On-Screen Journalist

ITV Consumer Limited 2024; Norwich; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading media company is seeking an On-Screen Journalist to join its Anglia news team in Essex. The role involves generating original news content and engaging storytelling to reflect the diversity of the region. Candidates must have strong editorial judgement, creativity, and a proven ability to build contacts in the community. This position includes flexible working options, generous holidays, and opportunities to contribute to a dynamic newsroom environment.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Generous holiday allowance

Annual bonus opportunity

Competitive pension contribution

Wellbeing and volunteering days

Qualifications

• Fully qualified NCTJ, BJTC or equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge of media law & compliance, the Ofcom Code.
• Excellent editorial judgement aligned with ITV News aspirations.
• Creative approach to storytelling for on-air and online.
• Ability to build a strong network of contacts.

Responsibilities

• Generate original and creative ideas for news content.
• Research and develop story ideas for on-air and online.
• Edit packages confidently and creatively.
• Meet deadlines and react quickly to breaking stories.
• Travel to various locations for news coverage.

Skills

Storytelling

Creative writing

Editorial judgement

Media law knowledge

Networking

Diversity and Inclusion awareness

Calm under pressure

Education

NCTJ, BJTC or equivalent

Job description

Overview

We have a fantastic opportunity for an On‑Screen Journalist to join our Anglia news team based in Essex. This is a high profile, on‑screen role for someone with a proven track record of delivering striking, high‑quality, distinctive journalism on television, on ITVX and online. ITV Anglia 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.

Responsibilities

• Consistently generate original and creative ideas, contributing to the news agenda of the day, on‑screen and online
• Research and develop story ideas thoroughly and creatively for on‑air and online output
• Create, maintain and nurture a wide range of relevant contacts
• Be proactive about diversity, equity & inclusion ensuring the output reflects news stories and issues across the audience spectrum
• Source interesting contributors from all parts of the community who will bring the story to life
• Tell the story through engaging and authoritative presentation either through a live broadcast, as part of a news package, or through a range of digital platforms. On screen, use picture, natural sound and soundbites to give the story maximum impact.
• Self‑shoot items where appropriate to a high standard
• Edit packages in a confident, creative and efficient manner, making full use of all production tools to produce the most interesting item possible
• Curate ITV's digital offering on the website or ITVX as required
• Create accurate graphics for bulletins, programmes and packages which clearly illustrate stories and communicate ideas using the template‑based graphic system
• Write scripts that are accurate, concise and engaging
• Meet all online and on‑air deadlines throughout the day, react quickly to breaking stories, and regularly liaise with the news desk
• Provide copyright clearance details and basic media management (sourcing, booking and returning tapes to the library)
• Exercise excellent editorial judgement, maintaining professional journalistic standards and adhering to ITV's Legal & Compliance, ITV Trust and OFCOM guidelines
• Work long and unsociable hours at short notice when required, carrying and operating camera and associated equipment as needed
• Travel to district offices or other news operations and attend relevant forums, development sessions and meetings off‑site as part of the role
• Use initiative to research, provide insight and make quick decisions in a pressurised newsroom environment
• Test these abilities at the interview stage to ensure suitability for the environment
• Provide own means of transport to and from location; vehicle must be appropriately insured, taxed and maintained

Qualifications

• Fully qualified NCTJ, BJTC or equivalent experience
• Strong knowledge of media law & compliance, the Ofcom Code and ability to exercise excellent editorial judgement
• Ability to generate, research and develop original, impactful and distinctive ideas, taking a creative approach to story‑telling, treatments and production for on‑air and online
• Strong and creative writing skills, accurate spelling and grammar essential
• Knowledge of the patch, its cultural heritage and awareness of story types that engage audiences; understanding of Diversity and Inclusion impact on output
• Ability to work to deadlines, with an organised approach, effective logistical skills and calm, focussed under pressure
• Proven ability to build a strong network of contacts and think laterally about developing stories
• Initiative, self‑motivation, quick‑thinking and decisive decision‑making skills
• Excellent news judgement aligned with ITV News aspirations; comprehensive knowledge of and interest in national and regional news
• Willingness to edit and self‑shoot items or provide additional material as required; enthusiasm for technology and workflow changes
• Ability to bring stories from under‑represented people across the region
• Knowledge and understanding of digital platforms and ability to tap into new online audiences; experience using social media as a promotional tool
• Resilience and calmness in a busy work environment
• Experience working effectively in a team, ensuring editorial and production teams feel included and valued
• Excellent attention to detail
• Clear commitment to DE&I and Health & Safety policies
• Must provide a satisfactory DBS disclosure and subject to a minimum 2‑month notice period
• Self‑starter who contributes original ideas and demonstrates strong communication and team‑working skills

Benefits

• Flexible working with a range of options
• Generous holiday allowance; can purchase additional days
• Annual bonus opportunity
• Competitive pension contribution
• Save as you earn – with opportunity to buy ITV shares
• Wellbeing and volunteering days plus a wide range of opportunities to live a balanced and healthy life