Director of News & Current Affairs
Director of News and Current Affairs
ITV News and Current Affairs
Permanent
Office location: ITV White City, London (Hybrid Working)
Your work matters to millions.
Shaping culture is in the DNA of ITV. So, it's not surprising that you'll find us in every home in the UK, our productions are famous all over the world and we're at the forefront of the digital streaming revolution.
When you join us, you enter a fun working environment. With opportunities to learn, to grow and make a real difference. Small enough that your impact's felt in the business, but big enough that your impact reaches millions of people.
Come develop your skills, change TV and the course of your career. Don't just watch it. Be part of it. Join ITV.
Your impact sends ripples.
Overview
ITV News has been providing award-winning news coverage for more than 50 years. Every day, millions of viewers watch our programmes on-air and connect with us online to get the latest, breaking news from Britain's most popular commercial broadcaster. With multiple regional newsrooms, ITV News is responsible for delivery of the PSB licence requirements across the UK.
We commission Independent Television News (ITN) to produce all national news programming and local news in the London area.
Current Affairs programmes on ITV cover a broad range of issues and consumer affairs. ITV's main Current Affairs titles currently include Tonight, Peston, the Martin Lewis Money Show, On Assignment and Exposure. Alongside daily news coverage, three of our ITV News regions/nations (UTV, ITV Border and ITV Cymru Wales) produce current affairs and factual programming, and some Welsh language programming for S4C.
The role
To take overall responsibility for ITV's network news, regional news and current affairs on television and in digital, leading and inspiring the senior News management team.
To be an Ambassador for ITV, liaising with internal and external stakeholders, including Members of Parliament and public bodies.
Key Responsibilities
- To take the lead on the editorial and strategic approach for the production of News output at ITV - on-screen and online, and the associated impact on colleagues
- To meet regularly with the senior News management team ensuring that they work together to continue to take an integrated 'One ITV News' approach
- To manage, coach and guide a group of senior direct reports
- To lead and inspire the 800+ colleagues who work in Regional News, communicating clearly with them on significant matters
- To take overall responsibility for the Contract of services between ITV and ITN for providing ITV Network News
- To line manage a Commissioning Editor, Current Affairs providing editorial leadership and guidance to all Current Affairs output
- To understand the regulatory requirements associated with the PSB licences and liaise with Ofcom (alongside Regulatory Affairs) on any modifications.
- To take an active role in the Executive Leadership Team within ITV
- To be demonstrable in leading diversity and inclusion across News and Current Affairs activity including chairing a quarterly Diversity, Equity and Inclusion meeting and playing an active role in engaging with ITV News Ambassadors.
Skills you'll need (minimum criteria)
- Line management competencies and the ability to lead a successful, motivated team as well as work as part of a high performing team
- Commercially astute with the ability to engage and influence staff at a senior level
- A respected journalist with experience of television news
- Proven leadership experience of large teams
- Experience of internal senior stakeholder management is essential
- A demonstrable commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, both in the workplace and in our output
Other things we're looking for (key criteria)
- Strong planning and coordination skills
- Willingness and ability to build excellent relationships across the business
- Excellent communicator in both verbal and written form
- Proactive and confident
- Adaptable and hardworking
- An assertive self-starter with the proven ability to work under pressure in a results oriented, deadline driven environment
ITV is for everyone.
ITV strongly encourages applications for this role from Deaf, Disabled and/or Neurodivergent people. As a Disability Confident Leader, if you meet the minimum criteria for a role and you have declared that you are disabled, we'll guarantee to take you to the next stage* (minimum criteria above).
We're happy to discuss any support/personalisation you may need during our application and selection process as part of our reasonable adjustments. Drop us a line if you require anything at talkingcareers@itv.com.
Find out more about applying with a disability.
* There may be a few exceptions where we are not able to take all eligible candidates to the next stage due to the volume of applications.
Because those who make an impact deserve to be rewarded for it.
ITV offers some great rewards and benefits including:
- Flexible working with a range of options
- Generous holiday allowance, plus you can buy more
- Annual bonus opportunity
- Competitive pension contribution
- Save as you earn - with an opportunity to buy ITV shares
- Wellbeing and volunteering days plus a wide range of opportunities to help you live a balanced and healthy life
Please note, on occasion we may receive a very large volume of applications which means applications for a role may close earlier than the referenced closing date. We'd encourage you to apply as soon as possible if interested.
Closing date 18th October 2024. ]]>