Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Media Analyst - from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Working Life
Media Analysts will use a range of research methods, including data analysis, reading press reports, accessing academic research and developing contacts among media professionals.
Communication is key to the job, the research conducted is only as useful as how effectively it is conveyed. So media analysts will be competent in writing reports, where detail information is summarised as well as possessing the ability to communicate clearly.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Write commentaries, columns, or scripts, using computers.
- Coordinate and serve as an anchor on news broadcast programmes.
- Examine news items of local, national, and international significance to determine topics to address, or obtain assignments from editorial staff members.
- Analyse and interpret news and information received from various sources to broadcast the information.
- Receive assignments or evaluate leads or tips to develop story ideas.
- Research a story's background information to provide complete and accurate information.
- Arrange interviews with people who can provide information about a story.
- Gather information and develop perspectives about news subjects through research, interviews, observation, and experience.
- Select material most pertinent to presentation, and organise this material into appropriate formats.
- Present news stories, and introduce in-depth videotaped segments or live transmissions from on-the-scene reporters.
Qualities - Media Analyst
A Media Analyst will need an interest in the media sector, given the potential breadth of the job an interest in other fields such as economics, politics, business will be required depending on the subject the analyst is working on.
An analytical mindset, capable of parsing significant quantities of information and identifying what is relevant and organising it coherently, is essential.
Interests - Media Analyst
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Linguistic
The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Media Analyst
There are various routes into this job role but many media researchers have a degree linked to the type of programmes they work on. Media, communications, journalism degree programmes are all relevant. Media researchers working on a political programme, may hold a relevant degree in politics or social science.
Training for media analysts may be on-the-job or via alternatives in Skillnet, Higher education or Springboard HCI. The company may organise short off-the-job courses for trainees.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: business, office admin, customer service, media, production.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: creative digital media, data analytics, software development, data analytics, digital marketing, sales, media studies, marketing, business administration, journalism, politics, social studies, psychology.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Sales, ICT Software Developer.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: digital media, sociology, politics, media, communication, arts, media studies, advertising and marketing communications, digital marketing with analytics, data science and analytics, computing, data analytics and big data, business analytics.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: arts and media, creative digital media, computer science, data analytics, business analytics, data science, digital marketing, analytics, art design, media, research, communication.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
- IFTV Irish Film & Television network For a list of TV/ Film production companies check
- Careers In screen pathways
- Irish Analytics Inst
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Media Analyst
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €70k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Prosperity/ Payscale/ Glassdoor/ CPL/ Sigmar / Lincoln
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Media Analyst
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Librarians Archivists; curators; Journalists; newspaper and periodical editors; Public relations professionals; Advertising account managers; and creative directors.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Employment levels in this occupation has seen little change in recent years, with numbers employed in 2022 slightly lower than five years ago, resulting in a negative employment growth rate. The CSO Census data indicates that increases in employment related to public relations professionals and librarians.
The numbers employed in the individual occupations are too small for any further analysis.
