Playout Editor
Playout Editor
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Job Description
JOB DETAILS
JOB BAND: E
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent Full-time
DEPARTMENT: Technology Group / Broadcast and Publication
LOCATION: London
PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: 55000 - 60000 depending on relevant skills knowledge and experience. The expected salary range for this role reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The Playout Editor is the single point of contact responsible for the safe and compliant transmission of up to 8 live linear TV channels. Negotiating with Production Executives News Editors Scheduling teams and Marketing Executives. The Playout Editors make key decisions directing the BBCs response to schedule reactivity be that an over-running sporting event or an incident impacting a live programme ensuring the best audience experience and utilisation of valuable air time.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM
There are six Playout Editors working within Broadcast and End User Technology and reporting to the Head of Broadcast and Publication. This role is the BBCs editorial representative in our Playout suites. Working with our Playout Service Provider Scheduling Production and Marketing teams the Playout Editors are responsible for ensuring our linear channels (both on broadcast and iPlayer) offer the best possible experience for our audiences. This is one of the few roles in television where you can see the impact of a decision on air within seconds whether managing the delivery of a major breaking News story or juggling our coverage of Wimbledon across the channel portfolio. The team work four 10 hour shifts per week.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT:
Editorial & Operational Leadership: Act as the BBCs lead for TV editorial and operational decisions within linear Playout (BBC1 2 3 4 CBBC CBeebies BBC Red Button ensuring consistent channel identity and managing responses to incidents and schedule changes. The Editors are also across the running of BBC News (UK and International) and BBC Arabic and BBC Persian
Schedule & Output Management: Oversee accurate schedule implementation particularly in the event of schedule reactivity anticipate and resolve timing/logistical issues and maintain up-to-date standby material for emergencies.
Stakeholder Coordination: Liaise with Channel Management Schedulers Production Marketing and the playout service provider to communicate changes manage late alterations and support major live events.
Incident & Disaster Recovery: Serve as the primary contact during major incidents and disaster recovery rehearsals ensuring timely updates and coordination with internal and external teams.
Team Oversight & Communication: Provide dotted-line management to announcers support obituary procedures and ensure clear communication across production playout and technical teams.
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
Broadcast Experience: Youve worked as a Playout Director or in a similar role within a fast-paced broadcast or production environment.
Stakeholder Confidence: Youre comfortable working directly with senior stakeholders and can communicate clearly and effectively at all levels.
Editorial Awareness: Youre ready to develop a strong understanding of BBC editorial policies Ofcom guidelines and marketing principles.
Prepared for the Unexpected: You know the importance of procedures like obituary handling and evacuation and youre confident managing them when needed.
Scheduling Know-How: You understand how commissioning planning and scheduling work together to shape what goes on air and are aware of our schedule and junction structure.
DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED:
Editorial & Leadership Experience: Proven track record in editorial and managerial roles especially in live broadcast environments.
Operational & Scheduling Knowledge: Strong understanding of transmission schedules programme structure and key broadcast systems.
Process & Team Development: Experience improving workflows and leading teams collaboratively with awareness of departmental goals and external partnerships.
Administrative & IT Skills: Skilled in managing data spreadsheets and databases with a highly organised approach to deadlines and delivery.
Problem Solving & Accuracy: Proactive in identifying issues and improving processes with a strong focus on data quality and operational precision.
If you can bring some of these skills and experience along with transferable strengths wed love to hear from you and encourage you to apply.
Employment Type
Full-Time
