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- Tasks: Uncover local stories, create engaging digital content, and connect with the community.
- Company: Join the Bournemouth Echo, a vibrant news outlet on the South Coast.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, career progression, and perks like gym memberships and retail discounts.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of local news and make a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Strong digital reporting skills and a passion for storytelling; NCTJ qualification preferred.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for creativity and collaboration across the UK.
The predicted salary is between 1200 - 1800 £ per month.
We’re looking for a dynamic reporter to join the Bournemouth Echo and help lead our coverage in one of the busiest news patches on the South Coast. If you’re digitally savvy, thrive in a fast-paced environment and love being out in the community, uncovering the stories that matter, this role puts you at the heart of local life. You’ll cover everything from breaking news and crime to human‑interest features, local events and lifestyle. You’ll have a passion for digital storytelling, an eye for what engages readers, and the confidence to use video, social media, and data to bring stories to life. Social media will be a natural extension of your newsgathering, helping you spot trends, spark conversations and build relationships across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole communities.
Key Responsibilities
- Produce accurate, engaging digital news stories, live blogs and features to deadline.
- Use video, audio, infographics, maps and other digital tools to tell compelling stories.
- Create and publish engaging social media content that drives reach and conversation.
- Build contacts, monitor trends and identify strong story leads through social platforms.
- Deliver accurate breaking news coverage and keep audiences informed in real time.
- Develop new story ideas and creative digital treatments that grow audience engagement.
- Build social media followings and increase digital audience numbers across your patch.
- Spot national or regional stories with local relevance and tailor them for your readers.
- Track court activity and work with court reporters to deliver strong online coverage.
- Develop contributions from colleagues and community voices for digital relevance.
- Use SEO techniques to maximise visibility and follow emerging trends.
- Use audience analytics (with guidance) to shape future coverage.
- Build strong relationships across the community and spend time on patch.
- Collaborate with colleagues across the UK, sharing ideas and best practice.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Strong digital reporting skills with experience writing accurate news, live blogs and features.
- Ability to work quickly, creatively, and under tight deadlines.
- Confident using video, audio, infographics and mapping tools.
- Strong understanding of social media for newsgathering and audience engagement.
- Knowledge of SEO and how to optimise stories for search.
- Ability to interpret analytics and understand reader behaviour.
- Skilled at building community contacts and identifying story leads.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
- NCTJ qualification (including 100wpm shorthand) or equivalent.
- Full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
- Willingness to work shifts and weekends.
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
Trainee Reporter - Bournemouth employer: Newsquest Media Group
Contact Detail:
Newsquest Media Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Reporter - Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Connect with people in the industry, especially those already working at the Bournemouth Echo. Attend local events or join online groups where you can meet fellow reporters and editors. You never know who might have a lead on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your digital skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work, including articles, videos, and social media posts. Make sure it’s easily accessible online, so when you get that interview, you can wow them with your storytelling prowess.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on local news and trends. Follow the Bournemouth Echo and other local outlets on social media to see what stories are trending. This will not only help you in interviews but also give you ideas for your own pitches when you land that job!
✨Tip Number 4
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. Don’t forget to tailor your application to highlight how your skills match the role of Trainee Reporter!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Reporter - Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Storytelling: When you're writing your application, let your love for storytelling shine through! Share examples of how you've engaged with your community or uncovered interesting stories. We want to see that spark in your writing!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Trainee Reporter role. Highlight your digital skills and any relevant experience you have with social media, video, or data. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so show us why you’re the perfect fit!
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate a well-structured application. Keep your language clear and to the point, and make sure to proofread for any typos or errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in journalism!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newsquest Media Group
✨Know Your Patch
Before the interview, get familiar with Bournemouth and its surrounding areas. Research recent news stories, community events, and local issues. This will not only show your enthusiasm for the role but also help you discuss how you can contribute to the coverage effectively.
✨Showcase Your Digital Skills
Prepare examples of your previous work that highlight your digital reporting skills. Bring along samples of articles, live blogs, or social media posts you've created. Be ready to discuss how you used different digital tools to engage audiences and tell compelling stories.
✨Engage with Social Media
Demonstrate your understanding of social media as a newsgathering tool. Discuss how you've used platforms like Twitter or Instagram to spot trends or build relationships in the community. Mention any successful campaigns or posts that drove engagement and conversation.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle breaking news or tight deadlines. Prepare by thinking through scenarios where you had to think on your feet. Highlight your ability to stay calm under pressure and deliver accurate, engaging content quickly.