TV & Entertainment Writer (FTC)

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: TV & Entertainment Writer (FTC)

🔹 Company: Hearst UK

🔹 Location: London, City of, United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Full time

🔹 Category: Book and Periodical Publishing

🔹 Date Posted: June 11, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days per week in the office)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and implementing TV and entertainment strategy across multiple platforms
• Writing engaging and timely news stories, features, and listings
• Managing editorial calendar and weekly entertainment newsletter
• Attending screenings, junkets, and events to cover key TV moments
• Collaborating with the team to create digital content and drive traffic

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in entertainment journalism and a passion for TV and entertainment news. The ideal candidate will be able to work quickly and efficiently under tight deadlines and have a proven track record of producing high-quality content.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Write and upload daily reactive TV and entertainment news stories to deadline, working with the Deputy Editor, covering shows and events GH readers love and helping to hit digital traffic targets.

✅ Pitch daily news stories with compelling headlines and reactive angles that work across key platforms including Google Discover, newsletter, social media, understanding the different approach to content for each platform.

✅ Attend screenings and events, build contacts with press officers for key TV channels and streaming services, and be able to cover key TV moments live when required.

✅ Use analytics packages to help adjust GH’s TV and entertainment strategy and update the brand team, including the Deputy Editor, on daily and weekly progress, using data to iterate on success.

✅ Develop, curate and build GH’s weekly entertainment newsletter, crafting compelling subject lines and headlines, keeping engagement high and building known users, developing in-email franchises where necessary.

✅ Support the Social Media Manager in creating digital content that drives social engagement and traffic referrals to GH.com/uk.

✅ Develop a TV and ents SEO strategy with the SEO manager growing traffic to the Lifestyle pillar, while also helping GH to stand out from other brands.

✅ Be an ambassador of Hearst UK and its values.

✅ You may be required to undertake such further duties as your skills, qualifications and experience allow and/or as may be assigned to you from time to time.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, strong communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure. The ideal candidate will be able to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Journalism, English, or a related field

Experience: 2-5 years of experience in entertainment journalism or a related field

Required Skills:

• Excellent writing skills with a strong portfolio of published work
• Proven ability to work quickly and efficiently under tight deadlines
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Familiarity with CMS and digital platforms
• Knowledge of analytics packages

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with SEO and content strategy
• Knowledge of the TV and entertainment industry
• Fluency in additional languages

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with relevant experience in entertainment journalism or a related field are encouraged to apply. Familiarity with the TV and entertainment industry is a plus.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £25,000 - £35,000 per annum (based on experience and industry standards for a mid-level entertainment journalist in London)

Benefits:

• 25 days’ holiday (with the option to buy up to 5 additional holiday days)
• Hybrid working – Four days per week in the office
• Discounted gym membership
• Healthcare cash plan
• Spend a charity day with your favourite good cause
• Life assurance and pension scheme
• Regular socials and more!

Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a mid-level entertainment journalist in London. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Hearst UK operates in the book and periodical publishing industry, focusing on lifestyle, women's interest, and health & wellness magazines, as well as digital media and commerce.

Company Size: Hearst UK has 501-1,000 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: Hearst UK was founded in 1910 as a division of the American media conglomerate Hearst Corporation.

Company Description:

• Hearst UK is home to some of the world’s best-loved and trusted brands, including Good Housekeeping, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Country Living, Men’s Health, Women’s Health, and Esquire.
• The company reaches over 19.5 million magazine readers a year, with an average of 18.7 million UK digital unique users per month, and has more than 32.5 million follows via social media platforms.
• Hearst UK offers a range of memberships, events, and licensed brand extensions, including the Good Housekeeping Institute, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2024.

Company Specialties:

• Magazines
• Publishing
• Digital media
• Licensing
• Accreditation
• Content marketing
• Data
• Experiential
• Commerce
• Purpose
• Performance marketing
• Advertising

Company Website: http://www.hearst.co.uk

ASSUMPTION: Hearst UK is a well-established company with a strong reputation in the publishing industry. The company's extensive portfolio of brands and diverse range of specialties provide ample opportunities for growth and development.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for a mid-level entertainment journalist with 2-5 years of experience in the industry.

Reporting Structure: The TV & Entertainment Writer will report directly to the Deputy Editor and work closely with the Newsletter Director, Social Media Manager, and SEO Manager.

