At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead editorial direction for Wales Today and manage a dynamic news team.
- Company: Join BBC Wales News, the most popular news programme in Wales.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our hiring process.
- Why this job: Shape the future of news and engage with diverse audiences in an exciting environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in fast-paced news environments and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 52300 - 62000 £ per year.
JOB BAND: E
CONTRACT TYPE: Attachment / Fixed Term contract until 01/12/2026
DEPARTMENT: Nations and Regions (Wales)
LOCATION: Cardiff
PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: £52,300 - £62,000 per annum depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience. The expected salary range for this role reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights. We’re happy to discuss flexible working. If you’d like to, please indicate your preference in the application – though there’s no obligation to do so now. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
BBC Wales News is looking for an experienced journalist and leader to join the English Language news team. As one of the Assistant Editors, you’ll be responsible for the editorial direction of Wales Today – commissioning items, working with reporters to craft items and outputting the 1830 programme. You’ll also help lead the team and the programme into the future, with changing audience tastes and behaviours.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM
Wales Today is the most popular news programme in Wales and plays a vital role in keeping audiences up to date and informed. The team is small but dedicated placing great emphasis on creativity and audiences. As an ANE you’ll also have opportunity to shape the future of the newsroom too. With a focus on attracting new audiences and developing our digital storytelling, it’s an exciting and challenging time to join the team.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT
- Commissioning and planning stories
- Overseeing daily output, including editing the 1830 programme
- Team management – rotas, training, myconversations
- High level of responsibility and decision making
- Able to operate alone.
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
- Experience of editorial decision‑making in a fast‑paced news environment
- Experience of producing live television news
- Very strong organisational skills and the ability to communicate complex plans to teams in a meaningful way.
- Experience of leading teams, setting clear expectations about required performance and generating an inclusive and collaborative working environment.
- Detailed knowledge of Welsh audiences and Welsh affairs
DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED
- You’ll have a strong understanding of multi‑platform working, in particular the requirements of our digital platforms.
If you can bring some of these skills and experience, along with transferable strengths, we’d love to hear from you and encourage you to apply. This role is currently advertised as internal only. Freelancers are eligible to apply if they have been on a Worker Contract continuously for 6 months. If less than 6 months (or they have had a break of 3 weeks or more between engagements), they must seek Divisional HR approval to apply.
This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.
We welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‑economic background, religion and/or belief.
Diversity, inclusion & belonging strategy
Find out more about diversity, inclusion and belonging in our strategy below.
Disability confident
We are a disability confident employer. If you need to discuss adjustments or access requirements for the interview process, or to carry out this role, please contact us via email and we’d be happy to discuss.
Assistant Editor in Cardiff employer: BBC Group and Public Services
Joining BBC Wales News as an Assistant Editor offers a unique opportunity to be part of the most popular news programme in Wales, where creativity and audience engagement are at the forefront. With a commitment to flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on employee development, you will have the chance to shape the future of journalism in a collaborative environment that values diversity and inclusion. Located in Cardiff, this role not only provides competitive salary packages but also allows you to make a meaningful impact on the community by delivering vital news coverage.
Contact Details:
BBC Group and Public Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Editor in Cardiff
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.
✨Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at BBC Group and Public Services!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like BBC Group and Public Services, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Editor in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.
Tailor Your Application for BBC Group and Public Services:When applying for the Assistant Editor role at BBC Group and Public Services, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what BBC Group and Public Services produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at BBC Group and Public Services
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
✨Convey Your Passion and Drive
As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within BBC Group and Public Services. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
