Live News Reporter - The Mirror in Slough

We are looking for an experienced Reporter to join us as part of our dynamic Live News Network. You will get to create fast-paced, high-impact live news coverage for The Mirror. You will be identifying, researching, and reporting on breaking news and developing stories that resonate with our brand audiences. If you are ready to be at the centre of live news for a national brand, turning breaking developments into compelling coverage in real time, we want to hear from you.

This is a hybrid position working from our Canary Wharf Hub. Applicants must be able to travel in on a weekly basis. Shift patterns will include a mixture of days and evenings with the expectation to do one weekend every three weeks, and one week of evenings (3pm -11pm) in every three weeks. Shift times range from 7am - 3pm, 10am - 6pm and 3pm - 11pm.

What will the role involve?

• You will monitor news wires, social media and other sources to pinpoint breaking stories and emerging trends that fit audience priorities and editorial tone.
• You’ll report clear, engaging and accurate articles at speed and to deadline, concentrating predominantly on a single national or regional brand, applying a deep understanding of its editorial voice and audience while remaining flexible to provide operational cover across other titles when required.
• You’ll work closely with editors and reporters to shape brand-relevant, audience-focused coverage, prioritise the agenda, align centrally produced live output with audience data, and communicate progress and responsibilities promptly.
• You will weave in multimedia - images, video and social embeds - to elevate storytelling, and you will consider audio and video opportunities on every story, capturing or curating basic footage where useful to engage audiences.
• You’ll contribute to the planning and delivery of major news events and special projects, staying informed on current affairs and maintaining a sharp awareness of the news landscape relevant to Reach’s national and regional brands.
• You will tailor content for off‑platform channels to broaden reach and engagement while upholding editorial standards.
• You’ll use approved AI tools, in line with company policies, to optimise content creation, improve accuracy and efficiency, and deliver articles that resonate with our audiences.
• You will, where appropriate, craft engaging affiliate content that aligns with brand guidelines, driving traffic to partner sites and generating revenue through affiliate strategies.

Who are we looking for?

• You are an experienced NCTJ qualified reporter with up to date UK media law knowledge and ideally with 100 wpm shorthand (or be working towards this).
• You have excellent news judgement and a sharp instinct for what’s engaging to our audiences.
• You are a versatile writer who can adapt tone and structure across formats including video recording, editing and social packaging, with training available where needed.
• You are an effective cross-functional collaborator and communicator who thrives at pace and under pressure.
• You have the ability to interpret audience data and respond to performance trends.
• You have strong familiarity with digital publishing tools and CMS platforms, and a sound grasp of media law and ethical journalism standards.
• You have proven operational experience in a fast-paced news team.
• You have a full driving licence and, where possible, access to a vehicle to allow you to be first on the scene when needed.

How we’ll look after you

• 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 - like getting married, moving house or welcoming a new addition to the family (human or furry!).
• Bonus scheme - you’ll get a stake in our success and a chance to add to your annual earnings.
• Help saving for your retirement - we’ll match your company pension contributions up to 6% and you can contribute through salary sacrifice.
• Supportive and progressive people policies - we’re proud to have a range of policies to support people in their lives in and outside work.
• A healthcare cash plan - giving you money back for a range of medical expenses and fast access to doctor’s appointments.
• Car lease scheme - you can buy a brand new electric or hybrid car through our leasing partner, and pay for it through salary sacrifice.
• Wellbeing support - including a 24/7 assistance programme for you and your family.
• Access to lots of discounts - including 15% off with Reach's very own online marketplace, Yimbly.
• 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 know that everyone has their own story to tell, and 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.