Executive Editor, Today Programme

JOB DETAILS

JOB BAND: SL

CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent

DEPARTMENT: Today Programme, BBC Radio 4

LOCATION: London

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

This is an exceptional opportunity for a highly experienced, innovative, and creative Executive Editor to lead one of the UK’s most established and recognisable news programmes.

The Executive Editor of Today will be a confident and decisive leader with outstanding editorial judgement and authority. They will bring a deep understanding of the domestic and international news agenda, a sharp awareness of audience needs, and a clear commitment to fairness, accuracy, and transparency.

They will drive the continued evolution of Today while preserving its position as the home of major news-making interviews, rigorous impartial debate, and informed, meaningful discussion. 
 
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT: 

As Executive Editor, you will provide editorial leadership for the programme, and shape and strengthen its distinctive character and identity, safeguarding the independence and integrity of its output and ensuring full compliance with BBC editorial policies and standards.

You will hold managerial, editorial, and financial responsibility for a team of journalists, fostering a robust, creative editorial culture that encourages originality, ambition, and excellence in storytelling.

You will foster a collaborative, respectful and inclusive working environment, ensuring the team feels supported, valued, and empowered to bring their best and most creative ideas forward. 

You will also represent the BBC at a senior level, building strong relationships internally and externally and acting as an authoritative ambassador for the programme and the organisation.

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

•    A comprehensive and sophisticated understanding of the domestic and global news agenda
•    An excellent journalistic track record at a very senior editorial level of producing innovative, live news programming, preferably in radio and/or podcasts. 
•    The requisite creativity, ambition and flare to make an impactful, thought-provoking and entertaining programme. 
•    The ability to make major decisions with authority and under pressure, and the ability to deal with daily and long-term editorial demands.
•    A firm understanding of the importance of truth, trust and transparency.
•    A proven track record of strong leadership of a large multi-skilled and diverse team.
•    Significant experience of driving change and development in an editorial setting.