We have divided organizations into major categories here, but bear in mind that distinctions between types of media are increasingly blurred, for example there is demand for journalists to be multimedia-savvy, able to present to and occasionally edit film and write for print and online.
Media directories and key links
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Skillset - the sector skills council for creative media have a wealth of excellent resources aimed at students and graduates
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Media UK - has a directory of British newspapers, magazines and broadcasters.
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PACT is the trade association for independent production companies and has a searchable directory of members.
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Periodicals Publishers Association - excellent information on career in magazine publishing, training courses and member directory
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The BBC, Channel 4, UK Film Council and Three Weeks also all offer competitions and advice which could give you vital experience.
Newspapers
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The National Union of Journalists' employer guidelines for work experience offer good advice about your rights and what you may be able to negotiate with your employer:
Work experience, exploiting the dream (pdf).
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DowJones also offer a variety of media based internships throughout the world.
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Financial Times - offer graduate traineeships in journalism beginning in September.
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The Guardian occasionally offers internships and traineeships, but very targeted speculative applications may be worth trying.
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Independent News and Media group - editorial placements for Postgraduate students as part of their course
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Thomson Reuters - paid internships of 6 weeks for financial and business journalism.
Television
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The Network is an annual, free talent scheme for anyone interested in TV. It runs alongside the Edinburgh Television Festival in August and is a weekend of industry master classes.
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Channel 4 via 4Talent offer a 10 week internship throughout the Summer, a 12 month internship and production trainee placements
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Cyfle - also have trainee schemes which can last for four months or more, contributing to BBC Cymru Wales productions.
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Five - offer six month placements for two individuals per year.
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ITV - offer a 12 month traineeship and also a fast track option for those with at least two years' experience.
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Sky News - offer a broadcast journalism placement.
Production companies
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PACT is the trade association for independent production companies and has a searchable directory of members.
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Aardman Animation Ltd – animation production company, limited placements available.
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Above the Title - apply via email to their internships.
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TalkBack Thames - offer 6 month fixed term contracts for office runners. They also keep a database of CVs suitable for production roles if considering freelance work.
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BBC Various work experience placements offered Various work experience placements offered.
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CTVC - independent television production company, hold a diversity work experience programme.
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Endemol UK - television production company, offer unpaid work experience for students as part of their course.
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FremantleMedia - are an international production company who offer internships; use their search function to find out more.
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Global Radio - gives individuals who are studying or who have just completed a media qualification the chance to do a 30 day placement over a period of three months.
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Hat Trick Productions - limited, one week opportunities.
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Objective Productions - placement must be related to an educational course.
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Tiger Aspect Productions - email Tiger Aspect to register your interest.
Film
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Company Pictures - independent film and television drama production company, offers work experience to students who are enrolled on an educational course
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Film Distributors' Association - advice on applying for work experience in the UK film industry and an up to date list of available placements in film distribution and acquisition.
Magazines
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Conde Nast - consumer magazine publisher of high profile titles including Vanity Fair. University students can apply for up to three weeks unpaid work experience in the editorial department.
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Future PLC - consumer magazine publisher based in Bath and London, specializing in computer games, crafts and music. One week journalism placements.
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National Magazine Company - various opportunities including freelance work.
Radio
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Absolute Radio - For students studying a media related course.
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All Out Productions - Three months' work experience working on programmes for BBC radio.
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BBC - the BBC's searchable work experience pages.
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Global Radio - Over 500 work experience places a year.
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Kiss - Email to enquire about work experience and internships.
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Out Loud Media - Radio production company - Summer work placements for graduate and postgraduate students.