Press Officer

The Role

The team

The press team promotes and protects the corporate reputation of ITV Studios including its people, companies and shows.

The role

The press officer position is a core role within the department working closely with the VP Comms International, Publicity Manager, ITV Studios and the Group Head of Communications.

Duties will entail anything from interfacing with national press and trade journalists, to helping prepare briefing notes for interviews, writing press materials and leading on corporate ITV Studios initiatives in relation to Sustainability, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the work of The ITV Academy, which provides development programmes, traineeships and entry-level opportunities for those making a career in production

Some key responsibilities

Works with the VP Comms International and Publicity Manager, ITV Studios to:

• Identify, devise, draft and issue news releases to secure proactive, positive news stories for UK & International production, Global Distribution & The Creative Network
• Research and collate an on-going list of media opportunities to promote our labels and spokespeople - for example by-lined pieces; entries to prestigious industry lists/rankings in titles like Variety and Hollywood Reporter.
• Support PR campaigns for the year-round TV distribution markets & festivals, maintaining a grid of priority events and using it to plan ahead, researching relevant editorial and speaking opportunities
• Support the preparation of briefing notes for spokespeople giving interviews or speaking publicly
• Lead on corporate award entries
• Manage reactive press queries

Works with the Group Head of Comms, ITV Studios to:

• Position ITV Studios as an employer of choice, giving back to the industry at large - be the lead PR on promoting the ITV Academy

Acts as lead PR for:

• ITV Studios’ work supporting and leading Sustainable Production
• Diversity & Inclusion initiatives within ITV

Supporting ITV Studios press office

• Maintains a key ITV Studios facts briefing note
• Maintains media contact lists
• Monitors publicity inbox to alert and handle queries related to ITV Studios
• Covers for other members of the team when they are on leave

Skills you’ll need (minimum criteria)

• Experience of interfacing with journalists and handling sensitive information with discretion.
• A number of years experience in PR or journalism, with some experience working for a well-known or high profile brand.
• An interest in broadcasting, media and business journalism.
• Journalism, PR/Comms or Marketing Experience

Other things we’re looking for (key criteria)

• Excellent verbal/written communication skills, with the ability to adapt according to the requirements of a varying level of stakeholders.
• Good organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and work under pressure to tight deadlines.
• Desirable: media, journalism, marketing or public relations or communications higher education qualification OR relevant apprenticeship
• Meticulous in terms of attention to detail and accuracy of information
• Curiosity to ask questions and understand more about the inner workings of a large international business
• Be on a quest for clarity, leading the candidate to handle questions from stakeholders and journalists with confidence
• A proactive can-do attitude and ability to manage a range of priorities and deadlines
• A creative and independent thinker with an aptitude for coming up with fresh and innovative ideas as well as challenging and evolving systems already in place
• A passion for learning
• A natural flair for research