About Message Heard Message Heard is an award-winning UK-based podcast production company working at the intersection of storytelling, journalism, and branded content. Our work spans partnerships with some of the world's leading broadcasters, publishers, and brands. From hard-hitting documentary series to innovative branded podcasts, we specialise in creating ambitious, high-quality audio that reaches global audiences and pushes the medium forward.

About the Project We are producing a major new season of a globally recognised true crime podcast in partnership with a leading international broadcaster. This is a trailblazing documentary series that combines investigative journalism with narrative storytelling, pioneering new approaches to both audio and visual podcasting. This is a rare opportunity to contribute to one of the most forward-looking documentary podcast projects in the industry - a series that reaches international audiences and helps define the next chapter of longform narrative storytelling in audio.

The Role We are looking for a freelance scriptwriter to transform detailed research packs and interview transcripts into compelling, broadcast-ready scripts. You will be central to shaping episodes that balance factual accuracy, narrative clarity, and emotional impact. The role is scoped specifically for writing: it does not involve producing, booking, or editing. Your focus will be on delivering strong scripts, responding to feedback, and collaborating closely with the production and editorial teams to ensure each episode reaches the highest standard.

Deliverables and Expectations

Write one complete 25-30 minute narrative script per commissioned episode
Complete two structured revision rounds (editorial and fact-check/legal) with a one-working-day turnaround for each
Attend one remote table read per episode with editorial stakeholders
Ensure all scripts meet editorial, factual, and legal standards
Deliver to agreed timelines aligned with the production workflow
Essential Skills

Demonstrable experience in scriptwriting for podcasts, video podcasts, or broadcast journalism
Strong understanding of audio storytelling, pacing, and voice for spoken formats
Proven experience writing for YouTube or other visual storytelling platforms
Ability to work confidently from transcripts, research packs, and editorial briefs
Collaboration skills - comfortable working with producers, editors, and fact-checkers
Confidence engaging with challenging subject matter, including crime and investigative themes
Preferred Experience

Credits on narrative or documentary podcasts
Background in journalism, audio documentaries, or true crime storytelling
Familiarity with global perspectives and cross-cultural narratives
Experience writing for projects that combine audio, video, and multimedia elements
Practical Details

Contract: Freelance, per-episode commissioning
Timeline: February 2026 - June 2026 (with seasonal break)
Payment: Market rate per episode, inclusive of draft, two revisions, and table read
Location: Remote, with preference for UK/EU time zones

Why Apply? This is an opportunity to write for a pioneering global documentary series, working at the cutting edge of narrative podcasting with an internationally recognised broadcaster. It's a chance to produce work that will be heard - and seen - by audiences around the world, and to help shape the future of true crime storytelling across both audio and video.

How To Apply

Email with:
CV
Cover letter
Relevant examples (scripts and/or finished work)