salary; and it is perhaps better to say what you are looking for, rather than what you had before.
• Personal interests – Does not have to be long. Team based sports are good as they show you have worked with others.
• If a CV is more than 3 pages long then everything on the third page and beyond is unlikely to be read. Keep your CV to a maximum of 3 pages. No one wants to read your life story. Not all of it is relevant, and not everyone has the time.
• When CVs are scanned the reader cannot be bothered to read sentences. They want to pick out the keywords to see if the person has the experience and expertise required. This is one reason why it is useful to bolden the important parts so they stand out to the person scanning the words. They also take up less room than sentences. When CVs are scanned the reader cannot be bothered to read sentences. They want to pick out the keywords to see if the person has the experience and expertise required. This is one reason why it is useful to bolden the important parts so they stand out to the person scanning the words. They also take up less room than sentences.
• Without a summary of your skills the reader needs to read the whole CV and pick out the skills themselves.
• Each time you send your CV out it should be targeted directly to the position you are going for.
• If your CV does not have a profile that says precisely what you are then the reader is going to have to guess by reading your CV. Make sure have a profile on your CV, and ensure it is tailored to the position.
• If you have 10 years experience, don’t put your education on the first page. It is really not as important as the most recent experience you have. Clients want highly skilled contractors with recent and relevant experience - not graduates. If you have only been working for a couple of years, then you could consider adding education in the expertise and achievement section, but still put it all in the main section at the end. But don’t waste
• Having a good achievements section can put you above the rest who don’t. Achievements state the measurable benefits you provided to your clients that justified your pay cheque. They are things you did that saved time, saved money, made more money, won more business, and so on.
• Too much use of the word ‘I’ can appear self indulgent and does not appear as professional. Remove the use of it entirely. Use action words like designed, improved, completed, or initiated.
• Writing a CV well involves putting yourself in the shoes of the people who are going to read it. The front page needs to convince the reader in no uncertain terms that you are the best person for the role.
• CVs should be no more than two pages, on good (e.g. 90-100gsm) white paper, typed or word-processed, and preferably in a font no smaller than 12 point.
Format:
• Name
• Contact details
• Profile Statement - The statement should be no more than 2-3 lines in length and it should be filled with the kind of "attribute" words which will help the reader identify you as a potential candidate for the kind of role that you want to get. To take a couple of examples:
o A highly organized and experienced Payroll/Human Resources Administrator, with excellent communication and IT skills
o Self-motivated, committed software development team leader with over ten years experience developing large scale, robust systems to high quality standards using multiple platforms and languages
• Bulleted list of key achievements and skills - trying to keep each one to no more than a single line, and using "action" words which reinforce the positive role which you had.
• Actual Professional experience - List jobs in reverse order and try to ensure that your most recent and relevant roles fit onto the first page.
o Name the company you were working for (with dates)
o Have 2-3 lines summarising the main parameters of that job.
o If you had multiple roles in the same company, have an entry for each.
o For the most recent role you may also like to list 4-5 points summarising your role and achievements. Try to use action words.
o Ensure that you can account for any gaps in the dates. In interviews, this is always one of the first things checked. Prospective employers use this history to try and build a picture of how the candidate's career has developed.
• List qualifications- (Highest first and work-based qualifications before academic ones). Add any courses which are relevant to the job role you are seeking too, and if these led to formal qualifications or not. For example, if you have attended a presentation skills course, this could be relevant for a lot of IT roles.
• List professional memberships
• Remainder of your personal information e.g. Full clean driving license, date of birth. Opinions seem to vary on whether you should mention your existing salary or package.
Agencies will almost certainly ask this straight away if you do not volunteer this information. However, you can distinguish clearly between "package" (performance bonus, car, BUPA, pension, creche etc..) and basic salary; and it is perhaps better to say what you are looking for, rather than what you had before.
• Personal interests – Does not have to be long. Team based sports are good as they show you have worked with others.
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
Task Two - Job Roles in the Industry
Job Roles in the Industry
A management role in the media industry could include jobs in any field (music, televisions, radio etc) as all areas of work need managers. Manager’s roles would include liaising with company partners, ensuring all business deals are in place and there are no problems. It is also up to the manager to ensure that all employees are happy and being treated fairly. As a manager, you are considered to be a role model to the rest of the workforce, and you should be trustworthy and approachable, to ensure that any queries or problems that arise can be easily sorted. A manager role could also include dealing with clients and client’s requests. The manager of a web design company, for example, will have many clients that they will have to meet expectations for, and it is up to the manager to ensure quality of work is high. A manager for an advertising agency could earn between £35,000 - £65,000 p.a.
Creative roles in the industry could include anything such as a music video producer, script writer, video game creator, magazine designer or web designer. These roles include thinking of ideas and presenting them to a team who are ready to produce and move forward with these ideas. Often, the creative side will not only include the pre production, but also overseeing or participating in the production and post production of a media product, depending on the job title. An example would be a creative media producer for a digital agency, who could earn £35,000 - £40,000 p.a.
A technical role could involve camera operation, special effects work, sound/lighting experts or setting up web pages. These jobs could mean working on a set, working as a business, such as a web based business, or working behind the scenes. Working on the DJ decks at a radio station is a technical job, as there are many controls that have to be carefully worked. Some of these jobs may just be part time, or an employee may be needed for a few days work. For example, a small company wants to employ a professional camera operator for 3 days, and they are paying £300 per day.
Research is vital in all areas of the industry, because without it, producers and creators would not know what the target audience want. Market research could be carried out to find out new information about a new product, by collecting qualitative and quantitative data to use in future developments. Researching what products are on the market is also important, because in the media, you cannot afford to create the same product that has already been made, so it is important to make changes and improvements to what is already out there. For example, there are hundreds of radio stations out there, but to make sure yours stands out, it is important to research what the target audience want to listen to, and Radio 1 do this by taking requests and looking into new artists. For example, a research executive could earn £23,000 – £26,000.