Work Arrangement: This role is a hybrid position, requiring the candidate to work four days per week in the office and one day remotely.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a senior role within the entertainment team
• Expansion into other areas of the business, such as digital media or commerce
• Opportunities to work on special projects and events, such as the ELLE Style Awards or Good Housekeeping Live

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for a mid-level entertainment journalist to develop their skills and gain experience working on a wide range of projects and initiatives. The company's diverse portfolio of brands and specialties provide ample opportunities for growth and development.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hearst UK's London office is a modern, collaborative workspace with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities.

Office Location(s): 30 Panton St, Leicester Square, London, SW1Y 4AJ, GB

Geographic Context:

• London is a vibrant, multicultural city with a thriving entertainment industry
• The office is located in the heart of the West End, close to theaters, cinemas, and other entertainment venues
• The area is well-served by public transportation, with several tube and bus stations nearby

Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week, with one day worked remotely.

ASSUMPTION: The office environment at Hearst UK is designed to foster collaboration and creativity, with modern facilities and amenities that support a productive work environment. The location of the office in the heart of the West End provides easy access to entertainment venues and other cultural attractions.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume screening
• Phone or video call interview with the HR department
• In-person interview with the Deputy Editor and other members of the team
• Final interview with the Editor-in-Chief

Key Assessment Areas:

• Writing skills and portfolio
• Industry knowledge and passion for entertainment news
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently under tight deadlines
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Hearst UK's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Include a portfolio of your published work, demonstrating your ability to write engaging and timely news stories, features, and listings
• Prepare for the interview by researching Hearst UK's brands and entertainment industry trends
• Be ready to discuss your approach to content creation and digital strategy

ATS Keywords: Entertainment journalism, TV and entertainment news, digital content creation, SEO, analytics, CMS, deadline management, event coverage, pitching, engagement, adaptability, communication, public relations, newsletter development, digital strategy

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's writing skills, industry knowledge, and cultural fit with Hearst UK. Candidates are encouraged to tailor their application materials to highlight their relevant experience and skills and to prepare thoroughly for the interview.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Content Management System (CMS)
• Analytics packages (e.g., Google Analytics)
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp)
• Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for the publishing industry. Candidates should have a basic understanding of CMS, analytics packages, and other relevant software.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Quality: We strive for excellence in everything we do
• Integrity: We act with honesty and fairness in all our interactions
• Innovation: We embrace change and continuously seek new ways to improve
• Collaboration: We work together to achieve our goals
• Accountability: We take responsibility for our actions and deliver on our promises

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Collaborative and team-oriented culture
• Opportunities for growth and development
• Focus on work-life balance

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a passion for TV and entertainment news and a strong desire to work in the publishing industry?
• Are you able to work quickly and efficiently under tight deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously?
• Do you have strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a collaborative environment?
• Are you committed to delivering high-quality work and continuously seeking new ways to improve?

ASSUMPTION: Hearst UK values a diverse and inclusive work environment, where employees are encouraged to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the table. Candidates who are passionate about entertainment journalism and aligned with the company's values are encouraged to apply.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Working under tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Adapting to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment
• Building and maintaining relationships with industry contacts and press officers
• Competing with other entertainment journalists and publications for exclusive content and interviews

ASSUMPTION: The challenges associated with this role are typical for entertainment journalism and can be overcome with strong organizational skills, effective time management, and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other entertainment journalist positions, but with a focus on digital content creation and a hybrid work arrangement
• Compared to other publishing roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to work on a wide range of projects and initiatives, from daily news stories to special events and licensed brand extensions
• Career progression in this role could lead to senior positions within the entertainment team or expansion into other areas of the business, such as digital media or commerce

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for a mid-level entertainment journalist to develop their skills and gain experience working on a wide range of projects and initiatives. The company's diverse portfolio of brands and specialties provide ample opportunities for growth and development.

📝 Sample Projects

• Covering a major TV event or awards show, such as the BAFTAs or Emmys
• Developing a weekly entertainment newsletter with high engagement and a growing subscriber base
• Creating a digital content strategy that drives traffic and increases social engagement

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are designed to highlight the range of opportunities available to a TV & Entertainment Writer at Hearst UK, from covering major events to developing digital content strategies.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30 days?
• How does this role fit into the broader entertainment team and the company's overall strategy?
• What opportunities are there for growth and development in this role?
• How does Hearst UK support work-life balance for its employees?
• What is the company's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how does this role contribute to those efforts?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the company, and the opportunities for growth and development. Candidates are encouraged to ask additional questions to gain a deeper understanding of the position and the company culture.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Include a portfolio of your published work, demonstrating your ability to write engaging and timely news stories, features, and listings
• Prepare for the interview by researching Hearst UK's brands and entertainment industry trends
• Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the next steps in the interview process

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.