Overview
To lead coverage on the most important stories facing all parts of the UK from the home affairs and social affairs briefs. The role will require the individual to deliver high class coverage across all areas of ITV News output with well scripted packages, sharp live analysis and written articles which make an impact.
The UK Editor will identify and prioritise stories for all ITV News platforms to deliver distinctive journalism across all areas of the brief. These areas would include, but not be limited to, home affairs, crime, law and order, social affairs, and welfare. The successful candidate would also be expected to help lead coverage on issues of huge national significance such as the Coronavirus pandemic.
The UK Editor will seek to help maintain and progress ITV News' commitment to diverse coverage by producing stories across all communities and regions of the UK including issues and sections of society which have been traditionally under-represented.
Breaking exclusive lines and delivering original stories would be a key demand of the role and a demonstration of this in the successful candidate's career to date is required. These stories would help enhance and cement ITV News' reputation for delivering agenda setting journalism.
Responsibilities
To provide excellent well scripted and crafted packages across a wide range of areas on breaking news, diary stories and original journalism
To add high quality analysis and context to the key issues effecting the fabric of modern British society at all levels
To build and maintain high profile contacts and use these to break stories
To lead and develop relationships with external bodies, such as relevant government departments, agencies, police forces etc.
To work closely with the Head of Newsgathering, Head of Home News, Planning team, Investigations News Editor to identify and shape stories of significance
To work closely with the Head of Digital and digital team to lead and deliver distinctive and impactful digital coverage across the brief
To develop new areas of digital coverage to help attract and retain new audiences
To identify and break exclusive and agenda setting off-diary stories
To help maintain and enhance ITV News' commitment to diverse coverage by developing contacts and leading coverage across all communities and regions of the UK
To keep all relevant colleagues briefed as necessary on storylines and developments, including Programme Editors, Producers, Managers and Presenters
To provide assistance and guidance as required to all ITN's corporate partners, including ITV outlets.
To maintain and foster close working ties with relevant colleagues, such as the Westminster team, in order to ensure co-ordinated coverage
These are the main requirements of the role and is not an exhaustive list of duties. It is intended to reflect the nature, range, and context of the work, which will change over time.
Qualifications
Extensive proven track record breaking distinctive and original news stories
Varied experience of network TV reporting
Excellent packaging skills
Ability to edit material in high pressure environments
Exceptional on-air delivery and high class live analysis
Proven history of using social media and digital platforms to break, develop and drive stories
Original thinking and development of breaking stories
Creative ideas for use of graphics, picture sequences and video treatment
Ability to be as comfortable editing and working in the field as delivering lives in the studio.
Detailed knowledge of Ofcom regulations and the ITN compliance manual leading to ability to make informed legal judgements
Awareness of Health and Safety requirements as well as ability to make dynamic risk assessments
Awareness and understanding of the financial implications of all decision making
Excellent ability to both work on your own as well as in teams of all sizes, including being able to lead teams on coverage of major significance
Proven ability to communicate and build relationships across all sections of society from relevant Gov't departments through to key contributors to our stories from members of the public