At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the news team to create engaging content for popular shows.
- Company: Dynamic media company based in London with a focus on topical programming.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative environment, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Expect a fast-paced role with exciting challenges and flexible shifts.
- Why this job: Shape the news landscape and work with top talent in a vibrant setting.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in journalism and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
Workplace: London - studio/office
The Role
The Head of News will be responsible for driving topical and human interest content across This Morning, Lorraine and Loose Women.
Responsible for managing the news team, they will use initiative and tenacity to drive bids for stories and guests, lead on forward planning, make key contributions in editorial meetings and ensure compliance with the Ofcom Broadcasting Code.
The role will also involve regularly deputising for the Editor and Deputy Editor and leading key editorial meetings.
As well as the news team, the Head of News will also line manage the entertainment team and the phone in producer.
Key Responsibilities
- Line manages the Senior News Producer and News Producers, the entertainment team and the phone in producer, overseeing the performance, development and appraisal of all direct reports.
- Deputise for the Editor and Deputy Editor in presenter meetings, debriefs and in the gallery during the live show.
- Drive bids for high-profile, newsmaking guests.
- Lead on forward planning, anticipating the need for editorial coverage.
- Present options for topical and human interest stories in daily editorial meetings.
- Distribute stories/workload to the news team and keep across progress.
- Keep across and flag relevant developing/breaking news throughout the day.
- Liaise with producers/dayteams on stories and latest updates.
- Ensure stories are legally sound and have been through the appropriate legal/duty of care checks.
- Oversee booking of contributors for Morning View.
- Maintain and develop an impressive network of useful contacts.
- Oversee the staffing and rota patterns of the news team.
Skills you’ll need (minimum criteria)
- Experienced journalist with a track-record of working at a senior level on a live news/topical programme.
- A history of consistently beating the competition to secure exclusive guests and stories.
- Experience of successfully leading and managing a team.
- Existing relationships with an extensive network of contacts and the ability to build new relationships.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Experience of outputting or overseeing output of a live programme in the gallery.
- Excellent knowledge of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code.
- Additional Information
- The shift pattern will include regular Sundays and bank holidays.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of News employer: ITV plc.
ITV plc Granada is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while working alongside passionate professionals in the heart of the media industry. Enjoy the unique advantage of being part of a leading broadcaster that values innovation and excellence in journalism.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of 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 ITV plc.!
✨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 ITV plc., 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 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 ITV plc.:When applying for the Head of News role at ITV plc., 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 ITV plc. 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 ITV plc.
✨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 ITV plc.. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
