Senior Live Editor

Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Job Category: Online | New Media
Job ID: 12821
Employment Type: Full time
Salary: per year
Posted: 07.23.2025

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Occupations:

Job Description:

JOB DETAILS

JOB BAND: D

CONTRACT TYPE: Fixed-term contract, Full-time. Anticipated length or contract, 12 months. At will.

DEPARTMENT: BBC News

LOCATION: Washington, DC

PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: $96,000- $105,000 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience. The expected salary range for this role reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights.

 

This is a local hire position and eligible candidates must be able to live and work in the US (US citizenship, Green Card or work authorisation)

 

Closing date: 18:59 EST August 6th, 2025

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Live Editor will lead the delivery of fast, accurate, and engaging live coverage on the BBC News website and app. This role is central to shaping how we report breaking news, using text, video, images, graphics, and live streams to bring audiences to the heart of unfolding events. You’ll help define editorial priorities, guide a growing team, and innovate how live journalism connects with millions globally.

 

WHY JOIN THE TEAM
Join a dynamic, forward-thinking team at the heart of BBC News, where your work will reach millions during the world’s biggest moments. You’ll help shape the future of live digital journalism, working with talented colleagues across text, video, and visuals. With innovation, collaboration, and impact at its core, this is a unique opportunity to grow your career while delivering trusted, real-time storytelling that informs and connects audiences globally.

Job Requirements:

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT:

• Help run live team daily, including managing staff, directing coverage and commissioning content. 
• Maintain flow, tone and accuracy of the page, as well as writing compelling headlines, selecting sharp images, and maintaining streams
• Have a deep understanding of changing digital audiences, acting swiftly and authoritatively during breaking news
• Collaborate with a large team while remaining calm under pressure, often working on different live pages at once with colleagues in different locations
• Work with senior news editors to help manage and develop team members, and assist with planned coverage  

 

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• Excellent editorial judgement with significant experience editing text in a fast-paced digital newsroom
• Proven knowledge of the distinctive nature of live digital storytelling and creativity
• Experience managing and motivating a team of live reporters under high pressure 
• Deep understanding of using audience and search data to improve digital storytelling, reach new audiences and broaden coverage  
• Familiarity with the production tools and techniques for compelling live text, video and streaming

 

Disclaimer

This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.

Please note: If you were to be offered this role, the BBC will conduct Employment screening checks which include Reference checks; Eligibility to work checks; and if applicable to the role, Safeguarding and Adverse media/Social media checks. Any offer made is conditional on these checks being satisfactory.