A financial role in the media includes jobs such as accounting, and sorting out funds for the company so they know how much expenditure they have. It is important that the funds are kept close track of, as the company could go into serious debt if they are wrong. Without employees qualified in the financial area, equipment, such as cameras and lighting may not be affordable. These employees may also be responsible for finding the cheapest equipment and taking note of prices and also the wages for the employees. They will sort out the wage packet and decipher how much each employee has earned by the pay day. A part qualified media accountant could earn £28,000 - £35,000.
Organisational roles in the industry could include jobs such as organising events, e.g. awards ceremonies, and organising tickets and entrance passes. This job could also entail the construction of sets and the allowing of staff on sets. For a live TV audience, it is important that there are staff to direct the audience to their seats, and an employee to organise where all the equipment will be places and ordered. This is important, as when it comes to filming, all staff must know where the cameras etc are, as for a smooth shooting and it will take less time. This is just a few examples of what an organisational role could entail. In all aspects of the industry, it is important to be on time and in the right place for the project. A media relations manager could earn £26,610 - £29,566.
An administrative job will include doing all the paperwork for the company, and filling out forms and contracts. For example, if you work for a newspaper company, there will be many legal forms that you must fill out to complete the publishing of certain articles. It may also include confirming the rights to use certain songs, if you work for a television show. Details on actors/staff/crew all must be gathered so there is contact information and contractual agreements printed. It is important that admin is completed before projects start. Admin is integral in the pre production and production stages of a production, as details on locations, equipment, actors etc can be gathered from this. For example, the wage for an Office Manager could range between £25,000 - £30,000 p.a.
Editorial jobs in the media industry are very important, and can vary within each field. This could include jobs such as editing newspapers, magazines, or films. Depending on the media text, the job requirements will be different. To edit a broadsheet newspaper, you must have degrees in English literature and language, but to edit a final cut for a TV show, you must have qualifications in TV production, and often advanced degrees. Editors are highly important in the media, because everything you will come across in the media is edited in some way. For example, a publicist will edit and reshape a story that has leaked into the press. This is not a job in the same field as an editor for a book, yet it is still an editing job. It is important that editing is smooth and does not break continuity, as this is one of the first things a viewer/audience will pick up on. If there is spelling or grammar mistakes in a magazine or newspaper, they will stick out obviously. Editing in the media could include a range of different types of jobs; a smaller job could include editing websites or a podcast for a radio station, however the bigger, more experienced jobs would include film editing or editing music videos and television shows, which reach a wider audience. Editing is a highly skilled job, and will often pay very well depending on experience and qualifications. A production editor could earn £22,000 - £24,500.
There are many jobs in the media that are freelance, or give the opportunity to be. Companies and businesses such as website designers, animators, editors, researchers etc. offer these opportunities. Advantages of working freelance is that you can choose your own workload and working hours, and you make 100% profit rather than paying wages. In the media, you will find a lot of self employed workers, who own successful businesses that have strong links with bigger companies. The bigger companies may want to give their work to small self owned businesses because it could be done quicker, and there is a large chance that it will be cheaper for them too. Building up trust and relations in the media industry is vital, as this is where the work comes from.
Shift work means working in hourly sections, with breaks in between. Jobs with shift work could include Operations Administrators, for example, who would work on a 12 hour shift basis, 4 days a week. As well as the wage, you are paid shift allowance. A typical working day if you are employed in an office is from 9am/930am until 5pm. On average, an employee will work 40 hours a week. These office hours will include breaks and lunch breaks.
Fixed term contracts are fairly easy to find in the industry. Most employers will want to employ you permanently, so they have fixed staff. But, in the media, some have fixed term contracts so that it will end when a certain project is completed, such as filmmakers will have fixed term contracts, so once they have directed/filmed the movie, then their contract with the film studio may terminate. Having a definite start/end date means that the company uses you only for what t hey need you to do and they are not contractually obliged to keep you employed after. This is a good way for employers to use the best staff out there, who are suited for the right jobs. This ties in with piece work – employees are paid only until the project is completed.
A management role in the media industry could include jobs in any field (music, televisions, radio etc) as all areas of work need managers. Manager’s roles would include liaising with company partners, ensuring all business deals are in place and there are no problems. It is also up to the manager to ensure that all employees are happy and being treated fairly. As a manager, you are considered to be a role model to the rest of the workforce, and you should be trustworthy and approachable, to ensure that any queries or problems that arise can be easily sorted. A manager role could also include dealing with clients and client’s requests. The manager of a web design company, for example, will have many clients that they will have to meet expectations for, and it is up to the manager to ensure quality of work is high. A manager for an advertising agency could earn between £35,000 - £65,000 p.a.
Creative roles in the industry could include anything such as a music video producer, script writer, video game creator, magazine designer or web designer. These roles include thinking of ideas and presenting them to a team who are ready to produce and move forward with these ideas. Often, the creative side will not only include the pre production, but also overseeing or participating in the production and post production of a media product, depending on the job title. An example would be a creative media producer for a digital agency, who could earn £35,000 - £40,000 p.a.
A technical role could involve camera operation, special effects work, sound/lighting experts or setting up web pages. These jobs could mean working on a set, working as a business, such as a web based business, or working behind the scenes. Working on the DJ decks at a radio station is a technical job, as there are many controls that have to be carefully worked. Some of these jobs may just be part time, or an employee may be needed for a few days work. For example, a small company wants to employ a professional camera operator for 3 days, and they are paying £300 per day.
Research is vital in all areas of the industry, because without it, producers and creators would not know what the target audience want. Market research could be carried out to find out new information about a new product, by collecting qualitative and quantitative data to use in future developments. Researching what products are on the market is also important, because in the media, you cannot afford to create the same product that has already been made, so it is important to make changes and improvements to what is already out there. For example, there are hundreds of radio stations out there, but to make sure yours stands out, it is important to research what the target audience want to listen to, and Radio 1 do this by taking requests and looking into new artists. For example, a research executive could earn £23,000 – £26,000.
