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GB News is a leading UK news channel delivering breaking news, insightful debate, and diverse opinions. We’re an ambitious, fast-growing organisation looking for passionate, driven professionals to join our expanding team and help shape the future of news broadcasting.
The Role
The role of Lead Automation Director is to own our flagship programming output from a technical and creative perspective. You will have vast experience leading control rooms and teams for other broadcasters and be confident executing the editorial vision across a wide range of programming across the full schedule of GB News, including rolling breaking news where you will need to think fast and react to changing events as a story unfolds. You will apply your creativity to enhance the storytelling, making the most of our studio cameras, graphics package and sources coming into the control room. You will also be confident directing high quality news, magazine, talk and outside broadcast programmes. Leading the team while on air you should have some experience directing in an automated control room. This is a senior role within the studio/creative department and you will be expected to lead by example at all times, and possess team leadership qualities, and come with management experience. The candidate would preferably have a minimum of 3 years’ experience in a lead directing role.
Key responsibilities and main tasks
- Lead the control room to create slick and professional programmes.
- Direct live shows in an automated environment.
- You will be able to evaluate, adapt and communicate any changes within a live programme.
- An understanding of Mosart would be an advantage but not critical.
- Line management responsibilities for junior team members including goal setting and coaching.
- Provide training and support to junior members of the team, ensuring that broadcast knowledge is passed on.
- Maintain the GB News skills Matrix so that skills are documented and updated as they develop.
- Rota Management - Ensure that the rota within given timeslots as set by the Head director are filled, and provide solutions for potential changes, or re-assigning individuals with relevant skills to other schedules.
- You will have a good knowledge of multi-camera directing and a broad knowledge of lighting, sound, and graphics.
- Review show rundowns prior to productions with Producers, and Production teams, communicating rundown changes, show needs, and script.
- Block studio camera shots to meet the demands of the show, demonstrating a creative approach and understanding of how a programme looks and cuts together.
- Be able to operate a newsroom computer system – accessing and marking rundowns, scripts, and communicating changes to the production team.
- Provide pre- and post-show performance feedback and critiques as needed.
- Work effectively with team members to share techniques and skills to strengthen the team as a whole.
- Develop ideas for programmes. Looking at creative ways of improving all our productions.
- Be an ambassador for GB News.
- Be committed to Health and Safety requirements of self and others in the workplace.
- Be committed to the equality and diversity values of GB News.
What you’ll bring to GB News
- Must have high level communication skills, as well as attention to detail.
- A genuine passion for live TV and familiarity with the GB News brand and ethos.
- Possess the ability to work collaboratively with a highly technical team in determining show and production performance.
- Be able to determine operational configurations of all studio technical systems and solving complex issues during production.
- Must be available to work a variety of schedules based on production needs.
- Some experience working on outside broadcasts.
- Build trusting relationships with production and on-air talent.
- An understanding of editorial guidelines and OFCOM compliance.
Lead Automation Director employer: Gb News
Contact Detail:
Gb News Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Automation Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks at events or online. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or demo reel showcasing your directing work. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate how you can elevate GB News' programming with your creativity.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching GB News thoroughly. Understand their brand, ethos, and recent programming. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the GB News team.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Live TV: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for live broadcasting shine through. We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the role and the impact you can make at GB News.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in directing and leading teams in an automated control room. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to adapt and communicate effectively during live shows.
Be Creative: Don’t shy away from showcasing your creative side! Share ideas or past projects that illustrate how you've enhanced storytelling in your previous roles. We love seeing innovative thinking that aligns with our vision at GB News.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gb News
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into GB News and its programming. Familiarise yourself with their flagship shows and understand their editorial vision. This will not only show your passion for live TV but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Automation Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong team leadership qualities. Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully led a team in a high-pressure environment, especially during live broadcasts. Highlight your ability to coach and mentor junior team members.
✨Be Ready for Quick Thinking
Expect questions that assess your ability to think on your feet. Prepare scenarios where you had to adapt quickly during a live production. Discuss how you communicated changes effectively to your team while maintaining a calm and professional atmosphere.
✨Bring Creative Ideas
GB News is looking for someone who can enhance storytelling through creativity. Come prepared with ideas on how you would improve their productions. Think about innovative ways to use studio cameras, graphics, and other technical elements to elevate the viewer's experience.
