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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team covering breaking news and trending stories in Hertfordshire.
- Company: Newsquest Media Group is a leading regional news publisher in the UK, dedicated to community journalism.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like gym discounts, birthday off, and bonuses for hitting targets.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-paced environment where your work impacts local communities and engages audiences.
- Qualifications: NCTJ qualifications preferred; shorthand is a plus.
- Other info: This role offers hybrid working with early and late shifts on a rota basis.
The predicted salary is between 15000 - 25000 £ per year.
Job Description
Trainee Reporter – Hertfordshire
Application Deadline: 23 July 2025
Department: Editorial
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Basildon
Reporting To: Michael Adkins
Description
We're looking for a reporter in Hertfordshire who has what it takes to join a dynamic digital team covering breaking news, trending stories and reporting on patch.
No day is the same covering this busy news patch where you will be part of a dedicated team setting the agenda with a fast-paced, accurate response to the news that truly matters to our audiences.
This role will see you live blogging a breaking incident one minute, picking up on a story that will fly on social the next or working on high-performing evergreen content that means people frequently return to our websites.
Key Responsibilities
Your work will also contribute to the weekly editions of our newspapers covering stories across Stevenage, Welwyn, Hatfield and St Albans alongside an experienced existing team.
As a trainee reporter, you will be supported by the Hertfordshire editor and other reporters to help make the news team the best it can be.
You will be given training and support to help you qualify as a senior reporter and progress within the company.
The role will be a hybrid mix of office working, patch work and home working.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
As part of the reporting team, you will be fast, first and accurate and work alongside like-minded digital reporters publishing stories across our social media and digital platforms while working on more in-depth stories in the background, covering a range of topics.
You will get support in optimising content for social and search audiences and be required to work within IPSO regulations and legal and ethical guidelines.
All positions will involve early and late shifts, as well as some weekends, on a rota basis that is not too intrusive.
If you are interested in the role, please apply by emailing your CV and covering letter outlining why you are the right person for the job.
Reporters should have NCTJ qualifications, shorthand preferable, or an equivalent qualification.
We will be considering applications and holding interviews on a rolling basis, so do not delay applying if you are interested.
Job Benefits
Newsquest offers its employees a range of benefits and perks, including various discounts on gym memberships, holidays and cinema tickets, as well as your birthday off and bonuses for hitting individual page view targets.
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 a number of 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.
Trainee Reporter - Hertfordshire employer: Newsquest Media Group
Contact Detail:
Newsquest Media Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Reporter - Hertfordshire
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local news landscape in Hertfordshire. Follow local news outlets, engage with their content on social media, and understand the key issues affecting the community. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the area during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current reporters and journalists in the region. Attend local events or join online forums where they gather. Building relationships can provide you with insights into the role and may even lead to recommendations when applying.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in digital journalism. Familiarise yourself with tools and platforms used for live blogging and social media reporting. Showing that you are tech-savvy and adaptable will make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your ideas for engaging content that resonates with local audiences. Think about stories that matter to the community and how you would approach them. This proactive mindset can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Reporter - Hertfordshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and skills required for the Trainee Reporter position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experiences align with these requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for journalism and your understanding of the local news landscape in Hertfordshire. Mention specific stories or issues you are eager to cover.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, include any relevant experience such as internships, freelance work, or university projects related to reporting or journalism. Highlight any NCTJ qualifications or shorthand skills you possess.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in journalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Newsquest Media Group
✨Know Your Patch
Familiarise yourself with the key areas you will be reporting on, such as Stevenage, Welwyn, Hatfield, and St Albans. Being knowledgeable about local issues and recent news stories will show your passion for the role and help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Digital Skills
As a trainee reporter, you'll be expected to work across various digital platforms. Be prepared to discuss your experience with social media, live blogging, and content optimisation. Highlight any relevant projects or articles you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to adapt to the fast-paced digital landscape.
✨Demonstrate Your Reporting Skills
Bring examples of your writing or reporting work to the interview. Whether it's articles, blog posts, or even social media content, showcasing your ability to produce accurate and engaging stories will set you apart from other candidates. Be ready to discuss your thought process behind these pieces.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team, the company culture, and the expectations for the role. This not only shows your interest in the position but also helps you determine if this is the right fit for you. Consider asking about the training and support you'll receive as you progress towards becoming a senior reporter.
