At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage local audiences through compelling digital storytelling and breaking news coverage.
- Company: Join the Bournemouth Echo, a vibrant newsroom dedicated to community reporting.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, career progression, and perks like gym memberships and retail discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for ongoing training and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by holding power to account and championing local voices.
- Qualifications: NCTJ qualification required; strong writing and social media skills essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a driven, digitally savvy reporter who knows what matters to local audiences and how to tell those stories in compelling ways. This is a role for a journalist with strong news instincts and a passion for digital storytelling — from breaking news and exclusive leads to deeper, issue-led reporting that resonates with our communities. You’ll be confident using a range of tools and formats, including video, audio, infographics and maps. You’ll also embrace AI to work faster and smarter, while relying on your editorial judgement to ensure quality and accuracy remain paramount. Speed, precision and attention to detail are essential. Our audience is large, engaged and always hungry for more — so you’ll bring a steady stream of ideas and the energy to deliver them. This role covers a wide range of reporting, with a strong focus on holding power to account while championing the voices and issues that matter most locally.
Key Responsibilities
- Grow and engage our digital audience across platforms
- Use search data and SEO to identify and maximise story opportunities
- Cover breaking news, community stories and in-depth features
- Build strong relationships both online and in the community
- Use analytics to understand audience behaviour and inform coverage
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Strong news sense, backed by data awareness
- Solid understanding of SEO and digital publishing
- Excellent writing skills with speed and accuracy under pressure
- Strong social media instincts and story spotting ability
- Passion for reaching and growing diverse audiences
- NCTJ qualification (essential), with shorthand preferred
- Good knowledge of media law
- Full driving licence and access to a car (essential)
You’ll be:
- Ambitious, proactive and full of ideas
- Confident pitching and developing stories independently
- Fully in tune with what digital audiences want
- Comfortable using analytics to improve performance
- A team player who thrives in a fast‑paced newsroom
You’ll have:
- Strong social media and digital publishing skills
- A fresh, engaging writing style
- The ability to adapt across formats — from live blogs to long reads
- A clear understanding of SEO and its importance
- The ability to work quickly without compromising accuracy
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
Reporter – Bournemouth Echo employer: Newsquest Media Group
At Bournemouth Echo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through structured career progression and ongoing training opportunities, ensuring that our reporters not only thrive in their roles but also develop their skills in a supportive environment. With a focus on community engagement and innovative digital storytelling, we offer a unique chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a range of benefits, including generous holiday allowances and wellness perks.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Reporter – Bournemouth Echo
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Connect with other journalists and industry professionals on social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn. Engage with their content, share your insights, and don’t be shy to reach out for advice or potential opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your digital storytelling skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work across various formats—think articles, videos, and infographics. This will not only showcase your versatility but also demonstrate your understanding of what resonates with audiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay ahead of the game by keeping up with local news trends and audience interests. Use tools like Google Trends or social media analytics to identify hot topics and tailor your pitches accordingly. This shows you’re proactive and in tune with what matters to your community.
✨Tip Number 4
When you find a role that excites you, apply through our website! Tailor your application to highlight how your skills align with the job description. Don’t forget to mention your passion for digital storytelling and your eagerness to engage with local audiences.
We think you need these skills to ace Reporter – Bournemouth Echo
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Local Stories:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for local journalism. Share examples of stories you've covered that resonate with communities, and highlight your understanding of what matters to local audiences.
Demonstrate Your Digital Savvy:We’re looking for someone who’s not just a great writer but also knows their way around digital tools. Mention any experience you have with video, audio, or infographics, and how you’ve used these formats to engage readers.
Highlight Your SEO Knowledge:Since we want to grow our digital audience, it’s crucial to show us you understand SEO. Talk about how you’ve used search data to identify story opportunities and how it has shaped your reporting in the past.
Keep It Clear and Concise:In journalism, clarity is key! Make sure your application is well-structured and free of jargon. We appreciate speed and precision, so keep your writing sharp and to the point. And remember, apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newsquest Media Group
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the Bournemouth Echo and its audience. Understand what stories resonate with them and be ready to discuss how you can engage and grow that audience through your reporting.
✨Showcase Your Digital Skills
Be prepared to demonstrate your proficiency with various digital tools and formats. Bring examples of your work that highlight your ability to use video, audio, infographics, and SEO effectively in storytelling.
✨Prepare for Speed and Precision
Practice answering questions quickly and accurately. The role demands speed without sacrificing quality, so consider doing mock interviews to hone your ability to think on your feet while maintaining attention to detail.
✨Pitch Ideas Confidently
Come armed with a few story ideas that reflect local issues and interests. Be ready to pitch these ideas during the interview, showcasing your news instincts and understanding of what matters to the community.
