At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the news team, drive topical content, and manage editorial meetings.
- Company: Join ITV, a leading broadcaster shaping culture and entertainment.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous holiday, annual bonus, and wellbeing days.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on TV and connect with millions of viewers.
- Qualifications: Experienced journalist with strong leadership and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
Workplace: London - studio/office
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. Please ensure that your CV and application clearly evidences how you meet the minimum criteria outlined in the job description.
Please note, on occasion we may receive a very large volume of applications which means applications for a role may close earlier than the referenced closing date. We’d encourage you to apply as soon as possible if interested.
Your work matters to millions. Shaping culture is in the DNA of ITV. So, it’s not surprising that you’ll find us in every home in the UK, our productions are famous all over the world and we’re at the forefront of the digital streaming revolution.
When you join us, you enter a fun working environment. With opportunities to learn, to grow and make a real difference. Small enough that your impact’s felt in the business, but big enough that your impact reaches millions of people.
Come develop your skills, change TV and the course of your career. Don’t just watch it. Be part of it. Join ITV. ITV is for everyone.
ITV strongly encourages applications for this role from disabled people. As a Disability Confident Leader, if you meet the minimum criteria for a role and you have declared that you are disabled, we’ll guarantee to take you to the next stage (minimum criteria above).
We're happy to discuss any support/personalisation you may need during our application and selection process as part of our reasonable adjustments. Drop us a line if you require anything at talkingcareers@itv.com.
Find out more about applying with a disability. There may be a few exceptions where we are not able to take all eligible candidates to the next stage due to the volume of applications.
Because those who make an impact deserve to be rewarded for it. ITV offers some great rewards and benefits including:
- Flexible working with a range of options to suit everyone
- Generous holiday allowance, plus you can buy more
- Annual bonus opportunity
- Competitive pension contribution
- Save as you earn - with an opportunity to buy ITV shares
- Wellbeing and volunteering days plus a wide range of opportunities to help you live a balanced and healthy life
Full time
Posting Date: 2026-08-11
Head of News employer: ITV
At ITV, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in our White City, London office. As a Junior Platform Engineer, you'll benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth through mentoring and coaching opportunities, while also enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and is committed to developing cutting-edge technology solutions.
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!
✨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, 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:When applying for the Head of News role at ITV, 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 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
✨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. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
