Overview
We have a fantastic opportunity for an On‑Screen Journalist to join our ITV Meridian News team based at our newsroom and studio in Whiteley. 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 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. As an established self‑starter, you will immerse yourself in the community, ensure 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. Alongside your first‑class communication and team‑working skills, experience of self‑shooting, laptop editing and live reporting is desirable. We encourage applications from Deaf, Disabled, Neurodivergent people and People of Colour to apply for this role.
Responsibilities
- To consistently generate original and creative ideas, contributing to the news agenda of the day, on‑screen and online
- To research and develop story ideas thoroughly and creatively for on‑air and online output
- To make, maintain and nurture a wide range of relevant contacts
- To be pro‑active about diversity, equity and inclusion ensuring the output reflects news stories and issues across the audience spectrum
- To source interesting contributors from all parts of the community who will bring the story to life
- To tell the story through engaging and authoritative presentation, either in a live broadcast, as part of a news package, or through a range of digital platforms. On screen, to use picture, natural sound and soundbites to give the story maximum impact.
- To self‑shoot items (where appropriate to the story and the conditions) to a high standard
- To edit packages in a confident, creative and efficient manner, making full use of all production tools to make the most interesting item possible
- To curate ITV’s digital offering on the website or ITVX as required
- To create accurate graphics for bulletins, programmes and packages which clearly illustrate stories and communicate ideas using the template‑based graphic system
- To write scripts that are accurate, concise and engaging
- To meet all online and on‑air deadlines throughout the day, reacting quickly to breaking stories, and regularly liaising with the news desk
- To provide copyright clearance details and basic media management (sourcing, booking and returning tapes to the library)
- To exercise excellent editorial judgement maintaining professional journalistic standards and adhering to ITV’s Legal & Compliance, ITV Trust and OFCOM guidelines
- To use journalistic skills to ensure reports are informative, factually accurate, fair and balanced
- To develop an online presence, ideally having proven experience using digital media to extend the reach of journalism
- To immerse yourself in the community, ensuring newsgathering reflects the different communities that make up our audience and develop great contacts to deliver agenda‑setting coverage across the region
- To be a self‑starter who regularly contributes original ideas and contributes to the news agenda
- To work effectively under pressure in a busy newsroom, making quick decisions and maintaining calm and focus
- To apply institutional guidelines on camera, editing and live reporting, ensuring maximum impact when broadcasting
- To self‑shoot items or provide additional material as required and embrace further changes in technology and workflow
Qualifications & Experience
- 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
- 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
- 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
- The ability to work to deadlines is crucial; to plan well, work efficiently and keep calm and focused under pressure
- Proven ability to build a strong network of contacts with a lateral view of where stories are developing and identifying 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 national and regional news
- The ability to edit and use a camera to self‑shoot items or provide additional material as required
- The ability to bring in stories from underrepresented people from across the region as well as underrepresented parts of the patch
- Knowledge and understanding of digital platforms and how to tap into new audiences online; experience of using social media as a promotional tool
- Excellent attention to detail
- Clear understanding of and commitment to DE&I and Health & Safety policies
Additional Requirements
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. Mileage expenses may be claimed in line with HMRC regulations. The notice period for this role is 2 months, and the position will be subject to a satisfactory disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The rostered hours will include some weekend and bank holiday work and may require long, unsociable hours at short notice. The role may involve physical demands such as transporting, carrying and operating camera equipment.
We Encourage Diversity
ITV is for Everyone and we encourage applications from Deaf, Disabled, Neurodivergent people and People of Colour.
