On-Screen Journalist

Role Description

We have a fantastic opportunity for an On-Screen Journalist to join our ITV Anglia news team based at our news bureau in Northamptonshire. 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.

• The successful candidate will have a strong track record in journalism, with great story-telling ability as well as a sound knowledge of broadcast regulation and the law.
• You will use your journalistic skills to ensure your reports are informative, factually accurate, fair and balanced.
• We are a multi-platform operation, so you will be enthusiastic about developing an online presence, ideally having proven experience of using digital media to extend the reach of your journalism.
• As an established self-starter, you will immerse yourself in the community, ensuring our newsgathering reflects the different communities that make up our audience and develop great contacts to deliver agenda-setting coverage across the region.
• This is a busy news patch and you will need self-discipline and an excellent work ethic to successfully work remotely.
• You must be a self-starter who regularly contributes original ideas.
• Experience of self-shooting, laptop editing and live reporting is desirable.
• You will be expected to develop your camera and editing skills to complement our newsgathering and story-telling.
• On-Screen Journalists are required to provide their own means of transport to and from location. The vehicle must be appropriately insured, taxed and maintained.
• You may claim associated mileage expenses in line with HMRC regulations.
• If you’re passionate about telling strong human interest stories and have the skills and experience to ensure our outputs, both on air and online, continue to offer a distinctive news service, then we’d love to hear from you.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified NCTJ, BJTC or equivalent experience.
• A strong knowledge of media law & compliance, the Ofcom Code and the ability to exercise excellent editorial judgement.
• Strong and creative writing skills (accurate spelling and grammar essential).
• A strong knowledge of the patch, its cultural heritage and an awareness of the types of stories that engage our audiences.
• An understanding of the importance of Diversity and Inclusion in determining output.

Requirements

• The ability to dress professionally, speak clearly and deliver the script or interview with a style and tone which is both authoritative and relaxed.
• Proven technical ability (self shooting, editing, live reporting & digital) to give the story maximum impact as part of a package, live report, online article, and social media post.
• Confident and clear communication skills, with the ability to source contributors and put them at their ease to get the best story possible.
• 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.
• The ability to work to deadlines is crucial. On-Screen Journalists will have an organised approach with effective logistical skills.
• The ability to plan well, work efficiently and keep calm and focused under pressure is essential.
• 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.
• The ability to use initiative, be self-motivated and quick-thinking with strong and decisive decision-making skills.
• Excellent news judgement in line with ITV News aspirations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and interest in national and regional news – both newspapers, online and other broadcast media.
• The ability/willingness to edit and to use a camera to self shoot items or provide additional material as required.
• The ability to bring in stories from underrepresented people from across our region as well as underrepresented parts of the patch.
• Knowledge and understanding of digital platforms and how to tap into new audiences online and experience of using social media as a promotional tool.
• The ability to remain calm and resilient in what is often a busy work environment.
• Experience of working effectively as part of a team, ensuring that the whole team (editorial and production) feel included and valued in newsgathering and the output production process.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Clear understanding of and commitment to DE&I and Health & Safety policies.

Benefits

• The rostered hours for this role will include some weekend and Bank Holiday working.
• Because of the nature of news production, there will be occasions when you are required to work long and unsociable hours at short notice.
• This can be a physically demanding role requiring individuals to transport, carry and operate a camera (and associated equipment) on a regular basis.
• Lighter kits and Mobile Journalism kits are available on request.
• 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.