A financial role in the media includes jobs such as accounting, and sorting out funds for the company so they know how much expenditure they have. It is important that the funds are kept close track of, as the company could go into serious debt if they are wrong. Without employees qualified in the financial area, equipment, such as cameras and lighting may not be affordable. These employees may also be responsible for finding the cheapest equipment and taking note of prices and also the wages for the employees. They will sort out the wage packet and decipher how much each employee has earned by the pay day. A part qualified media accountant could earn £28,000 - £35,000.
Organisational roles in the industry could include jobs such as organising events, e.g. awards ceremonies, and organising tickets and entrance passes. This job could also entail the construction of sets and the allowing of staff on sets. For a live TV audience, it is important that there are staff to direct the audience to their seats, and an employee to organise where all the equipment will be places and ordered. This is important, as when it comes to filming, all staff must know where the cameras etc are, as for a smooth shooting and it will take less time. This is just a few examples of what an organisational role could entail. In all aspects of the industry, it is important to be on time and in the right place for the project. A media relations manager could earn £26,610 - £29,566.
An administrative job will include doing all the paperwork for the company, and filling out forms and contracts. For example, if you work for a newspaper company, there will be many legal forms that you must fill out to complete the publishing of certain articles. It may also include confirming the rights to use certain songs, if you work for a television show. Details on actors/staff/crew all must be gathered so there is contact information and contractual agreements printed. It is important that admin is completed before projects start. Admin is integral in the pre production and production stages of a production, as details on locations, equipment, actors etc can be gathered from this. For example, the wage for an Office Manager could range between £25,000 - £30,000 p.a.
Editorial jobs in the media industry are very important, and can vary within each field. This could include jobs such as editing newspapers, magazines, or films. Depending on the media text, the job requirements will be different. To edit a broadsheet newspaper, you must have degrees in English literature and language, but to edit a final cut for a TV show, you must have qualifications in TV production, and often advanced degrees. Editors are highly important in the media, because everything you will come across in the media is edited in some way. For example, a publicist will edit and reshape a story that has leaked into the press. This is not a job in the same field as an editor for a book, yet it is still an editing job. It is important that editing is smooth and does not break continuity, as this is one of the first things a viewer/audience will pick up on. If there is spelling or grammar mistakes in a magazine or newspaper, they will stick out obviously. Editing in the media could include a range of different types of jobs; a smaller job could include editing websites or a podcast for a radio station, however the bigger, more experienced jobs would include film editing or editing music videos and television shows, which reach a wider audience. Editing is a highly skilled job, and will often pay very well depending on experience and qualifications. A production editor could earn £22,000 - £24,500.
There are many jobs in the media that are freelance, or give the opportunity to be. Companies and businesses such as website designers, animators, editors, researchers etc. offer these opportunities. Advantages of working freelance is that you can choose your own workload and working hours, and you make 100% profit rather than paying wages. In the media, you will find a lot of self employed workers, who own successful businesses that have strong links with bigger companies. The bigger companies may want to give their work to small self owned businesses because it could be done quicker, and there is a large chance that it will be cheaper for them too. Building up trust and relations in the media industry is vital, as this is where the work comes from.
Shift work means working in hourly sections, with breaks in between. Jobs with shift work could include Operations Administrators, for example, who would work on a 12 hour shift basis, 4 days a week. As well as the wage, you are paid shift allowance. A typical working day if you are employed in an office is from 9am/930am until 5pm. On average, an employee will work 40 hours a week. These office hours will include breaks and lunch breaks.
Fixed term contracts are fairly easy to find in the industry. Most employers will want to employ you permanently, so they have fixed staff. But, in the media, some have fixed term contracts so that it will end when a certain project is completed, such as filmmakers will have fixed term contracts, so once they have directed/filmed the movie, then their contract with the film studio may terminate. Having a definite start/end date means that the company uses you only for what t hey need you to do and they are not contractually obliged to keep you employed after. This is a good way for employers to use the best staff out there, who are suited for the right jobs. This ties in with piece work – employees are paid only until the project is completed.
Task Two - Figure in the Media
Investigation into a Figure in the Media Industry
Simon Cowell, dubbed more famous in Britain than the Queen by school children, is a television, music and media mogul. Born in Brighton in October 1959, Cowell got his first experience of the media when he became a runner for “The Shining” as a teenager. Throughout his younger years, he had many jobs in the industry, including working in the mailroom at EMI, an assistant for an A&R employer and a music publishing position. In the early 1980’s, Cowell became partners with his EMI boss and created a music label which created 5 top 40 charting UK singles.
A few years later, Cowell got his big break. He was employed by Iain Burton at Fanfare Records, who produced the artist Sinitta. Selling more than half a million albums, Sinitta earned Cowell a small fortune. He even appeared in her video for the song “Toyboy”. However, in 1989 disaster struck the label meaning Cowell lost everything. Debt overcame him and he lost every penny that he had earned.
His next job as an A&R consultant for BMG saw him sign successful acts such as Sonia, Westlife, Five, Curiosity Killed the Cat and, after much pressure and months of chasing them around, he signed the famous TV duo Robson and Jerome.
After watching novelty TV acts become such phenomenon’s worldwide, Cowell figured he could link both television and music together and appeal to the young demographic of the country by selling tracks from the likes of the Teletubbies, WWF wrestlers, Zig and Zag and the Power Rangers. Before Cowell started working on this project, his employers had little faith in him, deeming the idea ridiculous. However, Cowell proved them wrong by becoming hugely successful and increasingly well known within the business.
Cowell made his TV debut on the 90’s quiz show Sale of the Century, before finally signing onto the Idol franchise in 2001, seeing him appear on the first season of Pop Idol, alongside his good friend Pete Waterman. He became famous for his extravagantly rude critiques and bitter attitude. The next year, 2002, saw Cowell travel over to the USA to join the judging panel of American Idol. He had no idea how he would be received in the USA, but the show, currently in its 9th season, has become the number one TV show in the world, ratings peaking at 38 million viewers. Cowell has often stated how due to his harsh comments, contestants would wait outside the auditioning arena with baseball bats for him.
