Early Presenter in Gateshead

Overview

ITV Tyne Tees 6-month FTC | Full-time Office location: Gateshead (This is an office based role unsuitable for hybrid working). Hiring range: £36,344 - £48,814

The team

Our ITV News teams deliver high quality, trustworthy and impartial journalism to millions of people on television and online. It’s a fast moving environment with a huge variety of roles on offer and plenty of challenges. We operate from production centres across the UK and Channel Islands. We also have a Political Unit based in the heart of Westminster and produce a range of current affairs & factual programming at ITV Wales, UTV and ITV Border.

The role

We are looking for an Early Presenter to join our broadcast and digital news team at ITV News Tyne Tees and Border. You will be based at our main studio in Gateshead. As Early Presenter you are the face of regional news bulletins within ITV’s breakfast programme. You may be asked to present other news output too. As well as being presenter of the morning bulletins you will work alongside colleagues, writing scripts, editing content, making check calls, uploading stories onto digital platforms and setting up stories. You may also be required to film or report and provide support to the Newsdesk as required.

As our Early Presenter, you will be an accomplished live performer with a clear broadcast voice, an authoritative yet warm on-screen presence and an approachable style and manner both on and off screen. You will have proven experience as a journalist and be able to write for TV and online with equal brilliance. An essential part of your role will be contributing to our digital content. You will be expected to come up with ideas on how to improve and develop our digital coverage as well as help with the input of text and video material, blogs, special features, extended coverage of stories, and other information. You will liaise closely with the Programme & Digital Editor to ensure coverage is always as exciting, current and comprehensive as possible. The Early Presenter is the last check for potential Compliance, Legal and ITV Trust breaches, so a thorough knowledge of policy in these areas is essential. We’re looking for a person who will help ensure our coverage is as representative of the people and backgrounds of all those who live here as possible.

Key Responsibilities

• To deliver output, from the studio or live on-location, to a high standard, ensuring that the output is presented in the most engaging, informative and entertaining way possible
• To maintain and take responsibility for the highest standards of editorial accuracy, checking scripts to make sure that content complies with Compliance, Legal, and ITV Trust requirements
• To carry out morning check calls and provide the Newsdesk with a morning summary of breaking stories and local media news headlines
• To ensure the digital service is provided with contacts and diary items on a regular basis
• To exercise excellent editorial judgement and provide editorial guidance to colleagues with less experience
• To help define the look and feel of the news service online as well as on screen, participating in and contributing to production and planning meetings and providing editorial guidance and support to the rest of the news team
• To be actively involved in all stages of production, participating in the prospects, planning, treatment, programme meetings where possible
• To find and develop original story ideas and maximise the impact and relevance onscreen with all the skills and technology available
• To be pro-active about diversity, equity & inclusion ensuring the output reflects news stories and issues across the audience spectrum
• To react swiftly and effectively to breaking news stories
• To keep up-to-date with local, regional, and national news and current affairs as well as with developments across the ITV news network
• To make, maintain and nurture a wide range of relevant contacts
• To represent ITV at organised events and with the general public as required
• To maintain and update newsroom planning files by ensuring key information from contacts, press releases and agency copy or viewers’ calls is entered on the newsroom system
• To ensure on-screen and off-screen appearance meets the company’s standards at all times
• To research and package high quality news and features for bulletins and the main programme as required, where appropriate and time allows
• To embrace the full suite of newsroom technology, including edit, self-prompting, graphics & digital, adhering to workflow as required (following appropriate training)
• To consistently generate original and creative ideas, contributing to the news agenda of the day, on-screen and online
• To research and develop story ideas thoroughly and creatively for on-air and online output
• To write scripts that are accurate, concise and engaging
• To be proactive in encouraging interaction with the audience
• To promote and sustain a multi-skilled approach to news journalism
• Some Early Presenters will stand in (on request) for members of the presentation team to read bulletins or present the main programme when presenters are absent

Your showreel will be assessed as part of the interview process - it should demonstrate:

• Accomplished live performance
• The ability to dress professionally
• A clear microphone voice
• The ability to deliver the script or interview with a style and tone which is both authoritative and approachable
• Confident and clear communication skills

Skills you’ll need (minimum criteria)

• Fully qualified NCTJ, BJTC or equivalent experience
• The ability to generate, research and develop original, impactful and distinctive ideas, taking a creative approach to story-telling, treatments and production to deliver high quality reports for both on-air and online
• Strong and creative writing skills (accurate spelling and grammar essential)
• A strong knowledge of media law & compliance and the ability to exercise excellent editorial judgement
• The ability to prioritise work accurately within tight deadlines whilst responding effectively under pressure to changing running orders

Other things we’re looking for

• Excellent news judgement in line with ITV News aspirations. Comprehensive knowledge of and interest in national and regional news – both newspapers, online and other broadcast media
• The ability to work to deadlines is crucial. Early Presenters will have an organised approach with effective logistical skills.
• The ability to plan well, work efficiently and keep calm and focussed under pressure is essential.
• A strong knowledge of the patch, its cultural heritage and an awareness of the types of stories that engage our audiences.
• An understanding of the importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in determining output.
• Willingness to work unsocial hours including late shifts and weekends as required
• Proven ability to build a strong network of contacts with the ability to think laterally about where stories are developing and identifying the contacts to deliver the stories
• The ability to use initiative, be self-motivated and quick-thinking with strong and decisive decision making skills
• Knowledge and understanding of digital platforms and how to tap into new audiences online and experience of using social media as a promotional tool
• The ability to remain calm and resilient in what is often a busy work environment
• Experience of working effectively as part of a team, ensuring that the whole team (editorial and production) feel included and valued in newsgathering and the output production process
• Excellent attention to detail
• Knowledge of and commitment to ITV’s Health and Safety and risk assessment policy and procedures

The typical start time for this role is 0430. Some individuals may be required to travel to district offices or to work in other news operations as well as attending relevant forums, development sessions and meetings off site as part of their role.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of what we do at ITV News Tyne Tees & Border and we want to ensure we reflect our audience both on screen and in our workforce. ITV is for Everyone and we encourage applications from Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent people and People of Colour to apply for this role.

Newsrooms are busy and pressurised environments, involving live news production, which often requires colleagues to make quick decisions under pressure. We also need people who are able to use their initiative and, particularly for editorial roles, know what information might be required and how to research it. We need to test these abilities at the interview stage to understand how candidates will react when operating in a pressurised environment. This is a fundamental requirement of the role. We will always consider any request for reasonable adjustments as part of the interview process, for example sharing key themes when that is requested in connection with a neurodivergent condition, whilst still ensuring that we are able to test a candidate's ability to operate in the specific environment of a newsroom.

Closing date: 17th February 2026

Interview date/s: 3rd March 2026

Please note the notice period for this role is 2 months (this will include any new contracts/ secondments)