At a Glance
- Tasks: Write engaging news stories on trending sport and entertainment topics for a global audience.
- Company: Join Dexerto, a leading platform in internet culture and entertainment news.
- Benefits: Freelance flexibility with competitive day rates and the chance to work with a dynamic editorial team.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of viral moments and major sports events that everyone is talking about.
- Qualifications: Strong news judgement and experience in writing about sport, entertainment, or internet culture.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, including weekends, in a fast-paced news environment.
The predicted salary is between 150 - 250 £ per hour.
Dexerto reaches millions of readers every month with fast, accessible coverage of internet culture, entertainment, and the stories driving conversation online. We’re expanding our coverage across mainstream sport and entertainment news – focusing on stories that resonate beyond core fans and make sense to a broad, global audience. We’re looking for a freelance Trending News Writer to work with our editorial team, covering sport and entertainment stories that people are talking about right now.
What this role is (and isn’t)
- This role focuses on big, mainstream moments across sport and entertainment – stories that travel beyond niche audiences and break into wider conversation.
- Stories driven by social media, live events, or viral moments.
- Major sports moments happening on the pitch, court, or ring that capture mainstream attention.
- Flashpoint incidents, gaffes, walk-offs, or extraordinary achievements.
- Breakout athletes, creators, or entertainers dominating online conversation.
- Celebrity, influencer, or media stories connected to sport or entertainment.
- Viral stories that everyone is talking about.
You Won’t Be Writing
- Match reports or play-by-play coverage.
- Tactical or performance analysis.
- Opinion columns.
- Routine sports or entertainment updates without wider relevance.
- If a story only matters to hardcore fans, it’s probably not for this role.
What you’ll be doing
- Writing clear, engaging daily news stories for a mainstream, global audience.
- Pitching timely, relevant ideas across sport and entertainment – and knowing what not to pitch.
- Spotting stories early through social media, live events, and trend monitoring.
- Explaining why a story matters, not just what happened.
- Working closely with editors and social teams to ensure stories are well-packaged and reach a wide audience.
Working pattern
- Freelance role, working on a day rate.
- Integrated into the editorial team during your shifts.
- Flexible to cover 9am-5pm and 2-10pm shifts and the sporting calendar.
- Will include weekend work.
What we’re looking for
- Strong news judgement and an instinct for stories that travel.
- Experience writing about sport, entertainment, internet culture, or a mix of all three.
- Ability to write accessible, engaging copy at pace.
- Confidence to make decisions and move quickly when stories break.
- Comfortable working as part of a team in a fast-paced news environment.
- A clear understanding of US and global audiences.
How to apply
- Your CV.
- A short cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role.
- Links to relevant published work.
Trending News Writer – Sport & Entertainment (Freelance, UK) in London employer: Dexerto
Contact Detail:
Dexerto Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trending News Writer – Sport & Entertainment (Freelance, UK) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to fellow writers, editors, and anyone in the sport and entertainment industry. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that freelance gig.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay on top of trending topics! Use social media and news aggregators to spot stories that are making waves. We want to see you pitching ideas that are fresh and relevant, so keep your finger on the pulse of what everyone is talking about.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your writing chops! When you apply, make sure to include links to your best work that showcases your ability to write engaging, accessible content. We’re looking for writers who can capture the essence of a story quickly and clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t be shy about applying through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. We’re excited to see what you’ve got, so put yourself out there and let’s make some noise together!
We think you need these skills to ace Trending News Writer – Sport & Entertainment (Freelance, UK) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Catchy Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Keep it short and sweet, but make sure to highlight your experience in writing about sport and entertainment. Show us why you're the perfect fit for this role and how you can bring fresh ideas to our team.
Show Off Your Writing Skills: Links to your published work are a must! Make sure to include pieces that showcase your ability to write engaging and accessible content. We want to see how you tackle trending topics and make them resonate with a broad audience.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to highlight your relevant experience in sport, entertainment, or internet culture. We’re looking for strong news judgement, so make sure your CV reflects that with specific examples of your work.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to be part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dexerto
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, get a solid grasp of who Dexerto's audience is. They want stories that resonate with a broad, global crowd, so think about how your writing can appeal to both hardcore fans and casual readers. Tailor your examples to show you understand what makes a story go viral.
✨Pitch Relevant Ideas
Come prepared with a few story ideas that fit the role. Think about trending topics in sport and entertainment that have the potential to capture mainstream attention. This shows you’re proactive and already thinking like a member of their editorial team.
✨Showcase Your Speed and Clarity
Since this role involves writing engaging news stories quickly, be ready to discuss your writing process. Share examples of how you've produced clear, accessible content under tight deadlines. Highlight any experience you have with breaking news or trending topics.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This position requires collaboration with editors and social teams, so emphasise your ability to work well in a fast-paced environment. Share experiences where you’ve successfully worked as part of a team, especially in high-pressure situations, to show you can thrive at Dexerto.