In 2002, Cowell started his own record label named Syco Music, becoming part of the Song BMG umbrella company. Winning artists from Cowell’s shows would go on to be signed to this label.
Following Idol, Cowell moved on to create his own talent show, called The X Factor, debuting in 2004. This was produced by this Syco production company, but Simon Fuller, the producer and creator of the Idol franchise saw too many similarities in the two programmes and sued him – this was settled out of court. Cowell not only stars in, but also creates and produces The X Factor annually, which has also become an international phenomenon and the highest rated show on UK TV.
Expanding his television empire even more, Cowell introduced America’s Got Talent onto American network NBC in 2006, although not judging on, due to contract agreements with FOX. Following the successful ratings; beating rival producer Simon Fuller’s So You Think You Can Dance, Cowell followed America’s Got Talent with Britain’s Got Talent, appearing on ITV – the same network as The X Factor – during spring. Perhaps the most well known star originating on one of Cowell’s shows would be Susan Boyle, who became an overnight international star due to Youtube, resulting in a second place position on Britain’s Got Talent and a record deal with Syco.
Following the success and higher power Cowell has with The X Factor, in January 2010 he officially announced that he would not be resigning with American Idol, and due to quit at the end of the 9th season, to launch American X Factor beginning in Fall of 2011. This is to be launched due to the deal Cowell finalised with Sony Music Entertainment. Both Idol and American X Factor will subsequently be broadcast on the same network – Fox, which will see more competition from Fuller. However, it is thought that American Idol will end after the 10th season to make way for American X Factor.
Cowell has also created and produced smaller shows with disappointing ratings, such as American Inventor, Rock Rivals, Grease is the Word and Celebrity Duets. Alongside television work, he still works as a record producer.
Following the new deals with Sony, ITV and the launch of American X Factor, Cowell is likely to move from being a millionaire to a billionaire in the next year, and is suspected to net a fortune of £70 million this year.
Due to all of the aforementioned shows, and his contribution to the change in television, Cowell has been awarded an Emmy which he will receive in November 2010.
Simon Cowell, dubbed more famous in Britain than the Queen by school children, is a television, music and media mogul. Born in Brighton in October 1959, Cowell got his first experience of the media when he became a runner for “The Shining” as a teenager. Throughout his younger years, he had many jobs in the industry, including working in the mailroom at EMI, an assistant for an A&R employer and a music publishing position. In the early 1980’s, Cowell became partners with his EMI boss and created a music label which created 5 top 40 charting UK singles.
A few years later, Cowell got his big break. He was employed by Iain Burton at Fanfare Records, who produced the artist Sinitta. Selling more than half a million albums, Sinitta earned Cowell a small fortune. He even appeared in her video for the song “Toyboy”. However, in 1989 disaster struck the label meaning Cowell lost everything. Debt overcame him and he lost every penny that he had earned.
His next job as an A&R consultant for BMG saw him sign successful acts such as Sonia, Westlife, Five, Curiosity Killed the Cat and, after much pressure and months of chasing them around, he signed the famous TV duo Robson and Jerome.
After watching novelty TV acts become such phenomenon’s worldwide, Cowell figured he could link both television and music together and appeal to the young demographic of the country by selling tracks from the likes of the Teletubbies, WWF wrestlers, Zig and Zag and the Power Rangers. Before Cowell started working on this project, his employers had little faith in him, deeming the idea ridiculous. However, Cowell proved them wrong by becoming hugely successful and increasingly well known within the business.
Cowell made his TV debut on the 90’s quiz show Sale of the Century, before finally signing onto the Idol franchise in 2001, seeing him appear on the first season of Pop Idol, alongside his good friend Pete Waterman. He became famous for his extravagantly rude critiques and bitter attitude. The next year, 2002, saw Cowell travel over to the USA to join the judging panel of American Idol. He had no idea how he would be received in the USA, but the show, currently in its 9th season, has become the number one TV show in the world, ratings peaking at 38 million viewers. Cowell has often stated how due to his harsh comments, contestants would wait outside the auditioning arena with baseball bats for him.
In 2002, Cowell started his own record label named Syco Music, becoming part of the Song BMG umbrella company. Winning artists from Cowell’s shows would go on to be signed to this label.
Following Idol, Cowell moved on to create his own talent show, called The X Factor, debuting in 2004. This was produced by this Syco production company, but Simon Fuller, the producer and creator of the Idol franchise saw too many similarities in the two programmes and sued him – this was settled out of court. Cowell not only stars in, but also creates and produces The X Factor annually, which has also become an international phenomenon and the highest rated show on UK TV.
Expanding his television empire even more, Cowell introduced America’s Got Talent onto American network NBC in 2006, although not judging on, due to contract agreements with FOX. Following the successful ratings; beating rival producer Simon Fuller’s So You Think You Can Dance, Cowell followed America’s Got Talent with Britain’s Got Talent, appearing on ITV – the same network as The X Factor – during spring. Perhaps the most well known star originating on one of Cowell’s shows would be Susan Boyle, who became an overnight international star due to Youtube, resulting in a second place position on Britain’s Got Talent and a record deal with Syco.
Following the success and higher power Cowell has with The X Factor, in January 2010 he officially announced that he would not be resigning with American Idol, and due to quit at the end of the 9th season, to launch American X Factor beginning in Fall of 2011. This is to be launched due to the deal Cowell finalised with Sony Music Entertainment. Both Idol and American X Factor will subsequently be broadcast on the same network – Fox, which will see more competition from Fuller. However, it is thought that American Idol will end after the 10th season to make way for American X Factor.
