Job Description

Vacancy No

VN2495

Location City

Multiple (Non-London)

Location Country

United Kingdom

Job Title

: Publicist, Unscripted (Documentaries, Factual Entertainment, Specialist Factual and Current Affairs)

Location:

Leeds, Manchester, Glasgow

Reports to:

Head of Communications, Unscripted (Documentaries, Factual Entertainment, Specialist Factual and Current Affairs)

Department:

Content Communications

Grade:

P2

OVERVIEW

We're looking for an outstanding Publicist to join Channel 4's busy Content Communications team. The role can be based in any of the following Channel 4 offices: Leeds, Manchester, or Glasgow. Channel 4 is committed to diversity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.



Want to spend your days promoting brilliant content for one of the most innovative and dynamic broadcasters in the UK? In this role you would join the team promoting Channel 4 Documentaries, Factual Entertainment, Specialist Factual and Current Affairs, the departments responsible for some of the most ground-breaking and distinctive shows on television - from 24 Hours in Police Custody, Gogglebox, Educating Yorkshire and Virgin Island, to Open House: The Great Sex Experiment, First Dates, Jeremy Kyle Show: Death on Daytime, Leaving Neverland, SAS: Who Dares Wins, Hunted, Russell Brand: In Plain Sight: Dispatches and Grand Designs.

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION

The Content Communications department is responsible for generating and shaping media coverage and driving buzz around Channel 4's programmes, content, vision, services and talent. The department proactively publicises Channel 4's programmes and content across all newspapers, digital, TV and radio, magazines, trade publications, podcasts and with influencers - with a view to driving audiences and amplifying its brand and reputation. The department is responsible for communicating the effectiveness of Channel 4's delivery against its public service remit and protecting the reputation of the organisation, its individuals and programming. The Content Communications department handles all media requests for programme information, talent and executive interviews, clips and pictures.

JOB PURPOSE

The Publicist role is to develop, implement and manage creative, targeted, noisy publicity campaigns that generate conversations and drive audience viewing to Channel 4's programmes and content as well as effectively communicating its unique remit and brand values.



This role will manage campaigns for a range of programmes, with particular focus on promoting unscripted content across our documentaries, factual entertainment, specialist factual and current affairs slates.



The Publicist will work as part of the wider Content Communications team overseen by the Director of Content Communications, and they will have the opportunity to work across multiple programming genres and with different members of the department.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to Head of Communications, Unscripted (Documentaries, Factual Entertainment, Specialist Factual and Current Affairs), the Publicist will:
Develop and implement stand out publicity strategies for key priority programmes across the slate and come up with innovative ideas for generating noise around key projects across all broadcast channels and streaming. Lead the proactive promotion of assigned programmes to all target media - print, broadcast, digital, podcasts and influencers. Develop a network of excellent working relationships with journalists and influencers across a range of media. Identify and manage issues arising out of Channel 4 projects, in conjunction with the Publicity Leads and Head of Communications - preparing Q&As, drafting lines against enquiry and fielding/answering calls. Write and create all press materials - including press releases, press information/billings, press packs and clips etc. Organise and manage press events, junkets, set visits and screenings. Provide written reports and critical evaluation of priority programme campaigns, presenting to stakeholders internally and externally as required. Work closely with picture publicity, marketing and social to deliver creative integrated PR campaigns. Develop excellent working relationships with Channel 4 commissioning teams, independent production companies, agents and personal publicists, acting as main point of contact on assigned programmes. Work with publicity assistants in the team to mentor and develop their PR skills and share best practice. Participate in out of hours duty press officer rota.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

Technical/Professional Skills
A track record of developing and implementing proactive, creative and innovative consumer PR strategies and campaigns. A comprehensive understanding of PR and its place in the wider communications mix Experience of identifying, managing and mitigating contentious issues and crisis comms Proven flair for creative and effective writing Fluency in social media and a clear understanding of best practice in a PR context Knowledge of and some experience in incorporating digital and social/influencer innovation within press campaigns.

Relationship Management
Experience of working with senior executives Experience of working closely with talent, managers and publicists. Outstanding communication skills and an ability to form and maintain positive working relationships with diverse stakeholders. An impressive network of contacts in the media and an interest in building and developing relationships with online influencers and digital media.

