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- Tasks: Report on breaking news and trending stories in Basildon and Southend.
- Company: Join Newsquest Media Group, a leading regional news publisher.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and perks like gym membership.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: NCTJ qualification or equivalent and strong digital awareness required.
- Other info: Structured career progression and ongoing training to help you grow.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
We’re looking for trainee reporters in Basildon and Southend to join a dynamic digital team reporting on breaking news and trending stories. No day is the same on this busy news patch, where you’ll be part of a dedicated team setting the agenda with fast-paced, accurate responses to the news cycle. This role will see you live blogging a breaking incident one minute, picking up a story that will fly on social the next, or getting out and about in the community to conduct interviews for stories that really matter to our audience. Your work will contribute to the daily editions of the Basildon and Southend Echo – the county’s best-selling newspaper. You’ll receive training and support to help you qualify as a senior reporter and progress within the company.
Key Responsibilities
- Report on breaking news, trending stories, and community events across Basildon and Southend.
- Live blog incidents and create engaging content for social and digital platforms.
- Attend council meetings, local events, and visit businesses to produce stories that matter to our audience.
- Work alongside digital reporters to publish fast, accurate stories while developing in-depth features.
- Optimise content for social media and search audiences.
- Ensure compliance with IPSO regulations and legal/ethical guidelines.
- Contribute to both digital platforms and print editions of the Echo.
- Participate in weekend work on a rota basis (not overly intrusive).
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- NCTJ qualification or equivalent.
- Ability to work quickly, accurately, and under pressure.
- Strong digital awareness and understanding of social media trends.
- Excellent communication and interviewing skills.
- A proactive approach to finding and developing stories.
- Driving licence required.
- Commitment to high standards of journalism and ethical reporting.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off
- Holiday buy scheme for extra flexibility
- Structured career progression & ongoing training
- Pension plan & mental health support
- Perks & discounts including: Gym membership, Cycle to Work scheme, Eye care vouchers (£50 towards glasses), Retail discounts
- Team building days & annual volunteer charity days.
About Newsquest Media Group: We are a media company with a difference. We are committed to bringing a voice to your region by investing in a passionate team of journalists who proudly serve their communities by sharing authoritative news that readers trust. Our sales teams provide local businesses with highly responsive digital advertising and marketing solutions. We are one of the largest regional news publishers in the UK and have a portfolio of more than 250+ local news brands and magazines online and in print. With an online audience of 41 million users a month and 7 million readers a week in print, our content is read by a substantial proportion of the UK population.
Trainee Reporter in Basildon employer: Newsquest Media Group
Contact Detail:
Newsquest Media Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Reporter in Basildon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local scene! Spend some time in Basildon and Southend, chatting with locals and understanding what stories matter to them. This will not only help you find unique angles but also show your passion for the community during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay on top of breaking news and trending stories by following relevant social media accounts and news outlets. This way, you can jump on stories quickly and demonstrate your ability to respond to the fast-paced news cycle.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your live blogging skills! Try covering local events or incidents in real-time on your own social media. This will give you a taste of the pressure and excitement of reporting while also building your online presence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Reporter in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Journalism: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for journalism shine through! Share any relevant experiences or stories that sparked your interest in reporting. We want to know why you’re excited about this role!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the Trainee Reporter position. Highlight your skills in digital media and your understanding of social trends. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in joining our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and long-winded sentences. Make it easy for us to see your qualifications and why you’d be a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newsquest Media Group
✨Know Your Local News
Before the interview, get familiar with the latest news stories in Basildon and Southend. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you discuss relevant topics during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Digital Savvy
Be prepared to talk about your experience with social media and digital content creation. Highlight any examples where you've successfully engaged an audience online, as this is crucial for a trainee reporter.
✨Practice Your Interviewing Skills
Since strong communication and interviewing skills are key for this role, consider conducting mock interviews with friends or family. This will help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Proactivity
Think of a few story ideas or community events you could cover in the area. Presenting these during your interview can demonstrate your proactive approach and passion for journalism, which is exactly what they’re looking for.
