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The Head of Breaking News is one of the most senior editors on the news desk. They are responsible for overseeing a team of editors and reporters who monitor, identify, verify, commission and publish breaking news. This will initially focus on domestic news. This system has to operate across the whole day to publish stories as quickly as possible and then build these stories up to the highest standard. They must work closely with the National News Editor and Homepage team to flag the biggest emerging stories. They will also need to form strong relationships with other departments to coordinate coverage when stories cross into different areas. They are responsible for monitoring live coverage such as live blogs and deciding with publishers the right format for breaking news stories. This includes working closely with the picture desk, video desk and graphics. The Head of Breaking News will be asked for snap updates by more senior editors, and be expected to give clear direction to more junior colleagues to ensure stories are filed and published quickly. The role requires someone who is passionate about news, is energetic and motivating. They must be able to stay calm under pressure and deliver fast paced news coverage to the highest standard.
Job Responsibility:
Establishing and maintaining a system to identify, verify, commission and publish breaking news across the whole day
Judging and justifying which stories are covered and which are not
Communicating big breaking news to the National News Editor and Home Page
Managing and developing a team of editors and reporters to ensure the Telegraph’s coverage of breaking news is fast, accurate and of the highest standard. This includes working closely with publishers
Managing live blogs
Establishing and managing a ‘listening’ team to ensure wires, social media and rivals are monitored for news and newslines
Requirements:
Experience of news editing for a national newspaper or equivalent is essential
Exceptional news judgement is essential
An ability to work and make decisions under pressure, including communicating with more senior and junior colleagues in that environment is essential
Experience presenting to senior editors is essential
Knowledge of media law and Ipso guidelines is essential
An ability to make independent decisions is essential
An ability to communicate instructions clearly under pressure, ensure these are delivered and that relevant feedback is given is essential
Able to form strong relationships with other news editors, reporters and publishers is essential
It is vital to embrace digital content and creative ways to tell news stories to an online audience. Prior experience of this is essential
Strong ability to edit articles clearly, concisely and to house style is essential
Good organisational skills - able to keep multiple projects on track and stakeholders up to date - are essential
An ability to motivate others to work to high standards under pressure is essential
An ability to address potential conflicts which have an impact on delivery targets and respond to shifting priorities is essential