About us
The Independent is an online news publisher that was established in 1986 as a national newspaper independent of party political affiliations or proprietorial influence. In 2016, The Independent became a fully digital publisher, moving away from print in pursuit of sustainability, and to safeguard its values and journalism for the future.
The Independent has always thrived through innovation and change. It was the first British newspaper to add a Saturday magazine; the first to give photography the same prestige as a news copy; the first to challenge the Westminster lobby system of closed briefings; the first broadsheet to move to the more compact ‘tabloid’ format; the first to launch a concise quality compact paper; and the first – and only – major newspaper to pull off a successful transformation to fully digital publishing.
Through The Independent, Independent TV, eCommerce, indy100, subscriptions and other ‘reader revenues’, The Independent plans to continue the work of many decades, bringing much-needed independent journalism to over 100 million unique global visitors a month, make its voice ever louder and more insistent the world over.
We have an international editorial team with our main offices in London and New York.
In 2024 The Independent’s portfolio of brands increased through a new licencing partnership with BuzzFeed Inc. to operate the BuzzFeed brands in the UK - BuzzFeed UK, Tasty, Seasoned and HuffPost UK. The additional brands echo the existing business ethos and allow for increased audiences and a further strategic diversification of revenue streams.
The role
As a Video Journalist for The Independent you will be responsible for producing video content, writing copy and creating social videos content for The Independent’s website and social media platforms, including Independent TV and Indy100.
You will:
- Pitch, produce, present (when required) and edit videos for The Independent’s platforms. Reporting to the Video News Editor, you are expected to have a knack for reacting to breaking news and traffic requirements, while producing quality video content
- Be expected to write news copy in-line with IPSO standards, have the ability to source footage including live video feeds
- Have a video-first approach and lead your storytelling through the format of video, driving video features across the site to meet targets
- Work amongst a team of others to ensure The Independent\'s video content is leading international coverage on any given story
- Use analytics tools to gauge audience interest in various topics before expertly producing content which matches the latest social trends
- Maintain professionalism and lead by example, supporting junior members of the team when required
- On a day-to-day basis, you will have the opportunity to pitch presented work, which, if commissioned, will be turned around to tight deadlines
- Join a team working on a shift rotation including evenings and weekends
About you
Key responsibilities and accountabilities
- Sourcing and verifying videos with high-traffic potential
- Delivering engaging, high-quality social video content
- Presenting news stories that will engage viewers and drive traffic
- Producing work that reflects The Independent\'s legal, copyright and ethical requirements
- Working well with colleagues across the newsroom to optimise department performance
- Working to tight deadlines set by the Assistant Video News
- Approaching issues with a problem-solving mentality and acting swiftly and vocally when problems arise
Essential skills and experience
- Have an instinct for global news, the ability to spot a great story and an appreciation for what type of content works well across The Independent’s digital platforms
- Be NCTJ or BJTC accredited
- Thrive in a fast paced, busy newsroom and can work under pressure
- Drive video features within site articles
- You will demonstrate an ability to pitch, edit and produce videos to a standard expected of an international news brand, in a timely fashion
- Be able to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends
- Have strong organisational skills and time management
- Have a good understanding of media law and ethics, specifically surrounding copyright
- The successful candidate will be genuinely enthusiastic about all aspects of news — including breaking news, politics, culture and sport
- The right candidate will be a trained journalist with a strong news background, and have a firm grasp on all aspects of digital publishing
- The ability to source and verify information independently for publication, as well as understanding how best to use agency content
- You will be expected to be comfortable managing multiple priorities in a calm and methodical manner and possess the ability to thrive in breaking and changing news situations
- Be able to analyse data and refer to it when making decisions
- You will have at least three years of newsroom experience
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We champion diversity in our teams and in our reporting. As a growing and global brand, we must have a workforce that’s more representative of our readers, viewers, clients and partners, and a workplace that creates a sense of belonging for everyone.
We are committed to hiring and developing a diverse workforce regardless of background, and we support our people to thrive in their careers here.
The Independent is an equal opportunities employer, if you require any reasonable adjustments to complete your application, please do not hesitate to advise us accordingly.
Our values – you will deliver across all our values
Inclusive: We champion diversity in our teams and in our reporting. Working as a team, we put transparency and effective communication at the heart of everything we do.
Innovative: From the very beginning, The Independent has been breaking the mould. We take risks and are always looking to try new ideas in pursuit of excellence.
Independent: Nobody tells us what to think; we make up our own minds and aren’t afraid to do things differently. Like our readers, we value honesty and integrity above outside influences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Video Journalist in Slough
✨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 Independent!
✨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 Independent, 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!
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 Independent:When applying for the Video Journalist role at The Independent, 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 Independent 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 Independent
✨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 Independent. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