Cowell has also created and produced smaller shows with disappointing ratings, such as American Inventor, Rock Rivals, Grease is the Word and Celebrity Duets. Alongside television work, he still works as a record producer.
Following the new deals with Sony, ITV and the launch of American X Factor, Cowell is likely to move from being a millionaire to a billionaire in the next year, and is suspected to net a fortune of £70 million this year.
Due to all of the aforementioned shows, and his contribution to the change in television, Cowell has been awarded an Emmy which he will receive in November 2010.
Task Two - Media CV
Example CV
Dear Sarah,
I am writing in response to your advert in The Guardian (June 15th) requesting applicants for a Television Production Assistant on sports programmes. As a recent 2:1 Comparative Literary Studies and Film graduate with a strong desire to work in television production, and a good knowledge of sport and its media representation, I believe I am a good candidate for the position.
You will see from my enclosed CV that I have gained a wide variety of both transferable and specific skills, which relate to working in media:
Television experience: my work experience placement as a Runner on Granada TV's CrimeStopper gave me invaluable insight into the television process; with hands on experience of location shooting, studio filming, office work and general Runner duties. My time at Crimestoppers required me to work with policemen, film crews, actors and victims of severe crimes. Clear, concise and often very sensitive communicational skills were required.
Interest in the Media: My enjoyment and critical interest in the media (television, film, journalism, music, radio and new media) increased markedly throughout my degree, and has continued to grow since then.
Computer skills: During University I expanded my knowledge and confidence of Microsoft programs such as Internet Explorer, Word, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook Express. I actively enjoy researching on the Internet, and have a basic understanding of HTML and Visual Basic. My keyboard speed and accuracy has been increased by my recent database and in-house systems work at BT and Cornhill Insurance.
Writing/research skills: My degree has proven my ability to express critical opinions within a sustained argument. A high level of research and analytical reading was essential to reach this standard. The experiences of writing articles/reviews, short film scripts and adapting a play have increased my confidence in these skills.
I am available to start work immediately and I very much look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Yours sincerely
Hilary Potter
HILARY POTTER
OBJECTIVE: To gain entry-level media experience where creative initiative, ideas and a genuine enthusiasm would allow me to progress.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:
June - July 2008 CrimeStopper
One month work experience as a Production Runner:
Research: current affairs, Internet, archive, VT
Working in a busy office: clerical work, answering phones
Liaising with actors, policemen, general public and victims
Arranging delivery of packages, transport and hotels
Location and live studio experience: runner, soundman
Prop buying and set dressing
Jan - May 2008 Scream: University Film Society production
Co-director/cameraman/committee member:
Directing film crew and actors on location
Script and filming meetings; co-wrote shooting script
Jan - May 2008 In Camera - University Film Journal
Inquire: University Magazine
Writer/Critic:
Including cover article of summer issue of "In Camera"
Detailed research and working to deadlines
Nov. 2005 - June 2006 The Rocks - Production for degree coursework
Director/adapter:
Adapted a version of The Duchess of Malfi for an outdoor performance
Planned rehearsals and led them
Designed the sound, bought costumes, and helped build the set
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:
2005: 2008 University of Kent
BA (Hons) Comparative Literary Studies
Upper Second Class Honours
2003 - 2006 H Academy
A Levels: History: A, English Literature: B, Physics: B
1999 - 2003 Bosworth High School
9 GCSEs including 4 at A grade (including Maths), 3 at B grade (including English)
PAGE 2 OF CV
SKILLS:
Research skills: essay research via library/Internet; CrimeStopper archives
Fast and proficient IT: Word, Access, Internet Explorer, email, HTML and Visual Basic
Willingness to learn: acquired new skills through employment, CrimeStopper and creative projects
Teamwork: enjoy working in both team environments and independently
Problem solving: involvement in complex, low-budget projects, with time constraints
Communication skills: expressing critical opinions in essays and seminars
Self-motivation/management: achieving 2:1 degree, plus activities, whilst working to fund studies
Dependability: handled many sensitive issues at CrimeStopper
Providing excellent customer service: customer focused employment; liaising as a runner
Creativity: writing film scripts and articles; directing and adapting a play; co-directing a short film
INTERESTS:
Television: watching intelligent drama, sport and documentaries
Journalism: reading a broad range of publications (local and national) for the latest news and criticism
New Media: researching and exploring on the Internet; computer games
Cinema: going to cinema with friends; discussing film; reading critical works
Literature: continue to pursue this interest by reading a diverse range of texts
Music: listening to many different genres of music and going to gigs
Creative writing: currently planning and writing a short film screenplay
RECENT EMPLOYMENT:
Dec. 2007 - Present Cornhill Insurance
Assistant Administrator:
Administration: sorting post, filing and prioritising, sending follow-up letters
Sept.- Nov. 2007 BT
Customer Service:
Data entry: quick and accurate keyboard skills; paperwork
Sept 2006 - June 2008 WHS
Operations Assistant:
Providing high standard of customer service
Responsibility: Training, supervising, closing procedures
REFERENCES: I am happy to supply these on request.
Dear Sarah,
I am writing in response to your advert in The Guardian (June 15th) requesting applicants for a Television Production Assistant on sports programmes. As a recent 2:1 Comparative Literary Studies and Film graduate with a strong desire to work in television production, and a good knowledge of sport and its media representation, I believe I am a good candidate for the position.
You will see from my enclosed CV that I have gained a wide variety of both transferable and specific skills, which relate to working in media:
Television experience: my work experience placement as a Runner on Granada TV's CrimeStopper gave me invaluable insight into the television process; with hands on experience of location shooting, studio filming, office work and general Runner duties. My time at Crimestoppers required me to work with policemen, film crews, actors and victims of severe crimes. Clear, concise and often very sensitive communicational skills were required.
Interest in the Media: My enjoyment and critical interest in the media (television, film, journalism, music, radio and new media) increased markedly throughout my degree, and has continued to grow since then.
