Editor

Mentorn Media; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Editor for a premier political debate programme. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape discussions that resonate with millions, guiding a talented team to create impactful content. You will strategize to attract new viewers while maintaining the essence of the show. With a focus on audience engagement and innovative programming, this position is perfect for a seasoned journalist eager to make a difference in political discourse. Join a team dedicated to producing quality content that sparks national conversations.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in journalism or topical/current affairs broadcasting.
• Track record of leading successful teams and managing high-profile projects.

Responsibilities

• Select weekly panel and oversee all aspects of the programme.
• Lead a team to create impactful and engaging political content.

Skills

News Judgment

Political Knowledge

Team Leadership

Communication Skills

Programme Making

Live Programme Management

Education

Degree in Journalism or Related Field

Job description

Question Time is looking for a new Editor. This is a rare opportunity to lead BBC One’s premier political debate programme. In the last year, Question Time was at the heart of the BBC’s coverage of the general election. We also produced special programmes on the US election and the war in Ukraine. As Editor, you’ll oversee every aspect of the programme. You’ll be responsible for rising to the challenge we face on a weekly basis - how to react to stories in a distinctive way and make programmes with real impact.

The programme is unique in its mix of decision-makers, prominent politicians, public figures, and members of the public. Deciding on the right mix each week is a key job of the Editor, in conjunction with a small team of producers and researchers. To succeed, you’ll need significant experience at a senior level in topical/current affairs broadcasting or journalism. You should also have a track record of leading successful teams.

As one of the BBC’s highest profile current affairs brands, Question Time attracts millions of viewers, many of whom only occasionally dip into politics. It’s important that you have a strategy for building on that mass audience, reaching new viewers, and creating moments of television that the nation wants to talk about.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Responsible for selecting each week’s panel and overseeing all other aspects of the programme.
2. Lead a small team of producers and researchers, who book panellists, write briefs, and focus on booking audiences.
3. Work with Mentorn’s executive producer and BBC’s executive editor to make outstanding and creative programmes that embody BBC values.
4. Form a strategy to build on Question Time’s already significant audience - to win new viewers and create moments of television drama that the nation wants to talk about.
5. Consider ways to adjust the programme’s format successfully - without diminishing its simplicity and effectiveness.
6. Develop plans to build on Question Time’s strong engagement with audiences through social media, as well as a vision for how the programme can grow our digital offer.
7. Liaise with a range of stakeholders within the BBC, Mentorn, and external stakeholders to devise special projects, oversee, and deliver them successfully.
8. Oversee the programme’s relationships with political parties and others, provide visible leadership, and act as an ambassador for the programme.
9. Responsible for outputting the programme each week.
10. Respond to complaints, working with Mentorn and BBC Executive Producers.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• Strong news judgment developed through significant experience at a senior level in journalism or topical/current affairs broadcasting.
• Ability to cast eye-catching combinations of politicians and non-politicians.
• Excellent grasp of politics, with ideas for new and surprising panellists and questions that capture the essence of a debate.
• Robustness in dealing with political pressure from all sides and a demonstrable commitment to impartiality.
• Experience working effectively with high-profile presenters.
• Effective management skills, including leading successful teams, building diverse teams, and nurturing talent.
• Effective communication skills, both internally and externally.
• Flair for programme making, creating distinctive impactful programmes.
• Experience in running a gallery on live programmes.

For more information:

• Question Time is produced by Mentorn Scotland. The role requires flexibility as the Editor’s time is split between our Glasgow office and locations around the country.
• To apply: Please send a statement (up to 1000 words) on the challenges for the programme over the next two years and how you would meet that challenge, along with your CV. Send both via The Talent Manager by Friday 16th May 2025.
• Interviews will take place in Glasgow.
• At Mentorn, we value diversity and actively encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds.