Content Editors support the Senior Content Editor in ensuring that all broadcasting and online content is as excellent, relevant and up-to-date as it can be. They work as part of a team of Content Editors on planning and co-ordinating day-to-day news gathering - online and on-screen.
They may act as the main curator for our digital platforms or may produce or news edit our news programmes. Content Editors may form part of the News Management team working alongside key production colleagues to assist the Head of News in agreeing and communicating strategy as well as leading projects. On occasion, Content Editors may be required to deputise for the Senior Content Editor or Head of News.
You will either be a qualified journalist to NCTJ level or equivalent, with a minimum of three years' experience working in a broadcast newsroom or equivalent, or have a real depth of experience gained by working within a multi-media news operation. You will be able to demonstrate your skills in creative journalism, editorially and visually, to make our news content engaging and relevant to our audience with a multi-platform approach to our storytelling.
With your thorough knowledge of journalism compliance, the Ofcom Code, privacy legislation and health and safety law and your excellent editorial judgement, you will be able to make informed decisions confidently and to tight deadlines.
ITV Tyne Tees is a richly diverse region, and we're looking for a person who will help ensure our coverage is as representative of the people and backgrounds of all those who live here as possible.
Operational Skills
Content Editors make key editorial judgements and will have a core skill in one or more of the following areas on appointment. They will develop new skills from the list below in order to work effectively and flexibly as part of the newsroom’s senior team.
- ONLINE EDITING - Taking a lead in curating and maintaining ITV’s online news service, generating ideas and driving digital media coverage through a collaborative effort across the team locally and nationally
- PROGRAMME PRODUCING - Working closely with the Senior Content Editor to oversee high-quality Programme, Bulletins, or Opt production, ensuring that editorial, technical, legal/compliance and timing requirements are consistently met
- NEWS EDITING - Efficiently and effectively leading day-to-day newsgathering and other projects by co-ordinating the coverage of breaking stories and planned events, reacting swiftly, effectively and accurately to news stories
- PLANNING - Leading the advance planning of content for all news output, on all of our platforms, online and on screen. Preparing comprehensive long-term and weekly prospect lists, as well as working closely with colleagues on short-term and next-day coverage. Generating a constant flow of original news and feature ideas
- FEATURES & PROJECTS - Overseeing the planning and production of all news features and current affairs, programme strands and ITV projects.
Management Skills
- To provide excellent line management to a group of colleagues
- To promote ITV News initiatives and support the Head of News and Programme & Digital Editor in implementing such initiatives amongst the wider team
- To act as a key leader of the team, motivating others, setting an example in terms of professionalism and high editorial standards.
General
- To consistently generate original and creative ideas, contributing to the news agenda of the day, on-screen and online
- To research and develop story ideas thoroughly and creatively for on-air and online output
- To make, maintain and nurture a wide range of relevant contacts
- To be proactive about diversity, equity & inclusion, ensuring the output reflects news stories and issues across the audience spectrum
- To source interesting contributors, from all parts of the community, who will bring the story to life
- To make optimal use of the full suite of newsroom technology, adhering to workflow as required, including editing, graphics and digital curation
- To write scripts that are accurate, concise and engaging
- To provide copyright clearance details and basic media management (sourcing, booking and returning tapes to the library)
- To undertake project work and contribute to network news output as required
- To exercise excellent editorial judgement and provide editorial guidance to colleagues with less experience, maintaining professional journalistic standards and adhering to ITV’s Legal & Compliance, ITV Trust and OFCOM guidelines.
This role will include some weekend duty editor responsibility. Some individuals may be required to travel to district offices or to work in other news operations, as well as attending relevant forums, development sessions and meetings off-site as part of their role
Skills you’ll need (minimum criteria)
- Fully qualified NCTJ, BJTC or equivalent experience
- A strong knowledge of media law & compliance and the ability to exercise excellent editorial judgement
- A proven track record of producing, sourcing or planning excellent content to deadline and under pressure
- Experience of successfully coaching, managing and motivating others
- Experience of delivering innovation across all media platforms
- A reputation for using a creative approach whilst displaying sound journalistic ability
- Commitment to DE&I
- Excellent Communication skills
- Self-motivated and quick-thinking with strong and decisive decision-making skills.
Other things we’re looking for (key criteria)
- The ability to generate, research and develop original, impactful and distinctive ideas, taking a creative approach to story-telling, treatments and production to deliver high quality reports for both on-air and online
- Strong and creative writing skills (accurate spelling and grammar essential)
- Excellent news judgement in line with ITV News aspirations
- The ability to remain calm, focused and resilient in what is often a busy work environment.
- An organised approach with effective logistical skills
- A clear and demonstrable understanding of the qualities of ITV News as compared with other news organisations
- The ability to provide regular, honest and consistent feedback to others
- Comprehensive knowledge of and interest in national and regional news – both newspapers, online and other broadcast media
- Proven ability to build a strong network of contacts with the ability to think laterally about where stories are developing and identifying the contacts to deliver the stories
- Ability to work well in a team environment, ensuring that the whole team (editorial and production) feel included and valued in newsgathering and the output production process
- The willingness and aptitude to learn other Content Editor specialisms and to be happy to share skills with others for the benefit of the whole team. This role should be able to use the full range of digital newsroom technology
- The ability to work to deadlines is crucial. The ability to plan well, work efficiently and keep calm and focused under pressure is essential