Computer skills: During University I expanded my knowledge and confidence of Microsoft programs such as Internet Explorer, Word, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook Express. I actively enjoy researching on the Internet, and have a basic understanding of HTML and Visual Basic. My keyboard speed and accuracy has been increased by my recent database and in-house systems work at BT and Cornhill Insurance.
Writing/research skills: My degree has proven my ability to express critical opinions within a sustained argument. A high level of research and analytical reading was essential to reach this standard. The experiences of writing articles/reviews, short film scripts and adapting a play have increased my confidence in these skills.
I am available to start work immediately and I very much look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Yours sincerely
Hilary Potter
HILARY POTTER
OBJECTIVE: To gain entry-level media experience where creative initiative, ideas and a genuine enthusiasm would allow me to progress.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:
June - July 2008 CrimeStopper
One month work experience as a Production Runner:
Research: current affairs, Internet, archive, VT
Working in a busy office: clerical work, answering phones
Liaising with actors, policemen, general public and victims
Arranging delivery of packages, transport and hotels
Location and live studio experience: runner, soundman
Prop buying and set dressing
Jan - May 2008 Scream: University Film Society production
Co-director/cameraman/committee member:
Directing film crew and actors on location
Script and filming meetings; co-wrote shooting script
Jan - May 2008 In Camera - University Film Journal
Inquire: University Magazine
Writer/Critic:
Including cover article of summer issue of "In Camera"
Detailed research and working to deadlines
Nov. 2005 - June 2006 The Rocks - Production for degree coursework
Director/adapter:
Adapted a version of The Duchess of Malfi for an outdoor performance
Planned rehearsals and led them
Designed the sound, bought costumes, and helped build the set
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:
2005: 2008 University of Kent
BA (Hons) Comparative Literary Studies
Upper Second Class Honours
2003 - 2006 H Academy
A Levels: History: A, English Literature: B, Physics: B
1999 - 2003 Bosworth High School
9 GCSEs including 4 at A grade (including Maths), 3 at B grade (including English)
PAGE 2 OF CV
SKILLS:
Research skills: essay research via library/Internet; CrimeStopper archives
Fast and proficient IT: Word, Access, Internet Explorer, email, HTML and Visual Basic
Willingness to learn: acquired new skills through employment, CrimeStopper and creative projects
Teamwork: enjoy working in both team environments and independently
Problem solving: involvement in complex, low-budget projects, with time constraints
Communication skills: expressing critical opinions in essays and seminars
Self-motivation/management: achieving 2:1 degree, plus activities, whilst working to fund studies
Dependability: handled many sensitive issues at CrimeStopper
Providing excellent customer service: customer focused employment; liaising as a runner
Creativity: writing film scripts and articles; directing and adapting a play; co-directing a short film
INTERESTS:
Television: watching intelligent drama, sport and documentaries
Journalism: reading a broad range of publications (local and national) for the latest news and criticism
New Media: researching and exploring on the Internet; computer games
Cinema: going to cinema with friends; discussing film; reading critical works
Literature: continue to pursue this interest by reading a diverse range of texts
Music: listening to many different genres of music and going to gigs
Creative writing: currently planning and writing a short film screenplay
RECENT EMPLOYMENT:
Dec. 2007 - Present Cornhill Insurance
Assistant Administrator:
Administration: sorting post, filing and prioritising, sending follow-up letters
Sept.- Nov. 2007 BT
Customer Service:
Data entry: quick and accurate keyboard skills; paperwork
Sept 2006 - June 2008 WHS
Operations Assistant:
Providing high standard of customer service
Responsibility: Training, supervising, closing procedures
REFERENCES: I am happy to supply these on request.
Task Two - Job Recruitment Sites
Media Job Recruitment Sites
• www.mandy.com
• www.pfj.co.uk
• www.mediaweekjobs.co.uk
• www.reed.co.uk/media
• www.monster.co.uk
• www.jobs.trovit.co.uk
Some of these sites are specifically for jobs in the media industry, such as mandy.com. Other will send you to a search engine and you can then select the industry and sector you would like to search for a job in. There are many jobs listed, and they are added daily to all of these websites. The sites are very helpful, as they list the location, salary, job requirements and roles, and qualifications needed. Some of the websites will allow you to view all this information for free, but on some you will have to email the business to get more information on the job. Some websites you can sign up to, to get more information and access to all parts of the site. You can send your CV to the websites, who will store it on a database which employers can find before they advertise a job. If they feel that you are the right person for the job, then they can contact you directly. This is an advantage of becoming a member of the sites. It will also match your CV to specific jobs, and recommend you jobs that would compliment your CV.
• www.mandy.com
• www.pfj.co.uk
• www.mediaweekjobs.co.uk
• www.reed.co.uk/media
• www.monster.co.uk
• www.jobs.trovit.co.uk
Some of these sites are specifically for jobs in the media industry, such as mandy.com. Other will send you to a search engine and you can then select the industry and sector you would like to search for a job in. There are many jobs listed, and they are added daily to all of these websites. The sites are very helpful, as they list the location, salary, job requirements and roles, and qualifications needed. Some of the websites will allow you to view all this information for free, but on some you will have to email the business to get more information on the job. Some websites you can sign up to, to get more information and access to all parts of the site. You can send your CV to the websites, who will store it on a database which employers can find before they advertise a job. If they feel that you are the right person for the job, then they can contact you directly. This is an advantage of becoming a member of the sites. It will also match your CV to specific jobs, and recommend you jobs that would compliment your CV.
