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- Tasks: Cover local government decisions and report on their impact for Swindon residents.
- Company: Join the BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporting team in a vibrant newsroom.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, career progression, and perks like gym memberships and retail discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for training, multimedia storytelling, and even TV appearances await you!
- Why this job: Make a real difference by informing your community and holding power to account.
- Qualifications: Strong writing skills, digital awareness, and a passion for local journalism required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an ambitious and curious Local Democracy Reporter to cover Swindon and ensure residents are properly informed about decisions taken by those in power.
This role focuses on local government, public bodies and democratic institutions, explaining how decisions are made, what they mean for local people, and holding decision‑makers to account through clear, fair and accurate reporting. You’ll be based at our Swindon office, and will attend meetings in person wherever possible, including some evenings. This is a BBC-funded role, with your work being shared across several platforms, including the BBC, the nationals and other local news brands. You will be given support and development, including a structured induction and ongoing training, editorial, legal and digital support when needed, and opportunities to develop investigative, analytical and multimedia skills. You will have access to regular meetings and conferences through the BBC with the Local Democracy Reporting scheme, and opportunities to appear on TV and radio at times for wider BBC coverage.
Key Responsibilities- Cover council meetings, committees and public decision‑making, producing clear, accurate and balanced reports.
- Read agendas and papers in advance, spotting the real stories and explaining their implications for residents.
- Break exclusive stories and enterprise reporting, including investigations, follow‑ups and deeper dives into key issues.
- Build strong local contacts with councillors, officers, community leaders and residents, while maintaining independence.
- Write digital‑first stories using headlines, structure and context to make civic journalism accessible to modern audiences.
- Use multimedia where it adds value, such as short videos, images or explainers to help audiences understand complex issues.
- Strong reporting and writing skills with a commitment to accuracy, fairness and balance.
- Confidence working independently to deadlines and managing a busy diary.
- The personality to contend with pressure from stakeholders and readers on contentious issues.
- Ability to turn complex council business into clear, engaging stories.
- Digital awareness and an understanding of how audiences consume local news online.
- NCTJ qualification or equivalent (including shorthand at 100wpm), or solid equivalent experience.
- Drivers licence.
- NQJ or senior qualification or equivalent experience.
- Experience covering councils, courts or public bodies (or a clear interest in this field).
- Extensive experience working in a newsroom.
- Experience working on multimedia, including video.
When applying, please include a short covering note explaining your interest in the role and links to examples of your journalism. If selected to progress to an interview, we will invite you to a short writing task.
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.
Local Democracy Reporter - Swindon employer: Newsquest Media Group
Contact Detail:
Newsquest Media Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Local Democracy Reporter - Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local scene! Attend community events, council meetings, and engage with residents. This will help you build connections and understand the issues that matter most to your audience.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio of your best work, especially pieces that highlight your reporting on local government or public issues. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Before your interview, brush up on your writing skills and prepare for that short writing task. Think about how you can turn complex topics into engaging stories that resonate with the community.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Local Democracy Reporter - Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Covering Note: Start with a short covering note that clearly explains why you're interested in the Local Democracy Reporter role. Make it personal and show us your passion for local journalism and how you can make a difference in Swindon.
Showcase Your Best Work: Include links to examples of your journalism that highlight your reporting skills. We want to see how you turn complex issues into engaging stories, so pick pieces that demonstrate your ability to inform and engage the community.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you the right fit for this role in local democracy reporting.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website to ensure your application gets to us directly. It’s the best way for us to review your materials and consider you for this exciting opportunity in Swindon!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newsquest Media Group
✨Know Your Local Issues
Before the interview, dive deep into local government issues in Swindon. Familiarise yourself with recent council decisions and community concerns. This will not only show your commitment but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio of your best writing samples that demonstrate your reporting skills. Make sure to include pieces that highlight your ability to explain complex issues clearly and fairly. This will give the interviewers a taste of your style and capability.
✨Practice Your Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you would turn council meetings into engaging stories. Think about how you can break down complex topics for the audience. Practising this will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Build Connections
Emphasise your ability to build relationships with local contacts. Share examples of how you've engaged with community leaders or stakeholders in the past. This will demonstrate your understanding of the role's requirements and your proactive approach to journalism.