How to get first TV job, after 5+ years as a print journalist?

Depending on where you live, Channel 4 are doing a lot of apprentice schemes at the moment - might be worth applying to one of those.

First watch lots of factual TV so that you have a good understanding of different formats and productions. Look for programmes that are highly journalistic such as consumer programmes, topical chat shows, etc where your journalism will be a real asset - avoid formatted and observational programmes (such as First Dates, Gogglebox, Place in the Sun, Bake-Off, Masterchef or property formats), where you will have far less to offer. Bear in mind that your local region might be an easier way in. Remember you want to apply to the production company not the broadcaster, so become familiar with the production companies by watching the end credits.

Here's a link to a lot of the schemes currently being offered by C4 - you've only got a few days left if this is something you'd consider.

Getting any kind of experience with will surely be the first step to climbing the ladder.

I know a few people who went through C4 training schemes and they're some of the most talented I've worked with - so it's a great training ground if you get onto any.

Best of luck!

http://4people.force.com/recruit/fRecruit__ApplyJobList?portal=4+Talent

I was in the same position and I did work experiences and made contacts through that.

I reiterate what everyone said about the C4 schemes. I moved from print journalism to TV seven or so years ago through a C4 scheme for journalists moving into TV and it really helped with the transition because whilst there is an overlap there are also a lot of differences. I'd have a think whether you want to stay in news or move into TV more widely because within TV, news is almost a separate entity (there's not as much crossover between news and current affairs as you would think from the outside).

I'd suggest researching and targeting indies that make current affairs and consumer programmes like Dispatches, Panorama, Exposure etc (so ITN Productions, Blakeway, Hardcash, Firecrest, Rogan Productions etc - just look at the end credits) and also BBC current affairs (they've got 2 or 3 talent managers like Elsa Sharp) for things like The One Show, Watchdog, Crimewatch, Stacey Dooley etc because your journalism background will be more of a natural fit.

When you're targeting them if you can demonstrate you can generate story/investigation ideas and have a few up your sleeve - but really think about what makes a TV current affairs prog as opposed to a print article - I would say that is the best way of getting an in. Ideas are your best currency, particularly at the start.

Once you've got a break, try and get as much hands on experience - going on shoots, trying to get in an edit, picking up a camera etc, as you can as that will open the door to different roles but also to working in other genres. It's easier to move into other genres once you've got a bit of experience and most indies tend to make progs in different genres, for example current affairs, factual and specialist factual.

Thanks so much to everyone who took the time to reply - really appreciate all your helpful tips and advice! Will take all this on board and get researching.
Thanks again, Sally

Definitely echoing what Jamie said - there are about 6 production companies that rotate making Dispatches and it's just a matter of finding out which ones they are and who the Talent contact there is, being persistent and finding a way in (eventually)!

Good luck!

Sounds like what a factual producer does, just learn film and tv paperwork and logistics, could start also creating your own video content. Good luck, I'm sure you'll do great :)