Sunday, 21 March 2010
Task One - Technologies, Ownership & Funding
ITV is a British television broadcasting company whose 15 broadcasting licences are owned by ITV Plc (England and Wales), STV (Scotland), UTV (Northern Ireland) and Channel Television (Channel Islands). Following the Television Act 1954, - which passed a law to allow the first commercial television network to broadcast on UK television – ITV was launched in 1955, with the Independent Television Authority responsible for the regulation of the channel. Regional services within ITV (such as Associated Rediffusion, ATV, Granada and ABC) were required to produce their own regional news programs. On August 10th 1979, a 10 week dispute (the longest to date) over pay began, leaving viewers with no ITV channel. Subsequently, when ITV was back up and running, they had lost a lot of money and viewers to the BBC. During The Broadcasting Act of 1990, ITV legally changed its name to Channel 3, but is still referred to as ITV. Due to the fact that ITV2 was launched, in 2001 the ITV network channel was renamed ITV1, so as not to confuse viewers. ITV hit 50 years old in 2005, with the network running special celebratory programs such as a seven week Gameshow Marathon and a documentary series explaining the history of ITV.
ITV is a public service network, which means that they operate the broadcasts intended for the public benefit rather than just commercial concerns. As part of the public service licence to broadcast, ITV must fulfil requirements set by Ofcom, which include meeting quotas for news, current affairs, independent, European, children's and religious programming, output containing subtitles, signing and audio description. ITV are also legally obliged to screen party election broadcasts. This is because these types of programs target all different types of people, and what the general public wants to see. If ITV were to break these rules, and not meet the quota, they would be fined. Being a PSB hinders ITV in a way that limits their freedom of what they can broadcast. For example, they must show some kind of religious programming, and if there are a limited number of religious people who will watch the show, then their viewership will decrease. However, it also helps ITV, as this is an easier and sure way of determining their broadcasting license as long as they meet all the quotas. It also reaches a bigger and more diverse audience, if they show programs with subtitles and signing, then they are appealing to the deaf audience, who would usually struggle to watch television without this kind of help. However, following the Digital Switchover, Ofcom and the British government are unsure as to whether they will be able to make ITV conform to any public service requirements.
As a company broadcasting on television, technology has had a major effect on the way that ITV operates. During November of 1969, PAL colour was introduced to parts of the UK using a higher definition 625-line system. This was not functioning on 100% of television sets across the whole of the UK until 1976. This was a major step in technology, and it meant that ITV gained increasing numbers of viewers due to the interest in the development. In 1974, a service called ORACLE (later replaced by teletext ltd.), a teletext provider was launched onto ITV. This provided real time information for the likes of sports, news, lottery results, holiday information, betting guides etc. When ITV was launched, it was using an analogue signal. This meant that the company was only competing with BBC, as these were the two main channels sent and available on the analogue signal. However, when satellite and cable television came into practise, ITV had a lot more competition to fight for viewers with. More and more television channels were being introduced, and that meant that ITV had to expand their programming schedule. However, ITV was still free to watch, whereas viewers have to pay monthly for cable and satellite channels. ITV saw a decrease in viewer shares due to this new technology, and an even larger decrease when Digital TV was introduced. A recent progress made by technology has ensured that by 2012, the whole of the UK will have completed the ‘Digital Switchover’, meaning that the whole country will have access to 100+ channels using Freeview (or Digital Terrestrial Television). This is not a good sign for ITV, whose viewership numbers have been decreasing for years, as this means that all viewers will have a choice of more programs on more channels, resulting in a substantial loss of money for ITV. As a result of this, ITV has introduced many more channels, such as ITV2, ITV3, ITV4 and CITV to try to boost ratings. CITV is a children’s channel, which appeals to a different audience than the regular ITV channels would, therefore bringing in more viewers. The development of the internet has had a great effect on ITV, as anyone with internet access can now watch programs broadcast on ITV through illegal sites on the internet, therefore decreasing ratings. You can now also watch programs broadcast on ITV through the ITV Player on www.ITV.com. This is an advantage, as if a viewer missed the program when it was broadcast on TV, they can then catch up on the internet service, ensuring that they will then watch the next episode on TV. It is also an advantage as ITV can charge companies to place their advertisements during the videos, earning ITV more money. Being interactive with the viewers has changed the way some programs work. For example, a major broadcast on ITV is The X Factor, and without the public and without the show being interactive, it would not work. The development of introducing phone in lines allows the viewers to take part in the program, attracting more viewers as it directly involves them.
From the launch of the channel, ITV has been funded by advertising and sponsorship. Adverts are shown regularly on all ITV channels, usually every 15 minutes (although not as regular during films). These companies who pay for a 30 second advert are funding the channel, so as a viewer, we do not have to. Although everybody pays for a TV licence, none of the profit made goes to ITV, just the BBC. For a 30 second advert (broadcast on LWT – the London broadcasting region) during peak broadcasting time – 730pm, during Coronation Street – ITV charges £15,449. However, adverts can be as cheap as £30 to broadcast; i.e. on Border/ITV1 at 11am. Companies can also pay for a slot on the ITV Player, ensuring maximum coverage for their product. As well as advertising, ITV earns their profit from sponsorships. Each program on ITV is sponsored by a company, offering ITV money for advertising their product during the show. ITV offers a package of running time for their adverts that each sponsor will receive:
Opening break: 15 seconds
Centre break out of show: 10 seconds
Centre break into show: 10 seconds
End break: 5 seconds
The company sponsoring the programs on ITV will pay ITV a substantial amount of money, and they will agree to a contract (usually the length of the series) which can then be either renewed or ITV will change to a different sponsor. For example, Harveys has been sponsoring Coronation Street since September 2007, and they are contracted until January 2011. ITV2 has had issues with product placement, as the US broadcasting company FOX are sponsored by Coke and iTunes, whose products are advertised throughout American Idol. As neither Coke nor iTunes sponsors the UK broadcasting, ITV2 has to cut out the Coke/iTunes plugs which are broadcasted throughout the show, and they have to blur the Coke logo on the cups so they do not show to the UK audience.
ITV has had fierce competition from the likes of BBC1 over the years that it has been operating. As BBC was the monopoly company, ITV had to try to break free and become a recognisable and respected broadcasting channel to win in the ratings war. BBC1 has beaten ITV in the Edinburgh International Television festival “Channel of the Year Award” for the past 3 years. Over the years, ITV has developed into a well known British television channel, broadcasting some of the most popular programs to date watched by the British public.ITV have been in financial trouble over the past few years, but are slowly regaining their position in the industry thanks to the quality of programming being broadcasted. ITV’s audience shares are slowly increasing, with a viewer share of 28.2% in 2009 (an increase of 1.5%).
