At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our newsroom as a Senior Reporter, creating engaging digital content for diverse audiences.
- Company: The Hereford Times is part of Newsquest Media Group, a leading regional news publisher in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a permanent role with opportunities for creativity and community engagement.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of digital storytelling, shaping local news that matters to your community.
- Qualifications: NCTJ qualification, experience in journalism, and strong SEO skills are essential.
- Other info: A driving licence and car are required; work alongside a supportive team in Hereford.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Senior Reporter – The Hereford Times
Application Deadline: 5 September 2025
Department: Editorial
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Hereford
Reporting To: Alicia Kelly
Description
The Hereford Times is looking for a senior reporter to join its successful newsroom.
We are looking for a dynamic, digitally savvy journalist with a good eye for the stories that will appeal to our readers and reach the widest possible audience.
You’ll be able to enhance our existing quality online news with content that appeals to a wide audience, cover the issues that mean the most to our audiences in both the city of Hereford, surrounding towns and the more rural communities in wider Herefordshire.
You’ll be passionate about digital storytelling, with the ability to tap into trending news stories and come up with ideas for content.
We\’re looking for a senior reporter who is self-motivated and can work without supervision, although you will be supported in the role by an Audience Content Editor.
You’ll be expected to use a range of digital tools and platforms to tell stories, including video, audio, infographics and maps. While your attention to detail must be second to none, with the ability to write quickly, accurately and succinctly.
Our online audience has a huge appetite, and you will be confident in offering up ideas and stories that keep our readership coming back for more.
You will do this alongside the team at our offices in Hereford.
Key Responsibilities
- Building our digital audience following to bring our content to even more people in the community
- Using search tools to research and understand the topics people are searching for
- Use your SEO skills to reach the largest possible audience
- Building contacts and communities online and in real life
- Ensuring every piece of content is thoroughly researched and balanced before publication
- With guidance from editors, using analytics to identify what our readers like and what they want next from our coverage.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
- Insight into what readers want to read, using both your keen news sense and data
- Understanding of search engine optimisation (SEO)
- A passion for telling stories
- The ability to write and think quickly and under pressure
- Exceptional attention to detail
- An understanding of social media and how it can help you
- An NCTJ qualification and some experience in a previous role
- 100wpm shorthand
- Excellent knowledge of relevant media law
A driving licence and a car are essential. To be considered, please send your CV.
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.
In addition to our local news brands, we own several digital pure play and specialist media businesses such as s1jobs and s1homes, Exchange & Mart, and Newsquest Specialist Media. We also own LOCALiQ, an award-winning digital marketing agency that specialises in driving more leads, increasing online growth and generating return on marketing investment on behalf of thousands of UK SMBs.
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Senior Reporter - The Hereford Times employer: Newsquest Media Group
Contact Detail:
Newsquest Media Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Reporter - The Hereford Times
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with The Hereford Times and its audience. Read through recent articles to understand the tone, style, and topics that resonate with readers. This will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your knowledge during any interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of The Hereford Times. Reach out on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights about the newsroom culture and expectations. This can also lead to valuable referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your digital storytelling skills by creating a portfolio that includes various formats such as articles, videos, and infographics. Highlight your ability to engage audiences through different media, which is crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on local news and trending stories in Herefordshire. Being knowledgeable about current events will not only prepare you for interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to covering the community effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Reporter - The Hereford Times
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and skills required for the Senior Reporter position. Tailor your application to highlight your experience in digital storytelling, SEO, and audience engagement.
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should showcase your journalism experience, particularly in digital media. Include specific examples of stories you've covered, your use of digital tools, and any relevant qualifications like an NCTJ certification.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for journalism and your understanding of what readers want. Mention how your skills align with the job description and provide examples of how you've successfully engaged audiences in the past.
Proofread Your Application: Attention to detail is crucial in journalism. Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your CV and cover letter to ensure there are no errors. A polished application reflects your professionalism and commitment to quality.
How to prepare for a job interview at Newsquest Media Group
✨Showcase Your Digital Storytelling Skills
As a senior reporter, your ability to tell compelling stories using various digital formats is crucial. Prepare examples of your previous work that highlight your skills in video, audio, and infographics, and be ready to discuss how you can apply these techniques to engage the Hereford audience.
✨Demonstrate Your SEO Knowledge
Understanding search engine optimisation is key for this role. Be prepared to discuss how you've used SEO strategies in past reporting to increase readership and engagement. Mention specific tools or techniques you've employed to optimise content for online audiences.
✨Research the Local Community
Familiarise yourself with the issues and stories that matter to the Hereford community. During the interview, reference local events, trends, or concerns that you believe should be covered. This shows your commitment to serving the community and understanding their needs.
✨Prepare for Quick Thinking
The ability to write quickly and accurately under pressure is essential. Practice responding to hypothetical news scenarios or breaking news situations during mock interviews. This will help you demonstrate your quick thinking and writing skills when it matters most.