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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: Gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment while making a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: NCTJ qualifications preferred; shorthand is a plus.
- Other info: This role offers hybrid working with early/late shifts on a rota basis.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
Trainee Reporter – Hertfordshire
Application Deadline: 23 July 2025
Department: Editorial
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Stevenage
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.
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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. Understanding the key issues, popular stories, and community interests will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to covering the region.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with local social media groups and forums related to Hertfordshire news. This will not only keep you updated on trending topics but also show your proactive approach to connecting with the community, which is crucial for a reporter.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current reporters and editors in the area. Attend local journalism events or workshops to build relationships and gain insights into the role, which can be invaluable when it comes to securing an interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay sharp on your reporting skills by practising live blogging or writing short articles on current events. This will not only enhance your speed and accuracy but also provide you with examples to discuss during your interview.
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 demonstrates your passion for journalism and your understanding of the local news landscape in Hertfordshire. Mention specific stories or issues you are interested in covering.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure your CV prominently features your NCTJ qualifications or any equivalent qualifications. If you have shorthand skills, make sure to mention them as they are preferable for this role.
Showcase Your Digital Skills: Since the role involves working with digital platforms, include examples of your experience with social media, live blogging, or any digital content creation. This will demonstrate your ability to engage with audiences online.
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 Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio of your best writing samples, especially those that demonstrate your ability to cover breaking news and trending stories. Be ready to discuss your thought process behind each piece and how you adapt your style for different platforms, including social media.
✨Understand Digital Journalism
Since this role involves working within a digital team, brush up on the latest trends in digital journalism. Be prepared to discuss how you would optimise content for social media and search audiences, and share any experience you have with live blogging or creating evergreen content.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and the types of stories they prioritise. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your career goals.
