Assistant Editor, Newsnight, London

Job Reference: 21688
Band: E
Salary: Up to £65,000 (+ London Weighting) depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience. The expected salary range for this role reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights.
Contract type: Permanent
Location: London Broadcasting House, W1A

We’re happy to discuss flexible working. Please indicate your choice under the flexible working question in the application. There is no obligation to raise this at the application stage but if you wish to do so, you are welcome to. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.

Job Introduction

We’re looking for a smart and talented journalist to join Newsnight’s senior editorial team. The flagship programme’s refresh has led to a 30% increase in our audiences. Coming at the end of a crowded news schedule, Newsnight aims to tackle the big stories of the day with fresh insights and news-making interviews, and to provide smart takes on the news.

Main Responsibilities

Our Assistant Editors are key senior staff on the programme, running the daily output and sometimes taking charge of longer term coverage and specials. The Assistant Editor will support the Editor and Deputy Editor on Newsnight in driving the strategy, journalism and culture of Newsnight.

Duties include:

1. Output editing by driving the news agenda of the day – to originate and develop lively and engaging programmes which reflect significant events, as well as key issues and trends in the news.
2. Plan and produce special news making output.
3. Co-ordinating the booking of stand-out, news making guests, driving the editorial focus, providing direction to producers and liaise with presenters.
4. As Assistant Editor, contribute to the programme strategy to help Newsnight stand out and make impact in an increasingly crowded market.
5. Work with the Deputy Editor and Editor on finessing an evolving work flow for a fresh format.
6. Line manage producers and ensure that we give constructive feedback and create the best work culture in BBC News.
7. Monitor and ensure the quality of output, ensuring that journalistic standards are maintained.
8. Help drive Newsnight’s digital output, working with the digital team to produce innovate and bespoke online content.
9. Ensure safe working practices and the observance of News Division’s health and safety policies.
10. On occasions, deputise for the Deputy and Editor by complying output.

Are you the right candidate?

Candidates should have the following:

1. In depth knowledge of UK news particularly politics. An ability to apply that knowledge to news and current affairs journalism of the highest quality and complexity.
2. In depth knowledge of international affairs and an ability to analyse developments.
3. Strong TV-making skills desirable, alongside the imagination to ensure that Newsnight’s output remains visually innovative and original.
4. Ideas and initiative to contribute to planning and the development of Newsnight’s output.
5. A proven track record of commissioning and creating content which cuts through across all platforms.
6. Editorial awareness and judgement which reflects BBC and BBC News editorial policy.
7. Willingness and enthusiasm to embrace new ways of working, new technology, and promote this to staff.
8. Ability to make major decisions with authority and under pressure.
9. Ability to lead and motivate a team of journalists and to develop their skills.
10. Ability to assess resource requirements and work to budget assist in the management of programme budgets.
11. Ability to help to implement the programme’s digital strategy and take Newsnight’s journalism to new audiences.
12. Experience of working with high profile presenters.

About the BBC

The BBC is committed to redeploying employees seeking suitable alternative employment within the BBC for different reasons and they will be given priority consideration ahead of other applicants. Priority consideration means for those employees seeking redeployment their application will be considered alongside anyone else at risk of redundancy, prior to any individuals being considered who are not at risk.

We don’t focus simply on what we do – we also care how we do it. Our values and the way we behave are important to us. Please make sure you’ve read about our values and behaviours.

Diversity matters at the BBC. We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual’s unique contribution, enabling all of our employees to thrive and achieve their full potential.

We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to be part of the BBC – whether that’s to contribute to our programming or our wide range of non-production roles. The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity.

We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles, unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.

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