Production Journalist

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.

We are looking for an experienced and multi‑skilled Production Journalist to join our broadcast and digital news team  successful candidate will be a self‑motivated journalist who loves the production and team working 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.

• 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 news gathering.
• 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.

• 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.