At a Glance
- Tasks: Write and report on news stories in the farming sector for various media platforms.
- Company: Join Agriconnect, the UK's largest agricultural information business with a farmer-centric approach.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, matched pension contributions, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities to travel nationally and internationally.
- Why this job: Take your reporting career to the next level while making an impact in agriculture.
- Qualifications: Journalism qualification and newsroom experience; farming knowledge is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Agriconnect is the largest multi-platform agricultural information business in the UK. Our brands reach deeply into all the major agricultural sectors – arable, dairy, livestock, agricultural machinery, finance, and equipment. We take a farmer-centric approach to media. Agriconnect is a part of the Arc network, which is a B2B events, data, and media platform, backed by investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital.
Role Overview
The news and business reporter will write, source and report on news and business stories in the farming sector, for Farmers Guardian’s weekly magazine, website, podcast and sister publications as required, reporting into the head of news and business. You will be part of a small, tight-knit team, taking a digital first approach while maintaining the high quality of our print publication. There will be opportunities to travel around the UK, and potentially internationally, to attend key farming events, visit farms to write features and cover conferences. This is a senior reporter role and is an ideal step up for someone experienced in a reporter role, looking to take their career to the next level.
What you’ll be doing:
- Writing and sourcing news stories appropriate for the farming sector
- Pitching original investigative journalism and data analysis pieces aimed at the agriculture industry
- Generating ideas and hosting podcasts, videos and representing Farmers Guardian at events
- Writing for both a print audience and an online audience
- Taking a digital first approach, thinking about how our content can be utilised for different mediums, including print, video and audio
- Understanding how AI can be incorporated and utilised in our workflow to be more efficient as part of our digital journey
- Travelling both nationally and internationally to report on events and conferences
- Creating longer analysis and campaign pieces to add value to our readers’ businesses and champion farming at a national level
- Researching topics and guests for and hosting webinars and roundtable discussions
- Building relationships with key players within the sector, from high profile stakeholders to farmers and politicians to uncover stories
What we’re looking for:
- Journalism qualification
- Experience in a newsroom as a reporter
- Farming knowledge is desirable but not essential, most important is a keen news sense
- Confidence conducting interviews with farming figures, both on the phone and in person
- Full UK driving licence
- Excellent writing skills
- Video skills, in front of and behind the camera
- Ability to work to deadlines
We also offer a range of benefits including:
- 25 days annual leave increasing to 27 after two years
- An extra day off on your birthday
- Matched pension contributions up to 6%
- Employee Life Assurance x4 basic annual salary
- Employee assistance programme
- Employee Discount site
As an equal opportunity employer we hire, develop and retain the best people regardless of their social background, age, sex, ethnicity, religion/belief or disability, and to make use of their talents. We value everyone as an individual and promote a culture of respect and dignity.
We are excited by the incredible potential of AI and the innovative ways it can enhance the way we work. However, in our hiring process, we aim to get to know you. To stand out to our hiring managers, we encourage you to let your personality shine through, rather than relying on an AI-generated application. You are welcome to use AI as a writing assistant to help structure and articulate your thoughts, but your application must ultimately represent you.
News and Business Reporter in Preston employer: Farmers Guardian Ltd
Contact Detail:
Farmers Guardian Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land News and Business Reporter in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Agriconnect and their brands inside out! Familiarise yourself with their publications and the type of stories they cover. This will help you tailor your pitch and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend farming events, webinars, and conferences to meet key players in the industry. Building relationships can lead to insider info and potential job opportunities, so don’t be shy!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to interview or pitch, make sure to highlight your writing prowess and any multimedia skills you have. Whether it’s video or audio, demonstrate how you can bring stories to life across different platforms.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your personality and let us know why you’re the perfect fit for the team.
We think you need these skills to ace News and Business Reporter in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Agriculture: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the farming sector shine through. Share any relevant experiences or interests you have in agriculture, even if they're not extensive. We want to see that you're genuinely excited about the role!
Tailor Your Writing Samples: Make sure to include writing samples that reflect your ability to cover news and business stories. Choose pieces that showcase your skills in both print and digital formats. We love seeing versatility, so don’t hesitate to highlight your best work!
Be Authentic: We’re all about getting to know the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. Share your unique perspective on journalism and how you can contribute to our team at Agriconnect.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Farmers Guardian Ltd
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, get familiar with Agriconnect and its brands. Understand their focus on the farming sector and how they engage with their audience. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
As a news and business reporter, your ability to tell compelling stories is crucial. Prepare examples of your previous work that highlight your writing skills and your knack for sourcing interesting stories. Be ready to discuss how you can bring a digital-first approach to their publications.
✨Prepare for the Unexpected
Expect questions that test your news sense and ability to think on your feet. They might ask you to pitch a story idea or discuss a recent event in agriculture. Practise articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, as this will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Build Rapport
Since you'll be part of a tight-knit team, it's important to connect with your interviewers. Be personable and engage in conversation about your shared interests in journalism and agriculture. This will help you stand out and show that you’re a good fit for their company culture.