On-Screen Journalist, UTV in Belfast

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Please note: This is to assist candidates in assessing their suitability for the role. The range does not represent a longer term salary commitment for the role.

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.

Your impact sends ripples.

The team

UTV is the market leader for news in Northern Ireland and our team in the North West is a key part of our success. Earlier this year one of our journalists, who’s based at our bureau in Ebrington Square, was a finalist for Reporter of the Year at the Royal Television Society Television Journalism Awards, an achievement we are very proud of. As well as being recognised for our ability to attract large audiences with top quality output, we look to nurture and develop all colleagues at UTV.

The role

We now have a vacancy for a true patch reporter to join our brilliant operation in the North West on a permanent basis. We are looking for someone who can immerse themselves in the community, building a network of contacts to deliver on the main stories of the day while uncovering exclusive content.

You will be working across a wide geographical area and a growing number of platforms, so you will be expected to have the digital skills necessary to write online articles as well as add value to our output, whatever form it takes. This is a high profile job for someone who wants to make their mark in the role.

You will need to show you can break new ground with ideas and treatments which are of the highest standard as well as having the editorial ability to handle, often complex, breaking stories. The role requires some ‘out-of-hours’ working when the need arises.
You will be an outstanding journalist in every sense, who is passionate about the local area, with a deep understanding of what matters and the skills to translate this into engaging content for audiences across Northern Ireland. You will be expected to live in the patch so you are part of the community you serve.

Self-shooting and self-editing are important skills for all our on-screen journalists and you will be expected to shoot/edit when required. Our reporters have to work well under pressure and be adept at handling stories in a fast-paced environment. You will need to be a confident live performer too.

A good working knowledge of media law, regulatory compliance and health and safety guidelines is vital.We want someone who can bring to the fore big talking points, exclusive lines and who is able to tell a story in the most engaging way visually. You’ll need to know who makes the best contributor and how to conduct searching interviews to construct the clearest argument.This is a job for a team player who is proactive at all times, fully committed to their colleagues and the output.

If you are interested in this position, please send us a CV and a written summary of why you believe your skills, knowledge and experience make you suitable for the role, together with your showreel.Please note, an AccessNI basic disclosure check is required as part of the recruitment process for this role.

On-Screen Journalists are required to provide their own means of transport to and from location. The vehicle must be appropriately insured, taxed and maintained. ITV will cover mileage expenses in line with HMRC regulations.This is a demanding role requiring long and sometimes unsociable hours at short notice.This is a physically demanding role requiring individuals to transport, carry and operate a camera (and associated equipment) on a regular basis. A pre-employment health check is required.The rostered hours for this role will include weekend, early and late working.

Skills you’ll need (minimum criteria)

• You will be expected to live in the patch so you are part of the community you serve.
• Proven track record in delivering quality daily newsgathering.
• Ability to source and bring to air original journalism.
• Understanding of content which matters to the North West bureau.
• Adept at lifting stories ‘off the page’ to create engaging output.
• Knowledge of editorial considerations, regulatory compliance, media law and health & safety guidelines.

Other things we’re looking for (key criteria)

• High level understanding of main stories produced by the North West bureau.
• Self-starter who can dig out the most impactful journalism from a patch.
• Accomplished operator who can create the strongest visual narrative.
• Multiplatform skills to create/adapt content as necessary.
• Good knowledge of audiences.
• Engagement in our diversity & inclusion plans.
• Full understanding and ability to apply regulatory compliance, media law and health & safety guidelines plus their application.
• Committed professional who will support the output and the team.