Early Presenter - #192079

We are looking for an Early Presenter to join our multi-platform news team at ITV Cymru Wales in Cardiff Bay.

As Early Presenter you are the face of Wales’ news bulletins within ITV’s breakfast programme. You may be asked to present other news output too. 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.

You will take responsibility for building your own bulletins, writing scripts, editing content, making check calls and creating content for our digital platforms. 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.

You will be required to source, film and edit reports for our flagship Wales at Six bulletin and other ITV Cymru Wales output and demonstrable experience in this aspect will be a distinct advantage. Examples of this kind of work should ideally be included in the showreel alongside studio presenting. We’d be looking for the successful candidate to deliver on average at least one piece per week.

Alongside the TV responsibilities 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 for our digital platforms including our website and app offering.

Wales is a richly diverse nation and we're looking for a person who will help ensure our coverage is truly representative of the people and backgrounds of all those who live here.

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 accurate, engaging, and informative way possible
• To provide the Newsdesk with a morning summary of breaking stories and local media news headlines
• To provide ideas, both original and diary items, for our digital service and develop a range of contacts suitable for these platforms.
• 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, and 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 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
  
  

Your showreel will be assessed as part of the interview process - it should demonstrate:

• Accomplished live performance
• A varied set of presenting and reporting examples which shows a breadth of content across studio and on location settings.
• 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 Welsh, UK and international news.
• Strong story ideas and the skills to set up, self-shoot and edit packages or be able to demonstrate the aptitude to learn these skills.
• 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 Wales and its distinct features.
• An awareness of the types of stories that engage our audiences with proven ability to build a strong network of contacts. 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.
• 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 with techniques to maximise reach and impact.
• The ability to remain calm and resilient in what is often a busy work environment
• Knowledge of and commitment to ITV’s Health and Safety and risk assessment policy and procedures
  
  

When applying for this role, candidates should submit a Covering Letter of no more than one side of A4, CV and Showreel.

The typical start time for this role is 0500
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ITV is for Everyone and we want to ensure that ITV Wales reflects our audience both on screen and in our teams. We encourage applications from Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent people and People of Colour to help us achieve our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion goals.

Newsrooms are busy and pressurised environments, involving live news production, which often requires colleagues to make quick decisions under pressure. We also need people who are able to use their initiative and, particularly for editorial roles, know what information might be required and how to research it.

We need to test these abilities at the interview stage to understand how candidates will react when operating in a pressurised environment. This is a fundamental requirement of the role. We will always consider any request for reasonable adjustments as part of the interview process, for example sharing key themes when that is requested in connection with a neurodivergent condition, whilst still ensuring that we are able to test a candidate's ability to operate in the specific environment of a newsroom.

Interview date: W/C 13th July

Please note the notice period for this role is 2 months (this will include any new contracts/ secondments)