Live your passion, serve our heroes: media careers at BFBS
Serving the military community around the world with purpose and passion
The British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) is a military charity and media organisation that entertains, informs, connects, and champions the UK Armed Forces, their families, and veterans. BFBS keeps troops entertained with TV, radio, and even movies, no matter where they’re stationed (think scorching deserts or freezing mountains – yikes!). But that's not all!
They also tell the stories of these brave people through their news channels, keeping everyone back home in the loop. Plus, their tech is so good they can beam entertainment to even the most remote places (seriously, even if there’s no Wi-Fi!).
Want to know more?
Check out about.bfbs.com/careers to see what kind of jobs there are, and hear from real BFBS employees about what it's like to work there!
P.S. BFBS also prioritise employee wellbeing and a collaborative work environment, which basically means it’s a fun and supportive place to work. Who wouldn’t want that?
Here’s how three BFBS employees describe their path to BFBS and their current roles…
Vanessa Tarrier (31), broadcast engineer, BFBS
Ever dream of turning your love of music into a super cool tech career? Well, Vanessa did just that. Her story starts way back in school when she discovered a passion for making music sound amazing. This wasn’t just about turning up the volume – she was hooked on the tech behind the scenes!
Fueled by this passion, Vanessa went on to score a first-class honours degree in music technology and production at the University of Derby. #BraggingRights unlocked!
But Vanessa’s talents weren’t meant for just one area. While interning at recording studios and gaining work experience during her studies, she discovered a whole new world: media tech. From there, it was like BAM!! – a love story with broadcast engineering began.
Vanessa’s career kicked off at BBC Worldwide, where she got a taste of radio technology. That tiny spark turned into a full-blown fire, and she decided to become a broadcast engineer. She honed her skills for seven years at Global Media & Entertainment before landing her awesome role at BFBS.
So, what exactly does a BFBS broadcast engineer do? Imagine being the tech superhero who keeps the entire TV and radio show on the air for the troops! Vanessa oversees all the technical aspects, making sure everything runs smoothly. Imagine microphones, cameras, and all sorts of gizmos – she’s the master of them all!
But that’s not all! Vanessa also trains presenters and editors, and even works on projects to improve how BFBS entertains the troops. On top of that, she lends a hand with special outside broadcasts for both TV and radio. Basically, if it involves tech and keeping our heroes entertained, Vanessa’s on it!
Vanessa’s story is proof that following your passions can lead you down unexpected and amazing career paths. Who knew loving music could turn you into a tech hero for the Armed Forces? Pretty cool, right?
Alex Walters (28), digital content producer, Forces News, from BFBS
Meet Alex Walters is the digital content whiz behind the scenes at Forces News, part of BFBS. But how did this 28-year-old end up shaping the news for our screens?
Well, it all began in the vibrant halls of Birmingham City University. Alex delved into the realms of English language, literature, and drama for three thrilling years. But that wasn’t all – he even flexed his writing muscles by crafting reports for football teams. Go, Alex!
But wait, there’s more to this adventure. After a stint teaching English in sunny Spain, Alex set his sights on journalism. Back in the UK, he pursued a master’s in multiplatform and mobile journalism. That’s commitment.
After tossing his cap in the air at graduation, Alex’s social media game caught the eye of BBC Sport. Before he knew it, he was diving headfirst into freelance opportunities.
Fast forward to today and Alex is the mastermind behind the digital stories lighting up our screens. As a digital content producer at Forces News, he’s the driving force behind the news narratives we see on Forces.net, X, YouTube, and Facebook. It’s like being the conductor of a digital orchestra!
But Alex’s adventures don’t stop there. He’s jet-setted across the globe, covering exciting features like the Invictus Games in Germany and the heart-pounding World’s Toughest Row starting from the Canary Islands.
So, next time you scroll through Forces News (forces.net) or binge on Forces News YouTube, remember – there’s a passionate storyteller like Alex behind every click and share, weaving tales from the frontline of news. Keep scrolling, keep clicking, and keep the stories alive!
Kiara Valentine (26), social media manager, BFBS Academy and BFBS Creative
Last but not least, we’d like you to meet Kiara Valentine, the social media maestro who’s been making waves at BFBS Academy and BFBS Creative. But how did this 26-year-old dynamo go from Fiji to the UK, all while mastering the art of social media? Let’s dive into her journey!
Born and raised in the tropical paradise of Fiji, Kiara spent 24 sun-soaked years making the most the island vibes. After graduating from the University of the South Pacific in 2018 with a degree in international business and marketing and human resource management, she set her sights on conquering the marketing world.
But it wasn’t just any marketing gig that caught Kiara’s eye – she dove headfirst into the digital realm, immersing herself in the captivating world of social media. With a thirst for knowledge, she devoured online courses and collaborated with social media gurus until she was promoted to the coveted role of social media manager in just a year. Talk about fast-tracking to success!
In 2022, Kiara’s life took a new turn as she followed her heart to the UK to join her spouse, who serves in the British Army. And guess what? She found her perfect fit as a social media manager at BFBS.
Now, a typical day in Kiara's world is anything but ordinary. She crafts content that’s not just informative but downright entertaining. It might be memes, polls, and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks – all designed to keep the BFBS audience hooked!
But that’s not all – Kiara also leads the charge in the Digital Culture course at BFBS Academy, adding a dash of education to her already jam-packed schedule. Who said learning couldn’t be fun?
What truly sets BFBS apart for Kiara is its inclusive vibe and unwavering support for work–life balance. Whether she’s pursuing her passion or spending quality time with her family, BFBS gives her the freedom to do it all.
And let’s not forget about the dream team at BFBS – working alongside creative minds who share her vision only adds to the thrill of being part of the BFBS family.