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
ITN is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for a Software Developer to thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, ITN offers ample opportunities to work on cutting-edge AI projects in a supportive environment that values creativity and integrity. The inclusive culture and flexible working arrangements further enhance the experience, ensuring that every team member feels valued and inspired to contribute to the company's ambitious goals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Platforms, Channel 4 News
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. 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 that highlights your best work, especially if it’s relevant to digital journalism and platform strategy. This will give you an edge and show employers what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Channel 4 News and understanding their platform strategy. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their vision of integrated journalism.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Platforms, Channel 4 News
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for digital journalism shine through! We want to see how much you care about the role and the impact you can make at Channel 4 News.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in digital journalism and platform strategy. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and create engaging content across various platforms.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the Head of Platforms role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at ITN
✨Know Your Platforms
Before the interview, dive deep into Channel 4 News' digital presence. Familiarise yourself with their social media strategies, podcast offerings, and any recent digital journalism initiatives. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of platform-specific storytelling and how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading cross-functional teams. Discuss how you've successfully integrated broadcast and digital workflows in past roles. This will show that you have the strong leadership skills they’re looking for and can manage a high-performing team effectively.
✨Understand the Audience
Channel 4 News is keen on reaching younger audiences, especially those aged 16-34. Be ready to discuss strategies you've used to engage this demographic through digital formats. Highlight any successful campaigns or projects that resonate with this audience to showcase your insight into audience behaviours.
✨Be Ready for Analytics Talk
Since data-driven decisions are crucial for this role, brush up on how you've used analytics and audience insights in your previous work. Prepare to discuss specific metrics you've tracked and how they informed your editorial and distribution decisions, demonstrating your ability to leverage data for growth.
