Wanted: a research producer

The Spectator is the world’s oldest magazine. More people than ever are reading us, online and in print, and they’re listening and watching our broadcast output too. Our podcasts now get downloaded more than two million times each month, and Spectator TV often gets more than a million views a month.

We are looking to hire a research producer, working in our broadcast team. Our team of four set up Spectator TV and produce podcasts on everything from politics to books and food, and we have big ambitions for the future.

We need someone to provide research, deliver briefings, write entertaining questions and scripts, and support the team with editing it all. You must understand what The Spectator, in print, online and in broadcast, is all about.

To apply, please send a cover letter outlining your experience (this is not an entry-level role), and do at least five of the following tasks:

1. It’s 2020. Suggest three ways to make a podcast titled ‘Green levelling up: How to deliver regional growth in an age of Net Zero’ interesting.
2. Imagine that Kate Winslet is coming on Women With Balls. Come up with 10 questions for Katy to ask her.
3. List three guests that could come on Marshall Matters. Tell us why you chose them.
4. Imagine that Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Foundation is sponsoring a Spectator podcast. Write a short brief for the podcast host which explains why Archewell would want to sponsor a Spectator podcast and other important information the host should know (no more than one page).
5. Outline recent developments in the evolution of sexbots, citing well-regarded sources. We’re looking for lines of argument, quotes and fun factoids.
6. Find two good critiques of capitalism in the lyrics of Green Day songs. Back them up with evidence. Use graphs and tables.
7. Evaluate this report in 10 bullet points. Does it make its case well? 

To apply, please email a cover letter outlining your experience and a document with the completed tasks to careers@spectator.co.uk, with the subject title ‘RESEARCH PRODUCER APPLICATION’. Please send them as PDFs. Include your current salary and, if applicable, your notice period.   

The deadline for applications is 14 February.

Below are more details of the role.

Your role would include:

• Delivering background briefing on high-profile guests who appear on The Spectator’s podcasts and Spectator TV
• Writing incisive and entertaining questions to structure discussions on our podcasts and Spectator TV.
• Suggesting interesting guests to interview, on a range of topics.
• Delivering background briefing for Spectator Briefings, The Spectator’s policy podcasts. Topics can range from green energy to corporate transformation, future transport and an ageing society. You will be working closely with The Spectator’s deputy director of research.
• Helping the broadcast team with filming, recording, and audio and video editing.

The ideal candidate would be someone who:

• Writes clearly and concisely.
• Understands The Spectator’s brand and identity. You should be a regular consumer of The Spectator’s and our competitors’ broadcast output.
• Can easily understand and explain complex policies.
• Follows the news closely. You should be able to understand the relevance of a particular policy topic.
• Enjoys a fast-paced and lively working culture. You should enjoy working under pressure.