At a Glance
- Tasks: Cover breaking news and exclusive local stories across Inverness and the north-east of Scotland.
- Company: Join The Press & Journal, a key brand in DC Thomson media.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, community-focused team, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and local engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact with your journalism while connecting with your community.
- Qualifications: Full UK driving licence and strong digital journalism skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Press & Journal, part of the DC Thomson media and publishing company, is hiring a Reporter to join the team in Aberdeen. The Reporter will cover breaking news, exclusive reporting and follow-up coverage across Inverness and the north and north-east of Scotland, delivered across appropriate digital formats in line with live team priorities.
The successful candidate will identify and deliver breaking news, exclusive local stories and strong follow-up coverage for The Press and Journal, with particular emphasis on Inverness and the surrounding areas. They will increase the consistency, speed and distinctiveness of local reporting in a priority market. The team are passionate about caring for and making a difference to their community. They write exclusive data-driven and hyper locally focused story content that represents the communities that our readers live in.
This is an opportunity for a Reporter who can work independently day to day, use local knowledge and source networks well, and apply audience, search and format insight to produce journalism that is timely, unique, and engaging. The Reporter will produce fast, accurate and relevant journalism that strengthens local audience trust, supports digital growth and contributes to subscription performance.
The successful candidate will identify, pitch and progress stories within the agreed editorial brief, select the most suitable format for routine stories, and update live content in line with standards and editorial direction. They will deliver timely and relevant local journalism, increasing the flow of exclusive stories from the patch, using analytics and SEO to improve story performance, and contributing to shared editorial standards and effective ways of working across the wider editorial portfolio.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Breaking News Reporting - Accountable for identifying, verifying and publishing breaking news quickly so that live coverage is timely, accurate and reliable.
- Patch Story Generation - Accountable for delivering a steady flow of exclusive and locally relevant stories by using contacts, local knowledge, social channels, data and direct reporting activity.
- Story Performance and Presentation - Accountable for using SEO, analytics and format choice to improve the visibility, reach and engagement of stories.
- Follow-up and Story Development - Accountable for increasing the value of stories through updates, follow-ups, FOI use and deeper reporting where appropriate.
- Editorial Standards and Tool Use - Collaborate with editors to align output with editorial, legal and policy requirements, including the responsible use of AI-enabled and digital publishing tools.
Requirements Skills & Experience:
- A full UK driving licence is mandatory for this role along with a willingness to travel across the patch.
- Information content authoring - Produces clear, accurate and engaging digital journalism using agreed editorial standards, appropriate structure and suitable formats for audience need.
- Data analytics - Uses audience and performance data to understand what is working, improve story presentation and support better day-to-day decisions on coverage and follow-up.
- Stakeholder relationship management - Builds effective working relationships with sources, communities and internal colleagues to improve story flow, execution and patch knowledge.
- Quality management - Applies editorial checks, follows agreed standards and takes corrective action when issues are identified to support accurate and reliable output.
- Information governance - Handles information responsibly by following requirements relating to privacy, data protection, source management and publication risk.
Behaviours that will help this role succeed:
- Being More Curious: Looks for the strongest angle, asks good questions, uses contacts and local knowledge well, and follows leads beyond the obvious first line.
- Experiment with Purpose: Tries different formats, headlines and follow-up angles thoughtfully, then uses performance insight to improve future output.
- Owning the Outcomes: Takes responsibility for delivering stories at pace, checking accuracy, following through on updates and maintaining standards under pressure.
- Being More Collaborative: Works openly with editors and colleagues, shares useful leads and learning, and contributes positively to smooth live team delivery.
To apply for this role, please follow our online application process and submit a CV and cover letter. Closing date for applications: 25th June 2026 at 12:00 noon.
Reporter in Inverness employer: DC Thomson
The Press & Journal, part of the esteemed DC Thomson media group, is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant work culture focused on community engagement and impactful journalism. With a commitment to employee growth, the company offers opportunities for reporters to develop their skills in a supportive environment while delivering timely and relevant local news in the beautiful setting of Inverness. The hybrid work model allows for flexibility, ensuring a healthy work-life balance as you contribute to a brand that values its heritage and invests in its people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Reporter in Inverness
✨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 Reporter in Inverness
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 Reporter 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.