At a Glance
- Tasks: Cover local stories, attend events, and connect with the community as a reporter.
- Company: Join an award-winning independent media organisation dedicated to community journalism.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, five weeks paid leave, and support for gaining a journalism qualification.
- Other info: Dynamic role with full newsroom support and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Be the voice of your community and tell impactful stories that matter.
- Qualifications: Strong writing skills, confidence in interviewing, and a passion for community journalism.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Baylis Community Media CIC is seeking a confident and focused community reporter to provide on-the-ground coverage for the Henley Standard newspaper. You'll help maintain the Henley Standard's reputation as a comprehensive paper of record by reporting on the people, organisations and events that shape life across our communities. Previous journalism experience is welcome but not essential. We welcome applications from anyone with an eye for a good story, strong writing skills, and a passion for community. Training and the opportunity to work towards a journalism qualification will be provided.
Key responsibilities
- Spend the majority of your time meeting people, attending events and acting as an ambassador for the newspaper – this is not a desk job.
- Manage a district page to provide weekly updates on community activities, including news briefs, event coverage and diary stories.
- Report on the activities of clubs and groups including the Women’s Institute, Rotary, Lions, uniformed youth groups, charities, civic societies and parish councils.
- Regularly report on weekend events on a rota basis.
- Act as a voice for vulnerable, isolated or marginalised members of society who might otherwise not receive coverage in the local press.
- Be a community champion who promotes the good work of groups and individuals.
Requirements
- Strong writing and communication skills, with a keen eye for detail (assessed during the recruitment process).
- A passion for, and understanding of community journalism.
- Confidence approaching and interviewing people from all walks of life.
- Curiosity and a willingness to find and tell the stories that matter.
- A full UK driving licence and access to a car are essential, as the role involves travelling across the patch.
- Experience of working with community groups or charities is desirable.
- Photography and basic photo editing skills are beneficial.
About Baylis Community Media CIC
We are an award-winning multi-media organisation with three weekly titles, based in Maidenhead and Henley and covering East Berkshire, South Bucks and South Oxfordshire. We publish the Maidenhead Advertiser, Slough & Windsor Express, and Henley Standard along with their growing websites and busy social media accounts. Baylis Community Media CIC is one of the few truly independent newspaper publishers left in the country, and our communities and trusted public interest journalism are at the heart of everything we do. As well as a competitive entry-level salary and five weeks of paid annual leave, we will provide full newsroom support and the opportunity to gain an industry-recognised NCTJ qualification while you work. You will be able to use our offices in Henley and Maidenhead as a base, but you will also be given all the tools you need for working away from the office.
Community reporter - Henley Standard employer: Baylis Community Media CIC
Baylis Community Media CIC is an exceptional employer for aspiring journalists, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises community engagement and storytelling. With the opportunity to gain an NCTJ qualification while working, employees benefit from comprehensive support and training, alongside a competitive salary and generous leave. Located in Henley, you'll be at the heart of local journalism, making a meaningful impact on the community you serve.
Contact Details:
Baylis Community Media CIC Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community reporter - Henley Standard
✨Get Publishing Fast
Kickstart your journalism journey by pitching stories to local news outlets or starting your own blog. The more pieces you have published, the easier it is for us to see your writing style and versatility when you apply for that entry-level role at Baylis Community Media CIC.
✨Join Journalism Networks
Become part of journalism groups on social media platforms or join associations like the National Union of Journalists. They often post about entry-level opportunities and you'll meet people who can provide insider info about internships at places like Baylis Community Media CIC.
✨Show Your Script
Create an online portfolio showcasing your best work—think articles, multimedia projects, or even a podcast! This tangible evidence of your skills will catch the eye of recruiters and help us see your potential right away.
✨Don't Forget Campus Resources
If you're studying, utilise your university's career services—they often have listings for entry-level journalism roles or internships. They might even set up networking events where you can meet representatives from companies like Baylis Community Media CIC!
We think you need these skills to ace Community reporter - Henley Standard
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your writing chops:Get your best pieces together and highlight your writing skills – whether that’s articles, blog posts, or even social media snippets. Make sure to include a link to an online portfolio if you have one, as it lets us see your style and versatility right away!
Craft a compelling cover letter:In your cover letter, share why you’re passionate about journalism and what excites you about the role at Baylis Community Media CIC. We love to see your enthusiasm and how you can contribute fresh ideas or perspectives—don’t just summarise your CV; tell us your story!
Demonstrate your research skills:Journalism is all about digging deeper. Make sure to highlight any research projects or articles you've worked on. Being able to provide specific examples of how you’ve sourced, verified, and presented information shows us you understand the essence of good journalism.
Keep it concise and engaging:Being in the media industry means knowing the importance of capturing attention quickly. Make sure your CV and cover letter are to the point, engaging, and free from jargon. A clean, well-structured application will definitely stand out when we're assessing entries for this entry-level position at Baylis Community Media CIC.
How to prepare for a job interview at Baylis Community Media CIC
✨Sharpen Your Storytelling Skills
In journalism, your ability to tell a compelling story is key. Be prepared to discuss your previous work, whether it’s blogs, articles, or any student publications. Point out the thought process behind your stories and how you engaged your audience—this will help showcase your creativity and narrative skills.
✨Familiarise with Current Trends
Stay updated with the latest trends in journalism and media. Make sure you can talk about recent news stories or debates in the industry, like the impact of social media on reporting. This shows your passion and commitment to the field, which is super important for an entry-level role.
✨Practice Your Interviewing Techniques
As an aspiring journalist, you'll need to showcase your interviewing skills. Consider role-playing with a friend, where you can practice asking open-ended questions and following up on responses. Demonstrating a natural conversational style can help you stand out during the interview with Baylis Community Media CIC.
✨Showcase a Diverse Portfolio
Even for an entry-level position, having a portfolio is essential. Gather a mix of your best work – articles, videos, or multimedia pieces. Tailor your portfolio to the specific role at Baylis Community Media CIC; highlight projects that align with the kind of journalism they focus on. It'll reinforce your enthusiasm and readiness to contribute!
