The role of the researcher in media production and the importance of research to the production process

This blog post is going to be talk about the role of the researcher in media production and the importance of research to the production process...

The role of the researcher in the media production involves important duties – for example; organise/develop program ideas, using their knowledge/understanding of the industry requirements and also present their ideas to professionals who decide whether they like it or not. If the professionals like the idea, the researcher will develop it further to make it more realistic.  As an alternative they can produce original ideas (program) – this can be considered by the producers, broadcasters, production companies and more decision makers. The researcher as well is a fact checker/brief writers who will then write their own scripts for on-screen presenters.

Responsibilities

Keep up to date on contact lists

Being able to access important information from different sources

Need to source/suggest suitable contributors

Demonstrate their inputs into each production

Be aware of legal/ethical action when announcing information to the public/press

Have excellent verbal/written communication skills

Excellent presentation skills

Pay precise attention to detail

Have a methodical approach towards work

Be able to think of good ideas and think visually

Show strong problem solving skills

Have advanced IT skills

Show both diplomacy/sensitivity when working in a team

The researcher also needs to have a good knowledge if the relevant regulations/associated procedures are included in copyright, data protection, public liability and also how to deal with the regulatory requirements.  The requirement that it is definite to be a researcher is knowledge of the requirements of the health and safety legislation/procedures.     

In order to be a researcher you won’t need a specific qualification but you do need a degree in either media-related/drama course or a specific course.  You will need to start as a runner in order to become a researcher, or you could go into training which will get you to the same carer choice (researcher). 

The importance of being a researcher in the media production is that the process is very high which means that the production stage of the job is only based round the research, so this is when the researcher will gather up facts around the specific topic they are doing and making sure it is right.  Once they have finished planning the production, the director/producer will confirm it is time to start filming/planning to film.