The posting
Monocle Radio has an exciting opportunity for a bilingual Japanese-English-speaking journalist and producer to join our team at our bureau in Tokyo.
About Monocle
Monocle is an independent media brand that has built a global reputation for its coverage on international affairs, business, design, culture, travel and fashion. Launched in London in 2007, the business has grown to include our magazine, digital platforms, daily newsletters, books and a round-the-clock radio station, as well as international events, shops, e-commerce and cafés.
With headquarters, bureaux and shops in cities including London, Zürich, Tokyo, Merano and Hong Kong, Monocle is a truly global team. Today we are a trusted source of inspiration, analysis and ideas for a discerning global audience.
About the role
Monocle Radio delivers informed current-affairs coverage, original reporting and insightful interviews from around the world, all with a distinctly global perspective.
As our presence in Asia grows, we are looking for a sharp Radio Producer to join our Tokyo team. Working across Monocle Radio’s award-winning shows, you will help us strengthen our news and global-affairs coverage of Japan and the wider region.
This is a varied, hands-on role combining sound editorial judgement, guest booking and programme production. It would be advantageous to have some expertise in technical operations and be willing to present some on-air programming.
You will plan, book, produce and output daily news programmes and weekly magazine shows that cover subjects ranging from international affairs to business, culture, design, hospitality, media and urbanism.
You will identify compelling stories and contributors, develop or already possess a strong network of contacts across Japan and the wider region, and quickly recognise the angles that will bring a distinctive perspective to Monocle Radio’s coverage. You will also contribute to the daily management of the news operation, including forward planning, responding to breaking news and co-ordinating newsreader schedules.
You will have opportunities to present, report and conduct interviews on air, so a confident and engaging broadcast manner is important.
Based at our Tokyo bureau, you will work closely with colleagues in London and across Monocle’s international network, including our presence in Bangkok. The role will contribute to our pan-regional editorial coverage and could involve travel to report on stories, produce programmes, as well as to support broadcasts and live events out in the field.
As part of a small and highly collaborative team, you will work beyond audio when required. This could include contributing ideas, reporting and editorial material for Monocle’s print and digital platforms, as well as supporting events, commercial projects and other initiatives across the wider business.
About you
We’re looking for someone who…
- Is professionally fluent in Japanese and English, with the ability to conduct interviews and communicate confidently in both languages.
- Has the ability to write and edit scripts, programme sells, headlines and promotional copy in editorial-level English.
- Has strong editorial judgement and an instinct for identifying the most relevant and original angle of a story.
- Has previous experience in broadcast journalism or radio-production in a busy, internationally focused newsroom.
- Ideally has some experience in radio engineering, studio operation and audio editing.
- Is confident presenting, interviewing and reporting on air.
- Is experienced in identifying, booking and managing contributors to our radio programme, including senior and high-profile guests.
- Has a growing network of contacts across Japan, Asia and wider international markets.
- Can manage live output, breaking news and competing deadlines while remaining cool-headed.
- Is enthusiastic about taking a collaborative approach and working across audio, print, digital and events.
- Has an informed interest in subjects that shape Monocle’s coverage and audience.
We are open to considering an exceptional candidate from outside audio journalism if they can demonstrate outstanding editorial instincts, confident on-air potential and the technical aptitude required for the role.
Hours are varied and may include some early starts, late evenings and working on weekends. Please note that applicants must have the right to live and work in Japan.
This is an opportunity to play an important role in Monocle’s growing presence in Asia, contribute to a truly global news operation and make your mark across Monocle Radio’s award-winning programming.
