Job Introduction
BBC Local provides a rich and highly valued mix of content across TV, radio and mobile platforms for audiences across England. There is a really strong appetite for local programmes and content on TV, radio and mobile. For more than six decades, audiences have trusted us to provide impartial news and current affairs from where they live, investigations that matter and of course for us to celebrate life around here. Our job is to make sense of the world locally, be a reassuring voice and a companion. It’s a mission that’s as important, if not more important in a world where on-demand content is available every time you pick up a mobile.
Local radio stations have a collective weekly audience of 6 million and play an important role in our diverse communities through local partnerships. Our local TV news programmes are the most watched news programme in the UK, bar none.
We are ambitious for the future of BBC Local and now we want to ensure that our multimedia service delivers effectively across the BBC’s mobile portfolio, including BBC Sounds, BBC News and BBC Sport.
Main Responsibilities
The postholder will steer the production of all BBC Local news, audio and digital content across the South and South East.
They will inspire and develop teams to deliver outstanding, creative and engaging content, maximising the impact and distinctiveness of BBC services with local audiences across all of our platforms, both live and on demand. You will direct a major programme of creative and organisational change to ensure we operate as a full multi-media service, offering content when and where audiences expect to receive it.
Are you the right candidate?
We are seeking a senior creative leader with a track record of success leading a diverse portfolio of content. You will demonstrate the drive and creativity to deliver significant audience impact and will have the ability and profile to be a key player in the creative sector and within the wider BBC.
Experience over a range of creative output and making judgements on editorial values is crucial.
Leadership and in particular, a strong leadership presence is essential for this role. For us, understanding how you inspire people and how you leave them feeling is just as important as your ability to drive editorial innovation.
Travel will be required across a number of BBC locations in the South and South East.
About the BBC
We don’t focus simply on what we do – we also care how we do it. Our values and the way we behave are important to us. Please make sure you’ve read about our values and behaviours in the document attached below.
Diversity matters at the BBC. We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual's unique contribution, enabling all of our employees to thrive and achieve their full potential.
We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to be part of the BBC – whether that’s to contribute to our programming or our wide range of non-production roles. The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity.
We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles, unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.
To find out more about Diversity and Inclusion at the BBC, please click here
Package Description
Band: SL
Contract type: Continuing
Location: Southampton or Tunbridge Wells
If you think you have what it takes to lead the BBC’s Local services in the South & South East, please contact Jason Horton the Director of Production, BBC Local for more information.
Selection process: This will be a rigorous process. If you are invited for interview – you will be expected to prepare a 10 minute presentation on your priorities for the region and how you intend to deliver the BBC Local Value for All strategy in the South and South East.
There will also be a role play exercise for those selected for interview.
We anticipate interviews taking place WC 27th Feb
If you have any queries regarding the application process or require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process, please contact [email protected]
Here at BBC Local, we are committed to upholding inclusive values and behaviours. We expect diversity and inclusion to be at the forefront of everything that we do and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply so that our workforce is reflective of the audiences we serve.
We’re happy to discuss flexible working. Please indicate your choice under the flexible working question in the application. There is no obligation to raise this at the application stage but if you wish to do so, you are welcome to. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.