At a Glance
- Tasks: Cover breaking news and create engaging digital stories for local audiences.
- Company: Join The Bolton News, a vibrant newsroom with a passion for local journalism.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working, and perks like gym memberships and retail discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career progression and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while honing your digital storytelling skills.
- Qualifications: NCTJ qualified or aspiring reporters with a flair for digital media.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
The Bolton News is looking for a top-class reporter who is passionate about digital storytelling, hard-working, full of ideas and innovative when it comes to presenting stories across various platforms. We seek an ambitious, digitally skilled, versatile journalist to cover breaking news and write stories from this incredibly lively patch. This role will suit someone looking for their first job in the newsroom or a reporter with some experience looking to move onto a busy daily title. The right candidates will also be able to report for other titles in the region, including the Lancashire Telegraph and the Bury Times.
Key Responsibilities
- A major part of the job will be immersing yourself in social media, developing relationships and understanding what matters to the local community.
- You will be open-minded and willing to utilise AI in the role.
- We want to tell the stories our audiences care about – from covering crime and local politics to sharing powerful human interest pieces and championing the causes our readers are passionate about.
- The job will primarily be based at our friendly regional newsroom in Bolton, but you will be required to get out on the patch, and we are flexible about home working.
- Ideally, you will be a fully qualified reporter with gold-standard NCTJ with 100wpm.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Brimming with ideas on how to tackle the remit and get the most out of it digitally.
- Fully aware of what digital readers want from local news coverage.
- Excellent at developing relationships with key contacts to improve coverage.
- Driven to succeed using the digital analytics tools at your disposal.
- A self-starter, brilliant with time management.
- Passionate about social media.
- Have an excellent knowledge of relevant media law.
- Have a versatile, fresh, and energetic writing style with exceptional attention to detail.
- The ability to write & think quickly under pressure.
- An adaptable style to produce everything from live blogs and listicles to long reads and features.
- Knowledge of SEO and its importance to digital journalism.
- Have collaborative skills to pool ideas with the wider digital reporting team and take on board suggestions.
- A driving licence is preferred, as is access to a car.
- We work on a rota basis with some early and late shifts as well as some weekend work.
Benefits
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off.
- Holiday buy scheme for extra flexibility.
- Structured career progression & ongoing training.
- Pension plan.
- Employee Helpline counselling and advice.
- Perks & discounts including: Gym membership, Cycle to Work scheme, Eye care, Retail discounts.
- Team building days & annual volunteer charity day.
Junior Digital Reporter: Local News & Innovation in Bolton employer: Newsquest Media Group
The Bolton News is an excellent employer for aspiring journalists, offering a vibrant work culture that encourages creativity and innovation in digital storytelling. With a strong focus on employee growth through structured career progression and ongoing training, staff enjoy a supportive environment that values their contributions to the local community. Located in Bolton, the newsroom provides flexibility with home working options and a range of benefits including generous holiday allowances and wellness perks, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in local news.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Digital Reporter: Local News & Innovation in Bolton
✨Tip Number 1
Get your social media game on point! Start engaging with local news stories and communities online. This will not only help you understand what matters to the locals but also show potential employers that you're already immersed in the digital landscape.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current reporters or editors in the industry, especially those at The Bolton News or similar outlets. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and maybe even a foot in the door for job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your versatility! When you get the chance to interview or meet with potential employers, be ready to discuss your ability to write across different formats – from live blogs to features. Highlighting your adaptability will make you stand out.
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to dive into the exciting world of local news.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Digital Reporter: Local News & Innovation in Bolton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Digital Storytelling:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for digital storytelling shine through. Share examples of how you've used different platforms to engage audiences and tell compelling stories. We want to see that you’re not just a reporter, but someone who lives and breathes digital journalism!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the role. Highlight your skills in social media, AI, and digital analytics, as these are key to what we’re looking for. Show us how your experiences align with our mission at The Bolton News and why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Be Creative and Innovative:We love fresh ideas! In your application, don’t hesitate to share any innovative approaches you’ve taken in your previous work or projects. Whether it’s a unique story angle or a new way to engage readers, we want to know how you think outside the box.
Apply Through Our Website:Finally, make sure 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 gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newsquest Media Group
✨Know Your Local Stories
Before the interview, dive into the latest news from Bolton and surrounding areas. Familiarise yourself with key stories and issues that matter to the community. This shows your passion for local journalism and helps you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Digital Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with digital storytelling and social media. Bring examples of your work that highlight your ability to engage audiences online. Whether it's a blog post, a social media campaign, or a multimedia project, having tangible examples will impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
The role requires versatility in writing styles and formats. Be ready to talk about how you've adapted your writing for different platforms, from live blogs to long reads. Share specific instances where you had to think on your feet and produce content under pressure.
✨Engage with AI and Analytics
Since the job involves utilising AI and digital analytics, brush up on these topics before your interview. Discuss how you've used data to inform your reporting or how you see AI shaping the future of journalism. This will show that you're forward-thinking and ready to embrace new technologies.
