At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the newsroom, delivering impactful stories and mentoring junior reporters.
- Company: Join BelfastLive, part of Reach, a leading media organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, extra leave for special moments, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working with opportunities for career growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make your mark in journalism while shaping the news landscape of Belfast.
- Qualifications: Experience in fast-paced newsrooms and strong knowledge of Belfast's culture and politics.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Chief Reporter to join us at BelfastLive. This is a fantastic opportunity for a talented senior reporter or content editor to step into a pivotal, driving role in our newsroom.
You will lead by example, setting the daily news agenda with high-impact exclusives, authoritative breaking news coverage and compelling features. We’re looking for someone who excels in fast-paced breaking news scenarios with a particular nose for hard news and crime and who can tell stories across multiple formats, from real-time live blogs to video and audio. Beyond delivering your own top-tier journalism you will act as a mentor to junior reporters and deputise for Content Editors to help direct daily coverage and maintain high standards across our digital output.
What will the role involve?
- Set the Agenda: Deliver high-impact, original and exclusive stories that resonate with BelfastLive’s audience and drive both reach and subscriptions.
- Lead Breaking News: Act as a prolific force in breaking news scenarios, utilising real-time live blogs, breakout articles, video, audio, and pictures to capture live events.
- Newsroom Leadership: Act as a key mentor to junior reporters and step up to deputise for Content Editors when required, helping to manage the news desk and direct daily coverage.
- Audience-Driven Strategy: Use real-time analytics to understand reader behaviour and make sharp, data-informed editorial decisions.
- Uphold Standards: Ensure all content is thoroughly researched, balanced, and strictly compliant with media law, court restrictions, and the IPSO Code of Practice.
This is a home and hub position linked to our Belfast office (typically requiring 2-3 days in the office per week). Because of the nature of the role, a valid driver's license and access to a car are required.
Who are we looking for?
- An experienced Senior Reporter or Content Editor with a strong track record in a fast-paced digital newsroom.
- Deep, comprehensive knowledge of the political, cultural, and social landscape of Belfast and wider Northern Ireland.
- An NQJ qualification (or equivalent), including 100wpm shorthand.
- Expertise in media law, court reporting, and the IPSO Code of Practice.
- Strong digital publishing skills, including CMS experience, basic video shooting, picture taking, and community building via social media.
- A collaborative, determined, and imaginative professional who puts the customer/reader at the heart of everything they do.
How we'll look after you
We take good care of our people - and that means more than just a pay packet. Whatever your role, you'll get a range of benefits, including:
- 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays), as well as an extra day after you've been with us for three, five and 10 years.
- An extra day's paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause close to your community or your heart.
- Big moment day - an extra day’s paid leave for a moment that matters to you.
- Help saving for your retirement - we'll match your company pension contributions up to 6%.
- Supportive and progressive people policies.
- A healthcare cash plan - giving you money back for a range of medical expenses.
- Car lease scheme - you can buy a brand new electric or hybrid car through our leasing partner.
- Wellbeing support - including a 24/7 assistance programme for you and your family.
- Access to lots of discounts.
- Interest-free loans - including for season tickets and technology.
If you’re excited about this role but don’t tick every single box, please don’t let that stop you from applying. We value potential, passion and the perspectives that different backgrounds bring to our work. Diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and help us better serve our audiences, which is why we’re dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and supported.
Chief Reporter in Belfast employer: BelfastLive
At Reach, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions creativity and collaboration. As a Chief Reporter in our Belfast office, you'll enjoy generous benefits including 25 days of holiday, enhanced family leave, and a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and inclusivity. With opportunities to lead and mentor within a dynamic newsroom, you’ll be part of a team that values your unique story and contributions while making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Reporter in Belfast
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.
✨Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at BelfastLive!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like BelfastLive, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Reporter in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.
Tailor Your Application for BelfastLive:When applying for the Chief Reporter role at BelfastLive, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what BelfastLive produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at BelfastLive
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
✨Convey Your Passion and Drive
As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within BelfastLive. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
