Job Description

Job Title: Senior Broadcast Journalist, Planning, Victoria Derbyshire Programme Department: UK 24/7 News Grade: 8/9D

Offered as an attachment or fixed term contract, initially for 6 months.

More details from: Louisa Compton, launch editor (via Alison Sherwen 020 361 43073)

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

· To work alongside the programme's editor and planning assistant editor commissioning and producing digital-first content for the Victoria Derbyshire programme.

· To contribute ideas and manage long-term bids for exclusive and hard-to-get interviews, coordinate original journalism and investigations, and help coordinate an innovative team of film makers and producers.

· To plan audience debates and OBs, and work in the field.

· To produce complex sequences, graphics and high-end packages; to oversee next day planning and longer term ideas.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

· To ensure the programme delivers strong, original journalism; innovative production and digital impact on a daily basis.

· To help lead and motivate the team on a day to day basis, including organising the workload of production team and deployment of staff.

· To ensure powerful coverage of breaking and developing news, live events and big stories; combining reporting, context and analysis and a wide range of guests that deliver our commitments to impartiality and breadth of voice.

· To contribute to the management of staff, both by giving regular feedback to broadcast journalists and assistants and by contributing to appraisals.

· To be able to produce high-end video content, working with correspondents, picture editors and camera crews to deliver strong output to tight deadlines.

· After appropriate training, to be able to desktop edit, put together graphics and on occasion, to direct and field produce a news OB.

· To be able to cover for the Assistant Editor (Planning) from time to time.

· 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.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

· Experience of planning and commissioning for television news and current affairs, with appropriate production experience and proven editorial judgement.

· Strong understanding of digital platforms and production, including social media

· 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 motivate and guide producers, contributors, presenters and reporters.

· 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 and content through a detailed understanding of the requirements of the broadcast and digital media and possession of the necessary writing, directing and production 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.

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.

Understanding diversity Understanding diversity in its widest sense. Demonstrates a commitment to improving diversity in the BBC. Takes a balanced approach to discussing and taking action on diversity issues. Articulates how individual differences can benefit the BBC.

Flexibility Adapts and works effectively with a variety of situations, individuals or groups. Is able to understand and appreciate different and opposing perspectives on an issue, to adapt an approach as the requirements of a situation change, and to change or easily accept changes in one's own organisation or job requirements.