At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: This role offers hybrid working with early/late shifts on a rota basis.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
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 in Stevenage employer: Newsquest Media Group
Newsquest Media Group is an exceptional employer for aspiring journalists, offering a vibrant work culture in Stevenage that fosters creativity and collaboration. With comprehensive training and support for career progression, employees benefit from a range of perks including discounts, birthday leave, and performance bonuses, all while being part of a dedicated team that plays a vital role in delivering trusted news to local communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Reporter - Hertfordshire in Stevenage
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.
✨Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at Newsquest Media Group!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like Newsquest Media Group, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Reporter - Hertfordshire in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.
Tailor Your Application for Newsquest Media Group:When applying for the Trainee Reporter - Hertfordshire role at Newsquest Media Group, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what Newsquest Media Group produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newsquest Media Group
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
✨Convey Your Passion and Drive
As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within Newsquest Media Group. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
