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- Tasks: Report on breaking news and trending stories in Basildon and Southend.
- Company: Join a dynamic digital team at the Basildon and Southend Echo.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and perks like gym membership and retail discounts.
- Why this job: Make an impact with your stories while developing your journalism skills.
- Qualifications: NCTJ qualification or equivalent and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Enjoy structured career progression and ongoing training in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 15000 - 25000 £ per year.
We’re looking for trainee reporters in Basildon and Southend to join a dynamic digital team reporting on breaking news and trending stories. No day is the same on this busy news patch, where you’ll be part of a dedicated team setting the agenda with fast‑paced, accurate responses to the news cycle. This role will see you live blogging a breaking incident one minute, picking up a story that will fly on social the next, or getting out and about in the community to conduct interviews for stories that really matter to our audience. Your work will contribute to the daily editions of the Basildon and Southend Echo – the county’s best‑selling newspaper. You’ll receive training and support to help you qualify as a senior reporter and progress within the company.
Key Responsibilities
- Report on breaking news, trending stories, and community events across Basildon and Southend.
- Live blog incidents and create engaging content for social and digital platforms.
- Attend council meetings, local events, and visit businesses to produce stories that matter to our audience.
- Work alongside digital reporters to publish fast, accurate stories while developing in‑depth features.
- Optimise content for social media and search audiences.
- Ensure compliance with IPSO regulations and legal/ethical guidelines.
- Contribute to both digital platforms and print editions of the Echo.
- Participate in weekend work on a rota basis (not overly intrusive).
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- NCTJ qualification or equivalent.
- Ability to work quickly, accurately, and under pressure.
- Strong digital awareness and understanding of social media trends.
- Excellent communication and interviewing skills.
- A proactive approach to finding and developing stories.
- Driving licence required.
- Commitment to high standards of journalism and ethical reporting.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off
- Holiday buy scheme for extra flexibility
- Structured career progression & ongoing training
- Pension plan & mental health support
- Perks & discounts including: Gym membership, Cycle to Work scheme, Eye care vouchers (£50 towards glasses), Retail discounts
- Team building days & annual volunteer charity days.
Trainee Reporter in Basildon employer: Newsquest
Contact Detail:
Newsquest Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Reporter in Basildon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with local journalists, attend media events, and engage with your community. The more people you know in the industry, the better your chances of landing that trainee reporter gig.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best work, whether it's articles, blogs, or social media posts. Make sure to highlight your ability to report on breaking news and trending stories – that's what they're looking for!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Pitch story ideas to local publications or even start your own blog. This shows initiative and a genuine passion for journalism, which can really impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application directly. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team. Don't forget to tailor your application to highlight your digital skills and community engagement!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Reporter in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Journalism: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for journalism shine through! Share why you’re excited about reporting and how you stay updated on current events. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about the industry.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Trainee Reporter role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that match the job description, like your ability to work under pressure or your digital awareness. This shows us you’ve done your homework!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and focus on communicating your ideas effectively – remember, clarity is key in journalism!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and you’ll be good to go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newsquest
✨Know Your News
Before the interview, make sure you’re up to speed with the latest news in Basildon and Southend. Familiarise yourself with local stories, trending topics, and the Echo's recent articles. This will show your passion for journalism and help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples of your writing and reporting skills. If you've done any live blogging or created engaging content for social media, bring it along. Demonstrating your ability to work under pressure and produce accurate stories will impress the interviewers and highlight your readiness for the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and what a typical day looks like for a trainee reporter. This not only shows your interest in the position but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
While professionalism is key, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. The editorial team is looking for someone who can connect with the community and tell compelling stories. Being authentic will help you stand out and demonstrate that you’re a great fit for their dynamic team.
