This role plays a key strategic leadership role, shaping the editorial and operational direction of News and Current Affairs with a particular focus on commissioning foreign investigations and long form films including Unreported World, overseeing the departments digital content and occasional deputising for the Head of News and Current Affairs
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Originate, develop, and commission innovative and impactful current affairs programming – with a particular focus on commissioning International current affairs.
2. Provide senior editorial leadership across the department, helping shape the overall vision and strategy.
3. Oversee complex, sensitive and legally challenging investigations, ensuring the highest journalistic standards.
4. Overseeing and approving High Risk filming overseas
5. Develop and maintain strong relationships with a wide range of independent production companies.
6. Foster diversity in commissioning, nurturing a broad range of on and off-screen talent.
7. Work collaboratively with other Channel 4 teams including Legal & Compliance, Marketing, Press, Scheduling and Business Affairs.
8. Regularly deputise for the Head of News and Current Affairs as needed, including in relation to Channel 4 News.
9. Lead department-wide multi-platform strategies and ensure Channel 4’s News and Current Affairs content is innovative and impactful across all platforms
10. Oversee budgets and manage resources effectively to deliver ambitious programming within financial and regulatory frameworks.
11. Provide mentoring and guidance to Commissioning Editors and Assistant Commissioning Editors.
12. Represent Channel 4 at industry events and maintain a strong presence within the independent production community.
ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
13. Extensive experience commissioning or producing award-winning international current affairs programming
14. Demonstrable experience of navigating complex editor stories like Gaza-Israel
15. Proven track record of managing complex, high-risk and legally sensitive content.
16. Deep understanding of the UK and global current affairs landscape.
17. Exceptional editorial judgment and ability to lead on sensitive and contentious issues.
18. Strong leadership skills, with experience mentoring and managing editorial teams.
19. Experience in handling foreign deployments and high-risk filming.
20. Strong contacts and relationships across the independent production sector.
21. Excellent communication and influencing skills.
22. Thorough understanding of legal, compliance and regulatory frameworks relevant to current affairs.
23. Commitment to Channel 4’s public service remit and values.
DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
24. Experience in undercover and investigative journalism.
25. Creative flair and ability to develop distinctive storytelling approaches.
26. Understanding of audience trends across digital platforms.
27. Ability to foster collaborations with external investigative journalism organisation