ITV is a public service network, which means that they operate the broadcasts intended for the public benefit rather than just commercial concerns. As part of the public service licence to broadcast, ITV must fulfil requirements set by Ofcom, which include meeting quotas for news, current affairs, independent, European, children's and religious programming, output containing subtitles, signing and audio description. ITV are also legally obliged to screen party election broadcasts. This is because these types of programs target all different types of people, and what the general public wants to see. If ITV were to break these rules, and not meet the quota, they would be fined. Being a PSB hinders ITV in a way that limits their freedom of what they can broadcast. For example, they must show some kind of religious programming, and if there are a limited number of religious people who will watch the show, then their viewership will decrease. However, it also helps ITV, as this is an easier and sure way of determining their broadcasting license as long as they meet all the quotas. It also reaches a bigger and more diverse audience, if they show programs with subtitles and signing, then they are appealing to the deaf audience, who would usually struggle to watch television without this kind of help. However, following the Digital Switchover, Ofcom and the British government are unsure as to whether they will be able to make ITV conform to any public service requirements.
As a company broadcasting on television, technology has had a major effect on the way that ITV operates. During November of 1969, PAL colour was introduced to parts of the UK using a higher definition 625-line system. This was not functioning on 100% of television sets across the whole of the UK until 1976. This was a major step in technology, and it meant that ITV gained increasing numbers of viewers due to the interest in the development. In 1974, a service called ORACLE (later replaced by teletext ltd.), a teletext provider was launched onto ITV. This provided real time information for the likes of sports, news, lottery results, holiday information, betting guides etc. When ITV was launched, it was using an analogue signal. This meant that the company was only competing with BBC, as these were the two main channels sent and available on the analogue signal. However, when satellite and cable television came into practise, ITV had a lot more competition to fight for viewers with. More and more television channels were being introduced, and that meant that ITV had to expand their programming schedule. However, ITV was still free to watch, whereas viewers have to pay monthly for cable and satellite channels. ITV saw a decrease in viewer shares due to this new technology, and an even larger decrease when Digital TV was introduced. A recent progress made by technology has ensured that by 2012, the whole of the UK will have completed the ‘Digital Switchover’, meaning that the whole country will have access to 100+ channels using Freeview (or Digital Terrestrial Television). This is not a good sign for ITV, whose viewership numbers have been decreasing for years, as this means that all viewers will have a choice of more programs on more channels, resulting in a substantial loss of money for ITV. As a result of this, ITV has introduced many more channels, such as ITV2, ITV3, ITV4 and CITV to try to boost ratings. CITV is a children’s channel, which appeals to a different audience than the regular ITV channels would, therefore bringing in more viewers. The development of the internet has had a great effect on ITV, as anyone with internet access can now watch programs broadcast on ITV through illegal sites on the internet, therefore decreasing ratings. You can now also watch programs broadcast on ITV through the ITV Player on www.ITV.com. This is an advantage, as if a viewer missed the program when it was broadcast on TV, they can then catch up on the internet service, ensuring that they will then watch the next episode on TV. It is also an advantage as ITV can charge companies to place their advertisements during the videos, earning ITV more money. Being interactive with the viewers has changed the way some programs work. For example, a major broadcast on ITV is The X Factor, and without the public and without the show being interactive, it would not work. The development of introducing phone in lines allows the viewers to take part in the program, attracting more viewers as it directly involves them.
From the launch of the channel, ITV has been funded by advertising and sponsorship. Adverts are shown regularly on all ITV channels, usually every 15 minutes (although not as regular during films). These companies who pay for a 30 second advert are funding the channel, so as a viewer, we do not have to. Although everybody pays for a TV licence, none of the profit made goes to ITV, just the BBC. For a 30 second advert (broadcast on LWT – the London broadcasting region) during peak broadcasting time – 730pm, during Coronation Street – ITV charges £15,449. However, adverts can be as cheap as £30 to broadcast; i.e. on Border/ITV1 at 11am. Companies can also pay for a slot on the ITV Player, ensuring maximum coverage for their product. As well as advertising, ITV earns their profit from sponsorships. Each program on ITV is sponsored by a company, offering ITV money for advertising their product during the show. ITV offers a package of running time for their adverts that each sponsor will receive:
Opening break: 15 seconds
Centre break out of show: 10 seconds
Centre break into show: 10 seconds
End break: 5 seconds
The company sponsoring the programs on ITV will pay ITV a substantial amount of money, and they will agree to a contract (usually the length of the series) which can then be either renewed or ITV will change to a different sponsor. For example, Harveys has been sponsoring Coronation Street since September 2007, and they are contracted until January 2011. ITV2 has had issues with product placement, as the US broadcasting company FOX are sponsored by Coke and iTunes, whose products are advertised throughout American Idol. As neither Coke nor iTunes sponsors the UK broadcasting, ITV2 has to cut out the Coke/iTunes plugs which are broadcasted throughout the show, and they have to blur the Coke logo on the cups so they do not show to the UK audience.
ITV has had fierce competition from the likes of BBC1 over the years that it has been operating. As BBC was the monopoly company, ITV had to try to break free and become a recognisable and respected broadcasting channel to win in the ratings war. BBC1 has beaten ITV in the Edinburgh International Television festival “Channel of the Year Award” for the past 3 years. Over the years, ITV has developed into a well known British television channel, broadcasting some of the most popular programs to date watched by the British public.ITV have been in financial trouble over the past few years, but are slowly regaining their position in the industry thanks to the quality of programming being broadcasted. ITV’s audience shares are slowly increasing, with a viewer share of 28.2% in 2009 (an increase of 1.5%).
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