Researcher – The Hard Shoulder, Newstalk

Newstalk is Ireland’s fastest growing independent talk radio station in Ireland, with a weekly reach of 786,000 people across 26 counties. Newstalk continues to grow its audience each year and is known across the nation as the independent voice of Ireland, boasting a strong line-up of Ireland’s leading broadcasters.

Newstalk is also one of the most respected media brands in the country, having a track record for engaging content and campaigns that have helped to grow our reputation and our listenership.

The Role

Newstalk is recruiting for a researcher to join one of our flagship news and current affairs programmes, The Hard Shoulder.  We're looking for an experienced, creative and ambitious person to be part of a leadership team for a programme that sets the agenda while helping to grow the audience.

What you’ll do

• Generate and develop the best original ideas for the programme and to research items as per recommendation by the Producer
• React to breaking news quickly so that it gets to air accurately and first
• Edit relevant audio clips for the programme
• Break news stories and develop new angles and contributors on existing stories.
• Secure on-air exclusives for the programme.
• Assist the Producer in all activities pertaining to the programme while it is on-air including editing and researching of items.
• Identify opportunities for on location reports to be carried out by a member of the programming team.
• Write scripts and collate briefing material for the presenter
• Drive the programme’s presence on digital platforms
• Source new voices for the programme
• Bring energy and fun to the on air product
• Co-ordinate and develop podcasts
• Other ad hoc tasks to keep us organised.

If the following traits sound like you, you might be the right person for the job:

• You have experience researching on a live radio programme
• You have working knowledge of broadcast journalism
• Strong interest in current affairs and items that get people talking
• You’re a self-starter who can identify, pitch and develop current affairs and feature items for broadcast
• You are proficient in recording and editing and the workings of digital and social media
• Ability to multi-task and work well under pressure and to deadlines

Before applying, make sure you tick the following boxes:

• The ideal candidate will have at least one years’ experience in a similar role.
• Qualification in a related discipline

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 12th July 2023.