Job Description
Job Title: Broadcast Journalist (planning), Victoria Derbyshire Programme Department: Newsroom Grade: 7D
PROGRAMME BRIEF
The Victoria Derbyshire programme is being launched in April 2015 on BBC Two, the BBC News Channel and across the BBC's digital platforms. It will be the centrepiece of domestic daytime TV news, delivering breaking news and focusing on original journalism, exclusive interviews and audience interaction with regular public debates on location. It will also be our first 'digital first' TV news programme - with each bespoke film commissioned for an online audience first, making the best use of the BBC's social media presence and streamed via the new BBC Live platform.
The digital video and planning team supporting the programme will work to drive the innovative journalism and production at the heart of the programme. It will ensure maximum impact on TV and digitally, sharing stories with the wider BBC.
The new programme will be embedded within the production of the BBC News Channel, the most- watched 24-hour news channel in the UK, and will develop links with our live UK online output as part of the UK 24/7 News team, which is at the forefront of BBC journalism, combining breaking and developing news with accessible analysis of events at home and abroad.
JOB PURPOSE
Strong broadcast journalists are essential to the editorial and production success of the programme. BJs in the planning role will perform a range of key tasks such as originating stories, shaping creative treatments both on-air and online, producing live sequences, writing intros, creating graphics and package production. Other responsibilities include writing scripts and briefs, writing stories for online, planning audience OBs, producing highly creative digital content and implementing a strong social media strategy.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
To take responsibility for producing long term and next day items, including writing material, checking facts, briefing presenters, booking guests and creating graphics and packages.
To demonstrate editorial curiosity by contributing creative ideas and treatments on original stories and the main news of the day
To take responsibility for digital content of the programme – including creative treatments in films, post-production of live output and strong social media awareness
To show visual creativity in the use of pictures and graphics to illustrate and explain stories on- air and online.
To work under pressure on breaking and developing stories, following instructions and using initiative to help editors keep on top of events.
To play a key role, when required, in the planning, writing and production of major stories and events.
After appropriate training and, on occasion, to direct and field produce a news OB.
All News staff may be required to work with or move to other programme teams, and to have the ability to work across a range of skills and in a flexible manner, and to carry out these responsibilities in accordance with the BBC’s overall standards and values.
As a member of the Newsroom, the job holder will be expected to work and think collaboratively at all times - both within News and across the wider BBC.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Experience of original journalism, breaking and developing news; with appropriate production experience and good editorial judgement.
Experience of producing digital content
Sound knowledge of news and current affairs in the UK, Europe and internationally.
Sound understanding of the BBC’s Editorial Guidelines and commitment to the editorial aims of BBC News.
Proven editorial judgement and flair, able to make sound decisions quickly. The flair and imagination to craft creative and original output.
Strong knowledge of relevant legal and editorial policy issues.
Ability to work well with other producers, contributors, presenters and reporters.
Must be able to work well and calmly in a live 24 hour transmission format; able to handle a rapidly changing running order, and have the temperament to enjoy the process.
Good understanding of digital TV and online platforms and the different ways audiences are consuming news.
Must be able to demonstrate sense of visual awareness as well as technical aptitude.
Demonstrable evidence of collaboration, integrity, drive, energy and delivery.
Knowledge of Health and Safety policies and practices in an output environment.
Thorough understanding of the BBC’s Producer Guidelines and commitment to the editorial aims of BBC News.
COMPETENCIES
Decision Making Is ready and able to take the initiative, originate action and be responsible for the consequences of the decisions made.
Imagination / Creative Thinking Translates news and current affairs into high quality programming through a detailed understanding of the requirements of the broadcast media and possession of the necessary writing, directing and reporting skills.
Planning and organising Is able to think ahead in order to establish an efficient and appropriate course of action for self and others. Prioritises and plans activities taking into account all the relevant issues and factors such as deadlines, staffing and resources requirements.
Resilience Can maintain personal effectiveness by managing emotions in the face of pressure, setbacks or when dealing with provocative situations. Can demonstrate an approach to work that is characterised by commitment, motivation and energy.
Influencing and persuading Ability to present sound and well reasoned arguments to convince others. Can draw from a range of strategies to persuade people in a way that results in agreement or behaviour change.
Managing relationships and team working Able to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people. Works cooperatively with others to be part of a team, as opposed to working separately or competitively.
Editorial Judgement Makes the right editorial and policy decisions based upon a clear understanding of the BBC’s distinctive news agenda, the requirements of news and current affairs coverage as well as those of the programme departments.