At a Glance
- Tasks: Cover breaking news in real-time and deliver engaging local journalism.
- Company: Join The Press & Journal, a leading news outlet in Aberdeen.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a fast-paced environment with a supportive team.
- Other info: Full UK driving licence needed; flexible shifts and dynamic work culture.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of news reporting and make a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in reporting and strong news judgement required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Press & Journal, part of DC Thomson, is seeking an experienced Breaking News Reporter to play a key role in our live news coverage in Aberdeen. You’ll demonstrate excellent news judgement, thrive under pressure, and take ownership of fast‑moving stories. This role is for someone who can spot breaking news, verify information quickly, and deliver accurate, engaging local journalism in real time.
Responsibilities
- Actively monitor and respond to breaking news, from ongoing incidents to developing stories.
- Break news quickly and confidently, taking ownership of major stories as they develop.
- Deliver a consistent flow of accurate, high‑quality breaking news under pressure.
- Verify information quickly and responsibly as stories evolve.
- Surface stories effectively through SEO, push notifications and social media.
- Film pieces to camera for our app and social media channels.
- Use data, SEO and audience insight to maximise reach and engagement.
- Be best in class at telling breaking news through stories, live blogs, video and audio.
- Identify follow‑ups and developments beyond the initial breaking story.
- Accountable for spotting, verifying and publishing breaking news quickly and responsibly, ensuring coverage is accurate, timely and trustworthy.
- Accountable for checking social media, publications and analytics dashboards, staying in touch with sources and emergency services, and handling tips to spot breaking and developing stories early.
- Accountable for writing clear, engaging headlines, applying SEO best practice, and using strong images, video and follow‑ups to help breaking news reach and engage the audience.
- Accountable for updating stories as they develop, chasing new details, finding fresh angles, and sharing follow‑ups or tips with colleagues when needed.
- Accountable for ensuring all work meets editorial and legal standards, including Scots Law and IPSO Editors’ Code of Practice, and using the CMS, analytics and social media to publish, update and improve stories responsibly.
A full UK driving licence is mandatory for this role, along with a willingness to travel across the patch.
Qualifications
- An experienced reporter with strong news judgement and a clear understanding of what constitutes a breaking news story.
- A proven track record of identifying, breaking and developing major stories at pace.
- Confidence working independently in a fast‑paced live news environment.
- The ability to monitor news sources and respond quickly to breaking and developing stories.
- Excellent understanding of audience needs and priorities during live coverage.
- Strong digital skills, including analytics, SEO and live storytelling formats.
- Confidence filming and presenting pieces to camera for digital platforms.
- The drive to compete, win stories and grow audience through timely, accurate reporting.
Behaviours
- Curious and persistent – asks the right questions and follows stories through.
- Proactive and creative – spots opportunities and suggests strong angles and headlines.
- Adaptable – comfortable working at pace in a live news environment, with flexibility around shifts.
- Accountable and reliable – delivers accurate journalism under pressure.
- Collaborative – works well with others and responds positively to feedback.
Closing date for applications: 15th July at 12:00 noon.
Breaking News Reporter - The Press & Journal employer: DC Thomson
The Press & Journal, part of DC Thomson, is an exceptional employer for Breaking News Reporters in Aberdeen, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity and quick thinking are highly valued. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the company provides opportunities for professional development and encourages collaboration among its team members. The vibrant culture and focus on delivering high-quality journalism make it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about local news.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Breaking News Reporter - The Press & Journal
✨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 DC Thomson!
✨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 DC Thomson, 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 Breaking News Reporter - The Press & Journal
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 DC Thomson:When applying for the Breaking News Reporter - The Press & Journal role at DC Thomson, 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 DC Thomson 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 DC Thomson
✨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 DC Thomson. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
