At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Channel 4 News' platform strategy and oversee digital journalism production.
- Company: Channel 4 News, committed to diversity and innovative journalism.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, supportive culture, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on collaboration and high editorial standards.
- Why this job: Shape the future of journalism and engage younger audiences with creative content.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in digital journalism and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer where everyone's contribution matters. We’re committed to building a culture that reflects the audiences we serve — one where people feel included, supported, and inspired to do their best work. We also recognise the importance of balance and wellbeing, so we welcome flexible working, part-time roles and job shares across all areas of ITN.
The Role
To lead Channel 4 News’ platform strategy across both broadcast output and digital delivery, overseeing the commissioning, production and distribution of digital journalism through strong integration with television output across social, podcasts and emerging platforms. As Head of Platforms, you will lead an editorial and production brief spanning Social Content, Channel 4 News’ podcast slate, premium digital formats, the Leeds digital hub and Channel 4’s Shorts Digital Shorts team, helping grow younger audiences through distinctive, platform-native journalism. The role provides strategic leadership across platforms, partnerships and new distribution opportunities. You will have a clear understanding of monetisation models, AI licensing and emerging framework agreements. The successful candidate will be an exceptional journalist and editorial leader with a proven track record of translating serious journalism into engaging digital formats while maintaining the highest editorial standards.
Key Responsibilities
- To create and deliver a compelling vision for Channel 4 News as a genuinely integrated, innovative broadcast and digital newsroom, where platform thinking is embedded in editorial planning and digital-first ideas can shape the wider Channel 4 News agenda.
- To drive newsroom delivery across platforms, ensuring digital, social, audio and broadcast teams work together from commissioning through publication so Channel 4 News journalism reaches audiences in the strongest form for each platform.
- To own the daily digital publishing strategy for Channel 4 News, ensuring platform priorities are built into commissioning, production, publication, promotion and post-broadcast development.
- To work closely with programme editors, correspondents, producers and specialist unit heads to identify which broadcast stories should be extended, reversioned or developed further for digital, social or podcast audiences.
- To lead the teams responsible for Verticals and Social Cut Downs, the Shorts Digital Cut Downs team for Channel 4, Channel 4 News’ podcast slate, and the wider delivery of platform-native digital journalism.
- To expand Channel 4 News’ digital watch time, audience loyalty and reach through original platform-first commissions, high-quality reversioning of broadcast journalism, premium brand extensions and new digital formats.
- To develop a coherent cross-platform distribution strategy across current and future platforms, partnerships and syndication opportunities, protecting editorial integrity while growing reach.
- To identify and deliver opportunities for audience growth among 16–34s, with a particular focus on younger and underserved audiences, including through the Leeds digital hub.
- To lead the development of platform-native formats, including vertical video, premium explainers, social storytelling, vodcasts, podcasts, digital specials and other emerging forms of digital journalism.
- To lead Channel 4 News’ approach to emerging platform relationships, including AI licensing, archive use, rights frameworks and new forms of digital distribution.
- To use editorial insight, audience data and platform analytics to inform commissioning, scheduling, publishing priorities and format development.
- To manage and develop a high-performing team, setting clear expectations, strong editorial standards and opportunities for progression.
- To manage budgets, staffing and resource allocation in discussion with the Managing Editor and senior editorial team.
Senior Leadership Team
- Play a full role in the editorial and operational leadership of Channel 4 News.
- Contribute ideas, judgement and effort, and share responsibility for delivering Channel 4 News’ editorial and strategic goals.
- Champion change, innovation and collaboration through clear, confident and supportive leadership.
- Act as an advocate for Channel 4 News’ editorial values, platform strategy and operational priorities both internally and externally.
- Accept collective responsibility for leadership decisions and organisational change.
Key Requirements
- Senior-level experience in digital journalism, platform strategy and multi-platform commissioning.
- A proven track record of delivering distinctive journalism across digital, social, streaming, audio and emerging platforms.
- Strong editorial judgement and a background in original, creative journalism of the highest quality.
- Demonstrable experience of leading cross-functional editorial teams and integrating broadcast and digital workflows.
- Deep understanding of platform-specific storytelling, audience behaviours and growth strategies across major social, video, audio and discovery platforms.
- Experience developing premium digital formats, including podcasts, vodcasts, short-form video, vertical storytelling and long-form digital journalism.
- A clear understanding of how to serve and grow 16–34 audiences, particularly younger users consuming journalism on mobile-first and platform-native products.
- Ability to use analytics, audience insight and performance data to inform editorial and distribution decisions.
- Strong leadership skills, with experience managing teams, developing talent and building a collaborative, high-performing culture.
- Strong understanding of Ofcom compliance, media law, editorial risk and platform governance.
- Strong understanding of Channel 4 News’ agenda, tone, audience and public service remit.
- Calm under pressure, flexible in approach, and able to work at pace while maintaining exceptional editorial standards.
Our people are at the heart of everything we do at ITN. It’s vital that our workforce reflects the diversity of both our audience and the wider society in the UK, so we actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds and communities. Reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process will be offered, if required, due to a disability or health condition. We also recognise the importance of a good work life balance, so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including part-time and job shares for all our roles. Please just let us know in your application, or at any stage throughout the process, if this is something you want to explore.
Head of Platforms, Channel 4 News employer: ITN
At ITN, we pride ourselves on being an equal opportunities employer that values every contribution, fostering a culture of inclusion and support. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our flexible working arrangements, allowing for part-time roles and job shares, which enhances work-life balance. As the Head of Platforms for Channel 4 News, you will not only lead innovative digital journalism but also benefit from a collaborative environment that prioritises professional growth and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Platforms, Channel 4 News
✨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 ITN!
✨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 ITN, 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 Head of Platforms, Channel 4 News
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 ITN:When applying for the Head of Platforms, Channel 4 News role at ITN, 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 ITN 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 ITN
✨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 ITN. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
