Production Journalist

ITV; Belfast; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading broadcast organization is seeking a Production Journalist to produce and edit news content for TV and digital platforms. The ideal candidate will be skilled in storytelling, have a strong understanding of media law, and be able to operate under pressure. Located in Belfast, this full-time role involves creating bulletins, engaging with diverse communities, and ensuring content reflects various backgrounds. The salary range is £29,034 – £39,697, and the position involves weekend shifts.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified NCTJ, BJTC or equivalent experience.
• Working knowledge of Ofcom code, media law and compliance.
• Proficiency in producing content under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Produce high-quality news bulletins across various times.
• Write accurate and engaging stories for both on-air and online.
• Create graphics that clearly communicate ideas for bulletins.

Skills

NCTJ qualification or equivalent

Ofcom code knowledge

Creative storytelling

Digital platform awareness

Organizational skills

Strong writing skills

Editorial judgement

Cultural heritage knowledge

Education

Degree in Journalism or related field

Tools

Final Cut Pro

HTML5

Photo Editing tools

Job description

Production Journalist

UTV

2 roles available

1x 12-month FTC, 1x 9-month FTC

Office location: Belfast (This is an office based role unsuitable for hybrid working).

Hiring range: 29,034 – 39,697

Please note: This is to assist candidates in assessing their suitability for the role. The range does not represent a longer term salary commitment for the role.

The role

We are looking for an experienced and multi‑skilled Production Journalist to join our broadcast and digital news team at UTV. The successful candidate will be a self‑motivated journalist who loves the production and teamworking involved in news. You’ll have a current contacts list bulging with links to different communities, the ability to bring in ideas and a clear understanding of how to get them to air. Northern Ireland 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.

As a Production Journalist you will have superb organisational skills with the ability to set up all the key elements of a story for television news. You will be able to cope well under pressure and meet frequent tight deadlines. The role is based in our Belfast newsroom and the successful candidate will work on television and digital news production from producing early, late and weekend bulletins and planning stories to creating online content that enhances our reputation and engages our digital audience.

You will have outstanding written and verbal communication skills and the ability to demonstrate good working relationships with colleagues and external contacts. You will have excellent editorial judgement and social media skills. You will be qualified in Media Law and have a thorough understanding of the Ofcom Code.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce high‑quality and compliant bulletins across all outputs (breakfast, lunch, late and weekends) operating effectively in a live gallery, making decisions under pressure where necessary and giving clear instructions to presenters during broadcast.
• Write stories and scripts that are accurate, compliant and engaging.
• Be proficient at editing pictures using the provided editing software.
• Create accurate graphics for bulletins, programmes and packages that clearly illustrate stories and communicate ideas using the template‑based graphic system.
• Curate ITV’s Digital offering on the website or ITVX as required.
• Assist the news desk or planning team with research, planning and newsgathering.
• Generate original and creative ideas contributing to the news agenda of the day on‑screen and online.
• Research story ideas thoroughly and creatively for on‑air and online output.
• Maintain and nurture a wide range of relevant contacts.
• Meet all online and on‑air deadlines throughout the day, reacting quickly to breaking stories and regularly liaising with the news desk.
• Exercise excellent editorial judgement, maintaining professional journalistic standards and adhering to ITV’s Legal & Compliance, ITV Trust and OFCOM guidelines.
• Be proactive about diversity, equity and inclusion, ensuring the output reflects new stories and issues across the audience spectrum.
• Perform all roles consistently regardless of weekend, early or late working.

Skills you’ll need (minimum criteria)

• Fully qualified NCTJ, BJTC or equivalent experience.
• Working knowledge of Ofcom code, media law and compliance.
• Evidence of researching and developing original ideas.
• Evidence of taking a creative approach to storytelling treatments and production for both on‑air and online.
• Knowledge and understanding of digital platforms and how to tap into new audiences online.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to plan multiple stories while prioritising tasks.
• Strong writing skills for TV and digital (accurate spelling and grammar essential).
• Excellent news judgement with a comprehensive knowledge of and interest in national and regional news.
• A strong knowledge of the patch’s cultural heritage and an awareness of the types of stories that engage our audiences.
• A proven track record of producing excellent content to deadline and under pressure.

Other things we’re looking for (key criteria)

• Confident and clear communication skills with the ability to source contributors and put them at ease to get the best story possible.
• The ability to work well in a team environment.
• The ability to use initiative, be self‑motivated and quick‑thinking.
• The ability to remain calm and resilient in a busy work environment.
• The willingness and aptitude to learn other skills and to share skills with others for the benefit of the whole team.
• The ability to work to deadlines.
• The ability to make strong and decisive decisions under pressure.
• The ability to bring in stories from under‑represented people across our region and other parts of the patch.
• A positive attitude to work.
• Resilience and ability to thrive working in a constantly changing news agenda.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Social Media/Digital awareness.
• Enthusiasm and willingness to embrace further changes in technology and workflow.
• The aptitude to use the full range of digital newsroom technology.
• Clear understanding of and commitment to DE&I and Health & Safety policies.

Please note the rostered hours for this role will include weekend working, late shifts and Bank Holidays. The working pattern will incorporate late shifts (typically 23:00 finish) as well as early morning shifts (typically 05:00 start). You are expected to provide your own means of transportation to and from your main workplace.

Because of the nature of news production there will be occasions when you are required to work long and unsociable hours at short notice. Some members of the Production Team 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.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Diversity Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of what we do at UTV and we want to ensure we reflect our audience both on screen and in our workforce. ITV is for Everyone and we encourage applications from Deaf, Disabled, Neurodivergent people and People of Colour to apply for this role.

As a Disability Confident Leader, if you meet the minimum criteria for a role and you have declared that you are disabled, we guarantee to take you to the next stage (minimum criteria above). 

We need to test these abilities at the interview stage to understand how candidates will react when operating in a pressurised environment. This is a fundamental requirement of the role. We will always consider any request for reasonable adjustments as part of the interview process, for example sharing key themes when that is requested in connection with a neurodivergent condition while still ensuring we can test a candidate’s ability to operate in the specific environment of a newsroom.

We’re happy to discuss any support or personalisation you may need during our application and selection process as part of our reasonable adjustments. Drop us a line if you require anything.

Closing date: Wednesday 10th December

Please note the notice period for this role is 2 months (this will include any new contracts/secondments)

Please note this role will be subject to a satisfactory disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

Key Skills

• Filming
• HTML5
• Interviewing
• AP Style
• Research Experience
• FTP
• Journalism
• SEO
• Final Cut Pro
• Video production
• Photo Editing
• Writing Skills

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1

Monthly Salary: 29,034 – 39,697