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- Tasks: Moderate reader comments and engage with our audience through innovative storytelling.
- Company: Join News UK, a leading media business reaching 40 million people monthly.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, training access, and exclusive events.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team fostering high-quality discussions and driving online engagement.
- Qualifications: A journalism degree or equivalent experience in comment moderation is essential.
- Other info: We value potential and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
The reader comments journalist is responsible for moderating comments from our subscribers, eliciting stories from our readers, and finding innovative ways to directly engage our audience. This role will also involve hosting expert Live Q&As in the comment sections of articles that could benefit from added explanation or insight. You will work as part of a team to foster high-quality discussions on The Times and Sunday Times website and to ensure our online comments remain at the highest possible standard.
Responsibilities
- Ensuring our reader comments are maintained and moderated to the highest standard
- Fostering high quality discussions in the comment section of The Times and The Sunday Times website
- Pitching strong ideas for reader-led stories
- Pitching and building timely reader polls
- Pitching ideas for Live Q&As with internal and external experts and hosting them in the comments section
- Sourcing expert contributors to drive reader engagement
Skills and experience
- Experienced journalist with strong news judgement
- A journalism degree, journalism masters or an NCTJ qualification
- Ability to interpret and apply legal training
- Demonstrable experience working on comment moderation or reader engagement and an interest in driving online engagement with news
- Highly organised, able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- An understanding of online communities, and how to foster and grow debate
- Able to collaborate with others, including senior editors and work well in groups
- Can clearly articulate ideas
- Able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
- A strong understanding of editorial compliance and regulatory issues
If you believe you have the skills and passion to succeed, even if you don’t meet every requirement on the list, we encourage you to apply. We value potential just as much as experience and are eager to hear from individuals who are enthusiastic about learning and growing with us.
Some of our benefits include:
- Maternity leave up to 18 weeks full basic salary & paternity leave up to 2 weeks
- Wide range of training available, plus full LinkedIn Learning access
- Private medical insurance including coverage for pre-existing conditions
- Discounted gym memberships, free ClassPass at Home, weekly virtual yoga classes
- ‘Bikes for Work’ and ‘Electric Car’ scheme
- Up to 60% discount on Harper Collins books
- Access to exclusive events and competitions with exciting brands such as talkSPORT, Virgin Radio UK & The Times.
- Weekly virtual panel chats with top journalists and celebrities
- Access to wellbeing benefits such as EAP, physio/massage and counselling
- A generous pension scheme with employer contributions of up to 5%
- 30 days holiday, plus bank holidays and up to 4 volunteering days per year
Reader comments journalist employer: News Corp UK & Ireland Limited
Contact Detail:
News Corp UK & Ireland Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Reader comments journalist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with The Times and Sunday Times' comment sections. Engage with the content and understand the tone and style of discussions that take place. This will help you pitch relevant ideas and demonstrate your understanding of the audience.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with other journalists and professionals in the field of reader engagement. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights into the role and the company culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current events and trending topics that resonate with readers. This knowledge will enable you to pitch timely and engaging reader-led stories, polls, and Q&A sessions that capture audience interest.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to foster online communities by sharing examples of past experiences where you've successfully moderated discussions or engaged audiences. Highlighting these skills will demonstrate your fit for the role and your passion for driving reader engagement.
We think you need these skills to ace Reader comments journalist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Covering Letter: Your covering letter should highlight your passion for journalism and your experience with reader engagement. Make sure to mention specific examples of how you've moderated comments or fostered discussions in the past.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV is tailored to the role of a reader comments journalist. Emphasise relevant experience, such as any previous roles in journalism, comment moderation, or community engagement, and include any qualifications that align with the job description.
Showcase Your Ideas: In your application, pitch a couple of innovative ideas for reader-led stories or Live Q&As. This will demonstrate your creativity and understanding of audience engagement, which are key aspects of the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your covering letter and CV for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in journalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at News Corp UK & Ireland Limited
✨Showcase Your Journalism Skills
As a reader comments journalist, it's crucial to demonstrate your strong news judgement and experience in journalism. Be prepared to discuss your previous work, particularly any roles involving comment moderation or reader engagement.
✨Engage with the Audience
Highlight your ability to foster high-quality discussions and engage with readers. Think of examples where you've successfully elicited stories or driven engagement in online communities, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Pitch Creative Ideas
Since pitching strong ideas for reader-led stories and Live Q&As is part of the role, come prepared with a few innovative ideas. This shows your proactive approach and understanding of what can spark interest among readers.
✨Understand Editorial Compliance
Familiarise yourself with editorial compliance and regulatory issues relevant to the role. Being able to articulate your understanding of these topics will demonstrate your readiness to handle the responsibilities of the position.
