Job Introduction
Today is unique. Its reach, its ambition, its range, and its importance to BBC News and to the wider BBC are without parallel. The programme reaches one in every nine adults each week which makes for a large and very varied audience who demand high standards and a varied mix of engaging radio in the mornings. Today needs to keep adapting to the changing broadcasting landscape, to new platforms, and to the needs of its listeners.
The high profile of the programme means that it has a major impact on the BBC's public standing and its relationship with opinion formers. Sensitive negotiations with influential people are a daily occurrence.
The BBC is committed to redeploying employees seeking suitable alternative employment within the BBC for different reasons and they will be given priority consideration ahead of other applicants. Priority consideration means for those employees seeking redeployment their application will be considered alongside anyone else at risk of redundancy, prior to any individuals being considered who are not at risk.
Main Responsibilities
Today Senior Journalists' work to ensure the on-going high standard and creativity of the programme’s output. They are principally responsible for day and night editing the programme; in addition, they work as producers both on the desk and in the field and spend time working on commissioning. They work closely with the programme’s team of high-profile presenters. They need strong editorial judgement, an ability to think creatively and generate original stories. A good knowledge of British politics, domestic and foreign affairs is essential – but we also need people who can tap into the other subjects which affect and enliven listeners’ lives.
Are you the right candidate?
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Experience/evidence of leading teams in a fast paced and pressured environment. Understanding how to get the best out of our teams, providing leadership for presenters and demonstrating clear and decisive news judgment.
- Experience of output editing engaging and news making radio programmes which also produce strong content for digital platforms.
- Evidence of managing breaking news in a live broadcast setting and offering ideas for creative radio treatments.
- Excellent news judgment; the ability to identify news lines or news-making contributors with a commitment to increasing diverse representation across output.
- Proven ability to originate relevant content for a national audience in news or current affairs, and a solid track record of pitching ideas that get on air working collaboratively within the BBC.
- Strong knowledge of the domestic news agenda, with an in-depth knowledge of politics.
About the BBC
Reinventing the BBC for the next Generation
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, sexuality, social background, religion and/or belief. And we promote flexible working opportunities where operational needs allow.
To find out more about Diversity and Inclusion at the BBC, please click here
Package Description
Band: D
Contract: Attachment (12 months)
Base: London
Job share and part-time applications are welcome for this role. Please include detail of the proposed arrangement in your application.
You are eligible to apply for an internal role if you are either on a BBC Continuing (Permanent) contract, a BBC Fixed Term contract, a casual contract or freelance contract and you have worked continuously for 6 months.
Only internal staff are eligible to apply for the role on an attachment basis. You need to be on a continuing (permanent) or fixed-term contract. You need to have worked for the BBC for more than one year and not have been on an attachment in the last 12 months. You will also need permission from your line manager. You can find out more on our attachments page.
Any offer of employment with the BBC will be conditional upon you having the right to work in the UK