Managing Resources
Evidence of an ability to manage a heavy workload, deal with multiple projects and to handle a busy environment with tight deadlines. Demonstrable experience of delivering creative PR campaigns with limited budget.

Autonomy/Judgement/Decision Making
Proven ability of writing press lines and managing press enquiries to deadline. Ability to work with confidence and independence and as part of a close-knit team.



Complexity/Problem Solving
Proven record of managing press, logistical and resource issues Proven record of managing conflicting priorities and demands Business Impact/Strategic Perspective Ability to think strategically under pressure



Content
A passion for factual content. An interest in working for Channel 4 and an understanding of its core values and remit.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE

Experience in a creative, content-led or news making sector - TV, film, the arts, sport, politics etc. Understanding of the TV and media industry. Ability to cut clips using editing software and optimise these for different social platforms.




Please note this role will require travel to other Channel 4 hubs if required.

Basic salary per annum starting from

33,688.00

Application questions to complete

Please remember to complete the additional application questions by uploading a Word or PDF attachment. These questions really help us get to know you better and we won't be able to consider your application without them.

Please outline how you meet the 'Essential Experience & Skills' outlined in the (Max 500 words)

Benefits

There are a million reasons why it's great to work at Channel 4, here are just a few of the perks for you;




- Private medical insurance


- Free Virtual GP access for employees


- Free Female Health hormone test each year


- Free Tastecard membership


- Financial guidance 1-2-1's available each quarter


- Discounted Gym memberships


- Pension


- Life Assurance


- Income Protection


- Holiday Purchase

Hybrid working

From September 2023, C4 has operated a 60/40 working pattern, equating to three office days per week.


Having everyone in the office three days a week gives us more opportunity to build our high performing, inclusive culture; to collaborate and to learn and share with each other, as well as helping to coordinate a regular pattern of home and office working days. Employees then have the flexibility to decide where they spend the rest of the working week. All our offices are open five days a week.

Applications Close Date

20 Aug 2025

Equal Opportunities

Channel 4's purpose is to create change through entertainment; by representing unheard voices, challenging with purpose and delivering content which reflects the diversity of different communities across the UK.




We are only able to deliver on this remit by having a workforce rich in diversity of thought, background and lived experience. As an employer we encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on disability, age, gender reassignment, gender expression, criminal history, length of time spent unemployed, marriage or civil partnership status, national origin, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.




Disability Confident Scheme:


Channel 4 is a member of the Business Disability Forum (BDF) and has also maintained the highest level of the Department of Work and Pension's Disability Confident scheme - Level 3: Leader. Under the Disability Confident Scheme, we aim to offer an interview to all candidates who have a neurodiverse condition, impairment or long-term condition and who meet the essential criteria for an advertised job. If you wish your application to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, please select yes when completing the application questions. For more information, please visit the Disability Confident Campaign website.




For our roles and schemes that receive a high volume of applications it may not be possible to provide an interview to all applicants who meet the essential criteria and in this situation we can only select applications that best meet the skills needed for the role.




Care Leaver Friendly Employer:


Channel 4 is a Care Leaver Friendly Employer. By signing the Care Leaver Friendly Employer Charter and adopting its principles, we are supporting an immensely talented yet often under-served and under-represented community of young people/ adults. We commit to offering an interview (and constructive feedback) to applicants who identify as care experienced and meet the essential criteria for the role as outlined on the job description. Applicants should indicate if they wish to apply under our Care Leaver Scheme by selecting the option on the application form.




For our roles and schemes that receive a high volume of applications it may not be possible to provide an interview to all applicants who meet the essential criteria and in this situation we can only select applications that best meet the skills needed for the role.




Workplace Adjustments:


We are committed to providing disabled applicants a level playing field when applying for a job and support whilst employed to perform to the best of their ability and develop their careers. If you have a neurodiverse condition, impairment or long-term condition and require any adjustments, additional support or alternative arrangements during the recruitment and wish to discuss this confidentially, please let us know via the following e-mail recruitment@channel4.co.uk