Programme Lawyer

The Role

The team..

The ITV Compliance team sits within our Legal and Business Affairs division, operating at the very heart of our broadcasting operations. We are a collaborative, specialist team of professionals dedicated to ensuring that ITV's rich variety of content meets all legal and regulatory standards. Working in a fast-paced environment that requires close partnership with both in-house and external content creators, the function supports the business in managing editorial risk responsibly while championing creative freedom and innovation across our family of channels.

The role..

We’re looking for a Programme Lawyer to join the team on a 6-month fixed-term contract basis. Reporting to the Head of Legal Compliance, you will provide vital programme content legal and compliance advice to content creators for ITV, ensuring that both internal teams and third-party producers fully understand and meet their compliance obligations.

This is a dynamic, high-exposure role offering deep involvement in the legal realities of modern broadcasting. It is ideal for a media lawyer looking to apply their expertise in a practical, fast-moving environment, managing a demanding and varied workload that spans network documentaries, entertainment, reality series, and regional news reporting.

Some of your key day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Providing expert advice on a broad range of legal issues, including defamation, contempt, privacy, and copyright.
• Advising content creators on strict compliance with broadcasting regulations, specifically the Ofcom Broadcasting Code.
• Drafting detailed, high-quality responses to programme regulatory complaints.
• Conducting proactive compliance risk assessments and ongoing issue management across production cycles.
• Supporting and guiding our non-legal Compliance team members on complex matters upon request.
• Capturing critical compliance data accurately on approved broadcast and compliance systems.
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of internal compliance processes and workflows.

Skills you’ll need (minimum criteria)

• You must be a qualified UK Lawyer, or qualified in a country with similar laws.
• Experience of legal work in television or other media production and/or content clearance, obtained either in-house or in private practice.
• Foundational knowledge of the law regarding defamation, contempt, privacy, and copyright, alongside an understanding of regulatory Codes and their practical application.

Other things we’re looking for (key criteria)

• A clear can-do attitude with the ability to provide constructive and creative solutions to complex legal and compliance problems.
• Proven ability to forge effective, collaborative working relationships with producers, internal business contacts, and the wider Compliance team.
• Exceptional ability to provide authoritative, clear, and succinct legal advice on very short notice.
• Highly developed analytical judgment and strong risk assessment skills when evaluating content.
• Experienced in dealing effectively with competing priorities, managing a heavy workload, and remaining calm under pressure.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• A supportive team player who enjoys working within a co-operative and collegiate environment.

Potential Challenges

• This role includes some evening and weekend working, as well as attendance at studio recordings and live broadcasts where necessary.
• You will need to be available and contactable 24/7 when required to give critical, time-sensitive support and content advice.

Please note, on occasion we may receive a very large volume of applications which means applications for a role may close earlier than the referenced closing date. We’d encourage you to apply as soon as possible if interested.