Assistant night editor – The Sun

About The Sun

The Sun is the most popular news brand in the UK, reaching 38.2 million people a month across digital and print. Its journalism ranges from investigations, campaigns and political scoops to celebrity news.

Its team produces coverage across news, sport, lifestyle and showbiz for print and digital audiences.

About the role

As a member of the backbench in the integrated newsroom, you will play an important role in the daily production, tone and design of The Sun and The Sun on Sunday.

You will act as a key link between editorial desks and print production, conceiving and producing pages for the newspaper while contributing to the wider editorial agenda and digital output.

The role requires an experienced production journalist who can produce engaging pages, support the night editor and, when required, take responsibility for the edition. You will help ensure The Sun’s approach to storytelling is reflected across print and digital platforms.

The role operates across a seven-day rota and involves evening and regular weekend shifts.

Key responsibilities

• Work with news and picture desks, sub-editors and the art desk to create visually engaging pages, write strong headlines and maintain high standards of copy to tight deadlines.
• Suggest story treatments, design approaches and front-page ideas to the night editor.
• Revise and send pages for publication, checking tone, layout and headlines while working to production deadlines.
• Work closely with the advertising team on the positioning of advertisements, ensuring placement guidelines are followed.
• Work with the heads of news and pictures to maximise the impact of stories online and through video.
• Apply media law and regulatory requirements to headlines and copy, including contempt and libel law, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) standards and the Editors’ Code of Practice.

Essential criteria

• Experience in a senior production role, such as chief sub-editor or night editor, or another middle or backbench position within a fast-paced national or major regional news organisation.
• Experience or knowledge of digital publishing and video production.
• Knowledge of newspaper production software such as InDesign and Methode, with a practical understanding of edition planning.
• Excellent headline-writing and page-design skills, with the ability to identify potential legal issues in stories under significant deadline pressure.
• Strong knowledge of media law and the IPSO Editors’ Code of Practice.
• The ability to make significant editorial decisions quickly and calmly.
• The ability to work effectively in a rolling, seven-day news operation.

About News UK

News UK is one of the leading media businesses in the UK and Ireland. Its news brands include The Times, The Sunday Times, The Sun, The Sun on Sunday and The TLS. Its national broadcast brands include talkSPORT, Times Radio and Virgin Radio UK, alongside local stations across Ireland.

Its brands provide news, analysis, opinion and entertainment to almost 40 million people each month across print, digital, audio, video, events and experiences.

News UK says it exists to promote a fair society, freedom of speech and a little bit of fun, while continuing to develop how it tells stories and reaches audiences.

Life at News UK

News UK aims to represent, reflect and reach the nation, telling stories that matter and providing trusted information to its audiences.

The organisation is committed to reflecting the diversity of the people it reaches and creating a culture where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive.

News UK also supports employee-led networks that bring together colleagues with shared interests and experiences. These include the African and Caribbean Network, Parents and Carers, News Is Out and the Apprentice Society.

Benefits

Benefits include:

• Private medical insurance, including cover for pre-existing conditions.
• Discounted gym memberships, free ClassPass at Home and weekly in-person or virtual exercise classes.
• Bikes for Work and Electric Car schemes.
• Up to 60 per cent discount on HarperCollins books.
• Up to 18 weeks’ maternity leave at full basic salary and up to two weeks’ paternity leave.
• Access to exclusive events and competitions with brands including talkSPORT, Virgin Radio UK and The Times, alongside weekly virtual panel discussions with journalists and celebrities.
• Wellbeing benefits including an employee assistance programme (EAP), physiotherapy, massage and counselling.
• A pension scheme with employer contributions of up to 5 per cent.
• A range of training opportunities and full access to LinkedIn Learning.
• 30 days’ holiday plus bank holidays.
• Up to three paid volunteering days a year.

Inclusive recruitment

News UK is committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process. If you require reasonable adjustments because of a disability or health condition at any stage of your application or interview, contact careers@news.co.uk to discuss the support available.