ITV has teamed up with magazine publisher Bauer Media for a new show billed as journalism’s answer to The Apprentice.
The Exclusives, which will be screened on ITV2 later this year, is a seven-part series that will culminate in one wannabe reporter landing a 12-month contract with Bauer.
Six trainees will get to work closely with the teams behind some of the UK’s biggest magazines including Heat, FHM, Closer, More!, Kerrang! and Empire.
They’ll also be given backstage access to high-profile events and be coached and mentored in areas including interviewing and organising photo shoots.
Bauer says it will cover the programme across its magazine, online and radio portfolios, reaching a combined Bauer audience of more than 19 million UK adults, the company said.
The competition will begin with a casting call that will feature in print across Bauer magazines featured in the show including Heat, Closer and More!
The publisher is working with the production company Twofour – the team behind Educating Essex – to create the seven 60-minute shows.
Abby Carvosso, the managing director of lifestyle and advertising at Bauer, said: ‘This breakthrough media partnership will deliver an exciting new TV programme that shows what it really takes to create the most exciting magazines in the country.
‘We’re on the hunt for a gutsy, fearless and talented individual who stands out from the crowd and we’re sure it will be a great watch.”
Angela Jain, ITV’s director of digital channels and acquisitions, added: ‘We’re very excited about ‘The Exclusives’ and we’re grateful to Bauer Media for allowing unparalleled access to their biggest and best magazines and for providing a fantastic role at the end of the process for one lucky candidate.’
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