Early Presenter

We are looking for an Early Presenter to join our broadcast and digital news team at ITV News Central based in Birmingham. As Early Presenter you are the face of regional news bulletins within ITV's breakfast programme, Good Morning Britain, and you will also be required to present other news output. You may be asked to produce bulletins too. You will work alongside colleagues, writing scripts, editing content, making check calls, curating our digital platforms and setting up stories. You may also be required to film or report and provide support to the Newsdesk as required. As our Early Presenter, you will be an accomplished live performer with a clear broadcast voice, an authoritative yet warm on-screen presence and an approachable style and manner both on and off screen. You will have proven experience as a journalist and be able to write for TV and online with equal brilliance. An essential part of your role will be contributing to our digital content. You will be expected to come up with ideas on how to improve and develop our digital coverage as well as help with the input of text and video material, blogs, special features, extended coverage of stories, and other information. You will liaise closely with the senior editorial team to ensure coverage is always as exciting, current and comprehensive as possible. The Early Presenter is the last check for potential Compliance, Legal and ITV Trust breaches, so a thorough knowledge of policy in these areas is essential. The Midlands 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. This is an 8-month secondment position. The successful candidate will need to hit the ground running, demonstrating immediate confidence in a live broadcast environment and seamless integration into the Birmingham-based newsroom. To be considered for an interview, you will need to submit a showreel, a CV and a covering letter. Key Responsibilities: To deliver output, from the studio or live on-location, to a high standard, ensuring that the output is presented in the most engaging, informative and entertaining way possible To have the skills to produce and present week day bulletins as required To carry out morning check calls and provide the Newsdesk with a morning summary of breaking stories and local media news headlines To ensure the digital service is provided with contacts and diary items on a regular basis To maintain and take responsibility for the highest standards of editorial accuracy, checking scripts to make sure that content complies with Compliance, Legal, and ITV Trust requirements To exercise excellent editorial judgement and provide editorial guidance to colleagues with less experience To help define the look and feel of the news service online as well as on screen, participating in and contributing to production and planning meetings and providing editorial guidance and support to the rest of the news team To be actively involved in all stages of production, participating in the prospects, planning, treatment, programme meetings where possible To find and develop original story ideas and maximise the impact and relevance onscreen with all the skills and technology available To be pro-active about diversity, equity & inclusion ensuring the output reflects news stories and issues across the audience spectrum To react swiftly and effectively to breaking news stories To keep up-to-date with local, regional, and national news and current affairs as well as with developments across the ITV news network To make, maintain and nurture a wide range of relevant contacts To represent ITV at organised events and with the general public as required To maintain and update newsroom planning files by ensuring key information from contacts, press releases and agency copy or viewers' calls is entered on the newsroom system To ensure on-screen and off-screen appearance meets the company's standards at all times To research and package high quality news and features for bulletins and the main programme as required, where appropriate and time allows To embrace the full suite of newsroom technology, including edit, self-prompting, graphics & digital, adhering to workflow as required (following appropriate training) To consistently generate original and creative ideas, contributing to the news agenda of the day, on-screen and online To research and develop story ideas thoroughly and creatively for on-air and online output To write scripts that are accurate, concise and engaging To be proactive in encouraging interaction with the audience To promote and sustain a multi-skilled approach to news journalism Some Early Presenters will stand in (on request) for members of the presentation team to read bulletins or present the main programme when presenters are absent Your showreel will be assessed as part of the interview process - it should demonstrate: Accomplished live performance The ability to dress professionally A clear microphone voice The ability to deliver the script or interview with a style and tone which is both authoritative and approachable Confident and clear communication skills Skills you'll need (minimum criteria) Fully qualified NCTJ, BJTC or equivalent experience The ability to generate, research and develop original, impactful and distinctive ideas, taking a creative approach to story-telling, treatments and production to deliver high quality reports for both on-air and online Strong and creative writing skills (accurate spelling and grammar essential) A strong knowledge of media law & compliance and the ability to exercise excellent editorial judgement The ability to prioritise work accurately within tight deadlines whilst responding effectively under pressure to changing running orders Other things we're looking for (key criteria) Excellent news judgement in line with ITV News aspirations. Comprehensive knowledge of and interest in national and regional news - both newspapers, online and other broadcast media The ability to work to deadlines is crucial. Early Presenters will have an organised approach with effective logistical skills. The ability to plan well, work efficiently and keep calm and focussed under pressure is essential. A strong knowledge of the patch, its cultural heritage and an awareness of the types of stories that engage our audiences. An understanding of the importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in determining output. Willingness to work unsocial hours including late shifts and weekends as required Proven ability to build a strong network of contacts with the ability to think laterally about where stories are developing and identifying the contacts to deliver the stories The ability to use initiative, be self-motivated and quick-thinking with strong and decisive decision making skills Knowledge and understanding of digital platforms and how to tap into new audiences online and experience of using social media as a promotional tool The ability to remain calm and resilient in what is often a busy work environment Experience of working effectively as part of a team, ensuring that the whole team (editorial and production) feel included and valued in newsgathering and the output production process Excellent attention to detail Knowledge of and commitment to ITV's Health and Safety and risk assessment policy and procedures The typical start time for this role varies from 0430-0515 depending on the region. Some individuals may be required to travel to district offices or to work in other news operations as well as attending relevant forums, development sessions and meetings off site as part of their role