Senior Journalist, BBC Digital News in Whitehall

Senior Journalist, BBC Digital News in Whitehall

Whitehall Full-Time 42000 - 52000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Create and publish engaging video journalism for BBC Digital News.
  • Company: Join the BBC, a leader in trusted journalism and inclusivity.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a vibrant team culture.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of breaking news and innovative storytelling.
  • Qualifications: Experience in video journalism and strong editorial skills required.

The predicted salary is between 42000 - 52000 £ per year.

This job is with BBC, an inclusive employer and a member of my Gwork - the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

  • JOB DETAILS
  • Job Band: D
  • Contract Type: fixed-term, full time until July 2027
  • Department: BBC Digital News
  • Location: London
  • Proposed Salary Range: £42,000 - £52,000 + London weighting depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience.
  • The expected salary range reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights.
  • We're happy to discuss flexible working.

If you'd like to, please indicate your preference in the application - though there's no obligation to do so now.

Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.

JOB PURPOSE

As a Senior Journalist in the BBC's Digital News Team, you will play a key role in covering the biggest stories of the day across video and text.

With a particular focus on video, you will commission, script, edit and publish engaging journalism for the BBC News website, app and social platforms.

You will also write, edit and commission text stories, helping to ensure our coverage is accurate, accessible and relevant to audiences.

Working closely with correspondents, producers and editors, you will help identify the most effective format for stories, respond quickly to breaking news and use audience insight to inform editorial decisions.

You will support colleagues, share your expertise and help maintain high editorial standards across our output.

WHY JOIN THE TEAM

Based at Broadcasting House, you'll be part of a fast-paced team delivering trusted journalism to millions of people across the UK and around the world.

You'll have the opportunity to work on major breaking news stories, develop original video journalism and collaborate with correspondents and specialist teams across BBC News.

You'll play an important role in shaping digital coverage, particularly within the Video Hub, experimenting with different storytelling formats and helping ensure our journalism reaches audiences wherever they are.

Working alongside experienced editors and journalists, you'll be part of a collaborative newsroom where strong editorial judgement, creativity and audience focus are valued.

  • YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT
  • Commission, script, edit and publish video journalism for the BBC News website, app and social platforms, responding quickly to breaking news and major events.
  • Write, edit and commission text stories that are accurate, engaging and tailored for digital audiences.
  • Collaborate with correspondents, producers and editors to develop original journalism, including analysis, explainers and distinctive visual storytelling.
  • Use audience insight, search trends and social data to help shape coverage and identify the most effective treatment for stories.
  • Support the Assistant Editor by providing editorial guidance to colleagues and contributing to the smooth delivery of daily coverage.
  • Ensure all output meets BBC editorial, legal and accessibility standards.
  • YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE - ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
  • Significant experience producing, editing and commissioning high-quality video journalism for digital audiences.
  • Proficient in video-editing tools (FCP, Premiere Pro or similar) across multiple video formats.
  • Excellent editorial judgement, with proven ability to make quick decisions and deliver accurate, engaging journalism in a fast-moving news environment.
  • Experience using search, social and audience data to inform story selection, video formats and text treatments.
  • Strong writing and editing skills, with experience creating and refining text stories for digital platforms.
  • Experience working collaboratively with correspondents, producers and wider newsroom teams to deliver high-quality UK and international news coverage.
  • Ability to provide editorial guidance and constructive feedback to colleagues, helping maintain high standards across output.
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Senior Journalist, BBC Digital News in Whitehall employer: The Bbc

The BBC is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and innovation in the heart of Oxford. With a strong commitment to employee development, staff enjoy numerous growth opportunities and a collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives. Joining the BBC means being part of a prestigious organisation dedicated to producing high-quality content that resonates with local communities.

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Contact Details:

The Bbc Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Journalist, BBC Digital News in Whitehall

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 The Bbc!

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 The Bbc, 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 Senior Journalist, BBC Digital News in Whitehall

Video Journalism
Video Editing Tools (FCP, Premiere Pro or similar)
Editorial Judgement
Audience Insight
Search Trends Analysis
Social Data Utilisation
Writing Skills

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 The Bbc:When applying for the Senior Journalist, BBC Digital News role at The Bbc, 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 The Bbc 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 The Bbc

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 The Bbc. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.