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- Tasks: Lead PA's main news desk, ensuring fast and accurate content across platforms.
- Company: Join the UK's trusted national news agency with over 150 years of experience.
- Benefits: Health cash plan, life assurance, employee assistance, and onsite gym.
- Why this job: Shape the agenda for newsrooms and be at the heart of major stories.
- Qualifications: Significant news desk experience and strong editorial decision-making skills.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with clear career paths and opportunities for growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About us
PA is the UK and Ireland’s trusted national news agency, delivering 24/7 multimedia journalism to every major newsroom across the country. With more than 150 years of news‑gathering experience, our commitment to fast, fair and accurate reporting was recently recognised when PA Media was named National News Media Organisation of the Year at the Media Freedom Awards.
We sit at the heart of PA Media Group, a diverse portfolio of media and data businesses, including the picture agency Alamy and the video platform StreamAMG. Whether it’s breaking news, live video, expert analysis or high‑quality visuals, we provide essential content to publishers, broadcasters and brands.
We’re proud of our inclusive culture where individuality is celebrated, and people are empowered to do their best work. If you need adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team, we’re here to help.
We are committed to transparency, fairness and growth. All our editorial roles are mapped to clear career paths, with defined expectations at each level to support your development.
About the role
We are looking for an experienced News Editor to fulfil a critical role in running PA’s main newsdesk on a 12‑month fixed term contract. This is a unique opportunity to be at the centre of the UK’s national news operation, shaping coverage across platforms and leading a team of reporters delivering the fast, accurate and impartial journalism PA is known for.
Based at our London headquarters in Paddington, you’ll be at the heart of the biggest stories of the day, deploying journalists across the UK and Ireland, coordinating with specialist desks and ensuring PA remains ahead on breaking news. You’ll also work closely with our picture and video leads to maximise the impact of our multi‑skilled newsroom.
This role would suit you if you thrive on making quick, smart editorial calls and want to help shape the agenda for newsrooms across the UK and Ireland. You will be part of a team who work a range of shifts throughout the day from 0630 to midnight seven days a week.
Key responsibilities
- Run PA’s main news desk, ensuring content is fast, accurate and impartial across all platforms.
- Deploy and brief reporters and specialists across the UK and Ireland.
- Guide and support fellow news editors on the main desk.
- Sub and publish content to PA’s wire, breaking news and digital services.
- Coordinate with photo and video teams to deliver rich multimedia coverage.
- Monitor other media and social platforms to keep PA ahead of developments.
- Respond to customer needs and queries, ensuring they receive the content they require.
- Safeguard legal and editorial standards in all published content.
What you will need
- Significant experience on a news desk, with some of that time in a senior position.
- A proven track record of making clear editorial decisions under pressure.
- Strong knowledge of UK and Irish news and current affairs.
- Experience managing large news teams and delivering across multiple formats.
- Ability to write, re‑write and sub quickly to a high standard.
- A clear understanding of the changing media landscape and the role of data in news delivery.
- Calm, professional manner when dealing with customers, PRs and the public.
- Experience with video and photo editing is desirable.
What we offer
- BUPA health cash plan
- Life assurance (4x salary)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Onsite gym
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Contract
Job function
Writing/Editing
Industries
Media Production and Retail Books and Printed News
Location
Greater London, England, United Kingdom
#J-18808-Ljbffr
News Editor employer: PA Media
Contact Detail:
PA Media Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land News Editor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and engage on social media. The more people you know in the news world, the better your chances of landing that News Editor role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best work, including articles, multimedia projects, and any editorial decisions you've made. This will help us see your experience in action.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by staying updated on current affairs and PA's latest stories. Be ready to discuss how you'd handle breaking news and lead a team under pressure. We want to see your passion for journalism!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at PA Media.
We think you need these skills to ace News Editor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the News Editor role. Highlight your experience on a news desk and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for journalism and how you can contribute to PA's mission. Be sure to mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to make quick editorial decisions.
Showcase Your Knowledge: We love candidates who are up-to-date with UK and Irish news. In your application, reference recent stories or trends that showcase your understanding of the media landscape. This will help us see your enthusiasm and expertise!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at PA Media
✨Know Your News
Make sure you’re up to speed with the latest UK and Irish news. Familiarise yourself with current affairs, major stories, and PA Media’s recent coverage. This will not only show your passion for journalism but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Editorial Skills
Prepare examples of your past editorial decisions, especially under pressure. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed teams and made quick calls that led to successful outcomes. This is your chance to demonstrate your leadership and decision-making abilities.
✨Understand Multimedia Integration
Since the role involves coordinating with photo and video teams, brush up on your knowledge of multimedia journalism. Be prepared to discuss how you would enhance stories with visuals and how you’ve done this in previous roles.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about PA Media’s editorial processes and future direction. This shows your genuine interest in the company and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers on a deeper level.