At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and break local news stories while creating engaging digital content.
- Company: Join the Belfast Telegraph, a leading news outlet with a focus on local stories.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days annual leave, hybrid working, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community through innovative storytelling and journalism.
- Qualifications: 2+ years of journalism experience and strong digital storytelling skills.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available to suit your lifestyle.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Location: Belfast Telegraph House (hybrid working)
Type: Permanent, full-time role (open to part-time)
At Mediahuis we’re excited to be growing the Belfast Telegraph’s local news offering across Northern Ireland. We’re hiring for multiple Journalists to cover the following areas:
- North Belfast & Newtownabbey
- West Belfast & Lisburn
- East & South Belfast
- North Down
- Armagh & Mid-Down
Let us know your preferred location(s) when you apply, and we’ll do our best to match you with the hub that’s right for you. We are open to applications on a full-time or part-time basis and are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements.
If you’re an experienced journalist looking for flexibility, we’d welcome that conversation.
As a Journalist, you will source, break, and explain stories for belfasttelegraph.co.uk. The role combines digital local news reporting with engaging, digital-first storytelling. This includes short-form video, live updates, social posts, explainers, interactive features, and occasional audio or podcast contributions. You’ll work to fast-paced digital deadlines, publish iteratively, and focus on optimising content to meet audience needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Newsgathering
- Build and maintain a contact network across your area
- Consistently break exclusive stories; file fast, accurate updates and in-depth analysis as stories evolve
- Proactively plan diary items, flag upcoming events, and pitch distinctive angles that serve local audiences
- Digital storytelling
- Create up-to-date, balanced, engaging multimedia content, with iterative updates for web/app
- Shoot, script, edit, and publish video packages; capture social-first clips; ensure consistent style and tone
- Contribute to podcasts
- Use social platforms to promote stories, engage communities, and drive subscribers
- Hyperlocal Community Focus
- Surface neighbourhood-level issues (roads, schools, housing, amenities, policing, health access), celebrate local people and groups
- Deliver engaging lifestyle coverage (food, drink, culture, entertainment, local trends)
- Respond rapidly to breaking local news, filing updates and explainers that help residents make sense of events
- Standards & Governance
- Uphold the Mediahuis Editorial Code of Practice and relevant legal/professional codes; ensure high levels of accuracy, fairness, and integrity
Experience & Qualifications
- Proven experience breaking stories under deadline pressure; strong news judgment
- At least 2 years’ journalism experience preferred
- Knowledge of issues affecting your area
- Ability to produce video and social content to newsroom standards
Skills & Attributes
- Digital-first mindset; comfortable with live publishing, iterative updates, and social packaging
- Excellent writing, analysis, and headline craft
- Strong contact-building and community rapport
- Video storytelling (shooting, scripting, editing) and audio basics; confident on-camera/voice a plus
- Collaborative, calm under pressure, and deadline-driven
Benefits
From supportive working options and wellbeing initiatives, to learning opportunities and career growth, Mediahuis is a place where you can do meaningful work and thrive. These are just a few of the benefits our team members receive:
- Minimum of 35 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
- Company Pension Contribution
- Bike to Work Scheme
- Income Protection
- Health & Wellness events
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave
- Hybrid working schedule
- Life Assurance
- Educational Assistance
For further information and to submit your application, click the apply icon.
Journalist employer: Mediahuis
Contact Detail:
Mediahuis Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Journalist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with local journalists, editors, and community leaders. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on social media. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work, including articles, videos, and any multimedia content you've produced. Make sure it’s easily accessible online, so potential employers can see what you bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on local news and trends. Follow local stories, engage with your community, and be ready to pitch unique angles that resonate with your audience. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love hearing from candidates who are excited about joining our team at Mediahuis. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Journalist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Local News: When you’re writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for local journalism! Share specific examples of stories you've covered that resonate with the community. We want to know why you care about the areas you'll be reporting on.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored to the Journalist role at Belfast Telegraph. Highlight relevant experience, especially in digital storytelling and community engagement. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.
Be Clear and Concise: In your written application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and keep your sentences concise. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while showcasing your skills and experience.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Mediahuis.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mediahuis
✨Know Your Local News
Before the interview, brush up on the latest news stories in your preferred area. Being able to discuss recent events and demonstrate your knowledge of local issues will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the community.
✨Showcase Your Digital Skills
Prepare examples of your previous work that highlight your digital storytelling abilities. Whether it's a video package, social media post, or an article, having tangible examples ready to share will impress the interviewers and prove you can deliver engaging content.
✨Network Like a Pro
Since building contacts is key for this role, come prepared with a few ideas on how you would expand your network in the area. Discussing your strategies for connecting with local sources will demonstrate your proactive approach to newsgathering.
✨Be Ready for Rapid-fire Questions
Expect some fast-paced questions during the interview, especially about breaking news scenarios. Practise your responses to common journalism challenges, as this will showcase your ability to think on your feet and handle pressure effectively.