Business and related research professionals carry out a variety of research activities for the broadcast and print media, for the police and armed forces intelligence services, for national security agencies and in other non-scientific areas.
Liaises with production team to generate and develop ideas for film, television and radio programmes
Research sources for accurate factual material, finds suitable contributors to programmes or print features and deals with any copyright issues
Briefs presenters, scriptwriters or journalists as required via verbal or written reports
Provides administrative support for programme development such as booking facilities
Provides support to criminal intelligence or to military or other security operations by gathering and verifying intelligence data and sources
Presents findings in the required format, via written reports or presentations
Researches images for clients in a wide range of media using specialist picture libraries and archives, museums, galleries etc., or commissions new images
Liaises with client on the appropriate image/s to be used
Deals with copyright issues and negotiates fees.
Entrants usually possess a degree or equivalent qualification. Training is usually provided on-the-job, or support may be given for postgraduate study. Professional qualifications are available in some areas.